EEF Hosts Member Federation and Stakeholders Secretary Generals and FEI for Key 2026 Rules Revision Discussions

The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) yesterday hosted its National Federation Secretary Generals for a constructive and forward-looking online session ahead of the 2026 rules revision process of the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), bringing together 43 delegates from across the European federations and invited FEI representatives for a collaborative dialogue.

The EEF welcomed FEI Executive Director Sport & Games Aine Power and FEI Director for Dressage, Para Dressage and Vaulting Ronan Murphy, who joined the session to listen to the views of European National Federations and exchange perspectives on the forthcoming rules revision cycle. Their participation reflected the shared commitment to open consultation and the importance of close dialogue between the FEI and its continental stakeholders as the sport prepares for a comprehensive review of rules across several disciplines.

Opening the meeting, EEF Secretary General Teodor Sheytanov underlined the importance of bringing European federations together to share expertise and build consensus ahead of a comprehensive FEI rules revision that will address dressage, para dressage, vaulting, veterinary regulations, anti-doping rules for human athletes, Olympic and Paralympic regulations and other FEI rules. He noted that by coordinating proposals from its member federations, the EEF can help ensure that European perspectives are clearly represented within the FEI process.

Discussions throughout the session highlighted a shared commitment to strengthening equestrian sport through clarity, fairness and transparency, with horse welfare remaining the central priority.

The meeting provided an opportunity for preliminary exchanges with the FEI on discipline-specific proposals covering dressage and para dressage formats and accessibility, updates to vaulting competitions, and proposals relating to eventing, driving and general regulations. The collaborative tone of the discussions reflected a shared goal of developing rules that support athletes, officials and organisers while protecting the welfare of the horse.

“This session showed once again how valuable it is for Europe’s federations to come together, share their perspectives, working towards common solutions where possible,” EEF President Quentin Simonet said. “By coordinating our proposals and maintaining open dialogue with the FEI, we can help ensure that the next rules revision strengthens our sport while keeping horse welfare at its core.”

National Federations were reminded that proposals must be submitted through the FEI Rules Revision Platform by 1 March 2026, after which draft revisions will be circulated for further consultation before final approval at the FEI General Assembly later this year. The EEF will continue to facilitate discussion among its members throughout the process to support constructive engagement between federations and the FEI.

The next meeting of EEF Secretary Generals is scheduled for August 2026.