FEI Sports Forum 2026 proposals for rule changes in dressage and at the Olympics

The FEI Strategic Dressage Action Planning Working Group (DSAPWG) had already summarized 30 proposed changes in its plan last year. One of these, the testing of Grand Prix competitions ridden in snaffle instead of curb up to CDI3* level, is already running as a pilot project. (There is already experience of freedom of choice in Denmark, as Olympic judge Hans Christian Matthiesen reported in the podcast ERZÄHL MIR WAS VOM VFERD ). The findings are to be evaluated. We will then see whether it will also be possible to ride in snaffles at 4* or 5* level in the future.

More starting opportunities for younger riders

The age limit for riders is to be treated more variably so that younger participants can already take part in certain competitions that are currently not open to them due to their age. As this is to apply across all disciplines, this proposal is to be discussed in all sports, it was stated at the FEI Sports Forum.

It should be possible to draw the starting order without taking the world rankings into account. This would mean that perhaps the top-favorite pair would have to start first in the arena.

Horse age raised, more final grades again

In future, horses competing in CDI2* or higher classes must be at least nine years old. Previously, the age limit was eight years.

A task force is to be set up to deal exclusively with point deductions and disqualifications. Specifically, this concerns the comprehensive Article 424 in the FEI Dressage Rules. This paragraph regulates, among other things, how a judge is to proceed in the event of resistance, blood on the horse or lameness. The composition of the task force is to be determined by July 1st.

Leaving the reins out of the hand in high classes

Various aspects were discussed in a question and answer session. Representatives of the dressage working group, including national coach Monica Theodorescu, were sitting on the podium at the time. For example, letting the reins out of the hand as an additional lesson in higher classes was discussed – a trial in Warendorf has already tested what this could look like.

Artificial intelligence as a measure to support judges was discussed. The FEI is in contact with other judging sports that have already gained experience in this area.

The dressage working group is currently revising the dressage handbook and the guidelines for dressage judging. The publication date for both works is scheduled for January 1, 2027.

Call for contract notes

Once again, the FEI Sports Forum was also concerned with the final scores. There have been calls for more final scores to be awarded at the end of a dressage test than is currently the case. This is to be discussed as part of the revision of the rules.

Olympia

For the Olympic Games, changes at short notice before the start of the competition will be made easier in future. So-called “pre-competition changes” are possible up to two hours before the start of the respective discipline – in show jumping even twice (before team and individual qualification). The only requirement is that the rider-horse pairs are on the entry list; proof such as veterinary certificates are not required. However, only horses that are already on site in good time may be considered. This has to do with quarantine regulations, among other things.

Replacement riders and horses only to a limited extent

Substitutions during matches are limited to team competitions and are only permitted with medical or veterinary justification. Here too, only horses that have already competed are eligible. Depending on the discipline, fixed time windows apply; in eventing, additional penalty points are to be imposed. There are currently 20; a proposal is to be submitted by July 20 as to how many penalty points will be awarded to a team when a pair is replaced at the Olympic Games.

Two exchange phases are planned for the Paralympics – one before and one shortly before the start of the competition, whereby changes between team and individual riders are also possible.

Nationality and conditions of participation

For Los Angeles 2028, the rider and horse must have the same nationality in the FEI database by January 2028. In addition, nations must prove that at least three pairs have met the minimum requirements to be awarded team places. The deadline is January 17, 2028.

Still no four team riders at the Olympics

The team size remains at three rider-horse pairs – an increase is not possible due to the limited quotas of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC stipulates a certain number of horses per discipline. And it wants to see as many nations as possible competing in each sport, “more flags” was and is the declared goal.