1. Rider Licensing
- 1.1 FEI License: To compete in FEI-recognized events, riders must obtain an FEI license.
- 1.2 National Federation License: In addition to the FEI license, riders must hold a valid license from their national equestrian federation.
- 1.3 Eligibility Criteria: Riders may be subject to specific eligibility criteria, such as minimum age requirements or participation in qualifying events.
2. Horse Eligibility and Regulations
- 2.1 Horse Registration: Horses must be registered with the FEI and meet specific eligibility criteria, including age, health, and vaccination records.
- 2.2 Horse Passport: Horses must possess a valid FEI Horse Passport, which serves as a record of the horse’s identity, vaccinations, and medical history.
- 2.3 Veterinary Regulations: Horses are subject to mandatory veterinary inspections before and after competitions.
- 2.4 Medication Rules: The administration of medication to horses is strictly regulated and subject to testing.
3. Course Design and Execution
- 3.1 Course Designer: The course designer, approved by the governing body, shall design a course of varying difficulty, comprising a sequence of obstacles.
- 3.2 Obstacle Specifications:
- Vertical Fences: Minimum height: 1.20m, maximum height: 1.60m.
- Oxers: Minimum width: 1.50m, maximum width: 2.20m.
- Water Jumps: Minimum width: 3.50m, minimum depth: 0.80m.
- Combination Fences: Combinations must adhere to specific regulations regarding distance between elements and technical difficulty.
- 3.3 Course Walking: Riders shall be allowed a designated period to walk the course prior to the competition.
- 3.4 Course Modifications: The course designer may make modifications to the course, such as adding or removing obstacles, due to unforeseen circumstances or to ensure the safety of horses and riders.
4. Scoring and Penalties
- 4.1 Fault Accumulation:
- 4.1.1 Knocked Rails: Four penalty points shall be incurred for each rail knocked down.
- 4.1.2 Refusals: Four penalty points shall be incurred for the first refusal at an obstacle. A second refusal at the same obstacle shall result in immediate elimination.
- 4.1.3 Running Out: Four penalty points shall be incurred for running out of the arena or failing to complete the course within the allotted time.
- 4.1.4 Time Faults: One penalty point shall be added for each second over the allowed time.
- 4.2 Jump-Off:
- A jump-off shall be held to determine the winner in the event of a tie.
- The jump-off course shall be shorter and faster than the original course.
- The rider with the fastest clear round or the fewest faults in the fastest time shall be declared the winner.
5. Rider and Horse Attire
- 5.1 Rider Attire:
- Riders must wear a protective helmet meeting FEI safety standards.
- Riders must wear a riding jacket of a specific color and style, as outlined in the FEI Rulebook.
- Riders may wear riding boots and breeches of any color, but they must be clean and appropriate for competition.
- 5.2 Horse Attire:
- Horses must be ridden in a bridle and saddle that comply with FEI regulations.
- Horses may wear protective boots or bandages to prevent injuries.
- The use of artificial aids, such as martingales or draw reins, is subject to specific rules and regulations.
6. Competition Formats and Rules
- 6.1 Individual Competitions:
- Riders compete individually to qualify for the final round.
- The final round shall be decided based on the lowest number of penalty points or the fastest time.
- 6.2 Team Competitions:
- Teams of riders compete against each other, with the best scores contributing to the team’s total.
- Team selection and strategy shall be the responsibility of the team captain or designated team official.
- 6.3 Special Formats (e.g., Global Champions Tour):
- Certain competitions may have unique formats, such as puissance classes, speed classes, or team challenges.
- Specific rules and regulations shall apply to these formats.
- For example, in the Global Champions Tour, riders may have the option to use a “Powerplay” to gain an advantage, such as a faster time allowance or a bonus point.
7. General Provisions
- 7.1 Fair Play:
- Riders must adhere to principles of fair play and sportsmanship.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in penalties or disqualification.
- 7.2 Safety:
- The safety of both horse and rider is paramount.
- Safety measures, such as adequate fencing and ground conditions, shall be implemented.
- 7.3 Environmental Considerations:
- Competitions must be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
- Measures to minimize environmental impact shall be taken.
- 7.4 Anti-Doping:
- Both horses and riders are subject to anti-doping rules and regulations.
- Random drug testing may be conducted.
Please note that these are general rules, and specific competitions may have additional rules or variations. Always consult the official rulebook for the competition you are participating in.
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