Changes on the cards in international eventing

The FEI has put forward plans to adapt eligibility, course-design and returning to play

- LUCY ELDER

A SHAKE-UP of eventing qualification, course design and safety rules are on the cards.

The first draft of FEI rules for 2022 was released on 12 July and while eventing is not having a “full” rules revision this time, there are major changes proposed.

The most influential are more tweaks to minimum eligibility requirements (MERs), return-to-play rules for horses who have been out of competition, and changes to course-design rules.

MERs have been in a state of flux in recent years, with the balance between safety, global sport growth, and miles on horses’ legs at the heart of the debate.

Currently, uncategorized or category C or D riders need to achieve qualifying results at two CCI3*-Ls and one CCI4*-S to move up to CCI4*-L – a rule that came into effect on 1 July this year.

The New Zealand national federation has suggested that riders with no, or less, experience at higher levels have a choice of routes to get to CCI4*-L. It cites the global future of the sport as one key reason change is needed, adding that the rule as it is “may cause major delays” to riders’ progress in certain countries.