FEI BOARD MEETING

The FEI Board met in Lausanne on 30 June and 1 July 2026 for its first in-person meeting of the year. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, from finance and governance to rules revision, jumping developments, equine welfare and the road to Los Angeles 2028.

For riders and stakeholders in international Jumping, several points deserve particular attention.

The most relevant topic is the ongoing work of the Horse Condition Task Force. The Board reviewed the outcome of the Task Force meeting held on 29 June and acknowledged the constructive spirit of the discussions. The next step will be consultation with the Technical Committees, whose feedback will be submitted to the Board before further decisions are taken. For riders, this remains a key issue, as it may influence future procedures and rules concerning horse condition, welfare assessments and consistency of application across events. 

Another important development concerns the FEI Jumping Tack and Equipment Requirements. Following the full revision of the Jumping Rules in 2025, the FEI has consolidated all tack and equipment provisions into a standalone document. This new document, approved by the Board, will come into force on 1 February 2027. Its aim is to formalise existing practices and make the rules easier to consult and apply. For riders, grooms, trainers and officials, this will be an essential reference document, particularly during checks at events. 

The Board also approved the 2027 rules for the proposed Premier Jumping League, confirming that they comply with FEI rules and regulations. In addition, the updated Major League Show Jumping Rules for the 2026/2027 season were approved. These decisions are important because they confirm the continued development of major international jumping circuits, with possible implications for calendars, participation opportunities and the overall structure of top-level sport. 

The situation of CSIO St Gallen was also discussed. The organisers had requested to re-join the Longines League of Nations™️ after being removed from the series in 2024. While the Board recognised the significant efforts made and the progress shown through technical assessments and stakeholder feedback, it agreed that further improvements are still required before the venue can be reconsidered for inclusion. 

A central point for all disciplines is the 2026 FEI Rules Revision process. The first draft of proposed rule changes will be circulated to National Federations and stakeholders on 20 July 2026. Comments may be submitted until 7 September, the final draft will be issued on 6 November, the Rules Session will take place on 4 December, and the vote will be held at the FEI General Assembly on 5 December 2026. This timeline is particularly important for riders’ representatives, as it defines the period during which feedback and proposed amendments can be submitted. 

Equine welfare remains a major priority for the FEI. The Board received an update on the FEI Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan, with 16 actions already completed and 21 still in progress. Priorities for 2026 include ethical training methods, the Mental Fitness to Compete Scientist Group, Five Domains education, oral cavity checks and out-of-competition testing. These topics show the direction in which FEI policy is moving and are likely to remain central in future regulatory discussions. 

On the veterinary side, the FEI is closely monitoring European Union legislative developments concerning animal transport, veterinary medicines and welfare. The Board was also informed that the issue of six-month equine influenza vaccination boosters has been resolved, with confirmation that vaccines may continue to be administered at six-month intervals where no authorised alternative is available. The Board also approved proposed amendments to the FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List, due to come into force on 1 January 2027. 

Looking ahead to Los Angeles 2028, the Board was informed of proposed updates to the Olympic and Paralympic Regulations, as well as modifications to the Olympic Ranking Rules for Jumping, Eventing and Dressage. These documents will also be circulated for consultation on 20 July as part of the Rules Revision process. 

Beyond sport and rules, the Board approved the FEI Marketing and Communications Strategy 2026–2030 and the FEI Annual Report 2025. The FEI also reported a strong financial year in 2025, with a positive net result of CHF 2.2 million, which will be allocated to reserves. 

For the international riders’ community, the coming months will be particularly important. The Rules Revision process, the work of the Horse Condition Task Force, the new Tack and Equipment document, and the evolution of major Jumping series will all require close attention. These developments may have a direct impact on how the sport is regulated, how events are organised, and how riders, horses and teams prepare for international competition