Changes to whip rules and flag penalties proposed in eventing

The international eventing rules are undergoing a full revision this year with a range of suggestions on the table

- BECKY MURRAY

WHIP use, flag penalties and ensuring that horse and riders are ready before they move up a level are among the topics under discussion in the FEI eventing rules revision.

The first draft of the 2026 rule change proposals has been published, as the eventing rules undergo a full review this year.

The US federation has called for the whip to only be permitted “to support the natural aids in encouraging the horse forward”, not to discipline. The FEI eventing committee supports this, adding that the whip is not to be used when its action is not related to a jump.

TIRED HORSES

THE FEI proposed that pressing a tired horse should mean an automatic 25 penalties, and the existing recorded warning.

British Equestrian (BEF) tackled experience, proposing that in addition to minimum eligibility requirements, the horse form index (HFI) – developed by EquiRatings and the FEI to track performance – be used for three-star and up.