European Equestrian Federation Highlights Key Outcomes of FEI General Assembly 2025 Hong Kong, China

The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) participated last week in the 2025 FEI General Assembly in Hong Kong, China, where National Federations from across the globe gathered to discuss governance, competition regulations, equine welfare, and strategic initiatives shaping the future of equestrian sport. For the European equestrian community, the Assembly illustrated Europe’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence and voice internationally. The EEF highlights the most significant developments and what they mean for European athletes, officials, and stakeholders.

Prior to the General Assembly, the EEF Regional Meeting on 5 November demonstrated the strength of European unity through strategic and constructive discussions among National Federations. In this collaborative session, members jointly prepared for the GA, collectively reviewed FEI rules across all disciplines, and exchanged innovative best practices, including Denmark’s horse welfare legislation developments, Great Britain's pioneering social value research, and a presentation from the Polish Federation highlighting the success of this year’s EquiMental Conference and their vision for creating platforms of discussion that bridge sport, science, and business in the equestrian industry.

A highlight for the European equestrian community was the strong representation of EEF members in FEI governance. EEF President Quentin Simonet (FRA) was elected EEF Regional Group President by the General Assembly for the term 2025–2026, following the resignation of the previous President Theo Ploegmakers. EEF Board member Elizabeth Max Theurer (AUT) was elected as EEF Regional Group President Deputy Chair for the same term. EEF 1st Vice President Simone Perillo (ITA) was elected EEF Regional Group 1st Vice President for the four-year term 2025–2029, with EEF Board member Peter Cholakov (BUL) serving as 1st Vice President Deputy Chair for the same period. These appointments ensure that Europe has a leading voice in FEI decision-making.

Additionally, several EEF members were appointed to FEI Committees and Boards, strengthening Europe’s ability to influence rules, policies, and strategic initiatives at the global level. Together, these appointments mark a significant step in enhancing Europe’s role and visibility in international equestrian governance.

The FEI General Assembly approved the FEI President Role Description and the Olympic Qualification Systems for Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing, as well as the Paralympic Qualification System for the Los Angeles 2028 Games, ensuring clear governance and providing athletes with a transparent roadmap for their path to the Games.

A major focus of the FEI General Assembly was the comprehensive revision of the FEI Jumping Rules, which will take effect from 1 January 2026. The updated rules aim to improve clarity, consistency, and fairness. A dedicated vote was held on Article 259 (Jumping Recorded Warnings). The EEF will continue to contribute actively to this process, gathering feedback from the National Federations, athletes, officials, and veterinarians and will advocate for additional refinements where needed to enhance horse welfare and the integrity of the sport. View the EEF statement here.

The FEI also introduced Equipass, a digital horse passport designed to strengthen horse identification, biosecurity, and international mobility. The EEF welcomes this innovation, which supports health, welfare, and streamlined logistics for horses competing across Europe and worldwide.

The FEI Board also addressed the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them after a vote that gathered a majority support to allow them to compete under a neutral flag and permitting FEI events in Belarus starting 1 January 2026. Given that the aggression against Ukraine is still ongoing the EEF maintain its opposition highlighting that conditions for a fully neutral return have not yet been met. The Federation stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian equestrian community, advocating for decisions that prioritise integrity, fairness, and safety in international sport.

Other key topics included updates on veterinary regulations, welfare initiatives, and safety measures, the FEI Welfare Action Plan, the Equine Welfare Advisory Group, and improved protocols for horse transport and disease monitoring. These initiatives are essential to embedding welfare at the heart of equestrian sport, and the EEF strongly supports their implementation across Europe.

The European Equestrian Federation congratulates all EEF members appointed to FEI leadership roles, reinforcing Europe’s growing influence within the international equestrian community and looks forward to continuing collaboration with National Federations and stakeholders across Europe. The EEF remains committed to ensuring that European athletes, officials, and horses benefit from strong representation in governance, safe competition standards, and high levels of welfare and integrity.

For European members and stakeholders wishing to review the FEI General Assembly in full, including detailed session summaries and press releases issued throughout the week, visit the FEI’s official coverage: FEI General Assembly 2025 Wrap-Up. The EEF encourages all stakeholders to read the full materials to understand the decisions and their implications for the European equestrian community.