Key Changes to the FEI Veterinary regulations from 2026

Key Changes to the FEI Veterinary regulations from 2026

From January 1st 2026: 

1. Key veterinary rule changes for 2026 include the mandatory use of the FEI HorseApp for all horse vaccinations, with strict enforcement starting January 1, 2026. 

2. Other important changes include an updated Prohibited Substances List that is effective from January 1, 2026, 

Among the most notable amendments in this EPSL for 2026:

  • Vatinoxan (alpha-2 antagonist) – added as a Controlled Medication; used to reverse the effects of sedatives and improve gut motility.

  • Fluoxetine and Trazodone – moved from Banned Substance to Controlled Medication; both are antidepressants occasionally used to manage equine behavioural issues.

  • Eprosartan and Valsartan – added as Banned Substances; used to control blood pressure and similar to the already banned substance losartan.

  • Imidiocarb – added as a Controlled Medication; used for treating equine piroplasmosis.

  • Cabergoline – added as a Controlled Medication; used in the management of PPID (Cushing’s disease).

  • Etidronic acid, Deferoxamine, Trilostane, Carmoterol, and Isosorbide (including isosorbide dinitrate and mononitrate) – added or confirmed as Banned Substances due to lack of legitimate use in competition horses.

3. Implementation of fitness-to-compete checks by the Ground Jury, in consultation with the Veterinary delegate in all cases of blood. 

4. Blood rules: Horses are only permitted to continue competing if they are deemed fit to compete after a veterinary check.

5. EADCM sampling: A maximum of two people may accompany a horse to the testing box for Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication (EADCM) sampling.

6. Continue to monitor the FEI website and other official FEI communication channels for the latest updates on veterinary rules and regulations.

7. Ensure all your horses' vaccination records are up-to-date in the FEI HorseApp before the end of the year: in accordance with the FEI Veterinary Regulations, all equine influenza vaccinations for FEI Horses competing at FEI Events must be recorded in the FEI HorseApp, in addition to being entered in the horse’s passport.