FEI Announces Changes in Jumping Rules & Regulations for 2026

Lausanne, Switzerland – December 19, 2025 – The FEI Rules and Regulations for 2026, approved by the FEI General Assembly on 7 November, have been published and are available on Inside.fei.org.

In 2025, the FEI Jumping Rules underwent a Full Revision and approved by the FEI General Assembly coming into force on January 1, 2026. To support a clear understanding of the new rules and their implementation, a summary highlighting the key amendments has been prepared as stated below.

The rulebook has been fully restructured and modernised to maintain the authority and integrity of the rules while making them more accessible and user-friendly, improving clarity, coherence, and usability for all.

This has led to a simplified structure and closer alignment with the Veterinary and General Regulations.

FEI Jumping Rule Changes for 2026

CHAMPIONSHIPS & GAMES

Chapter XII Continental and World Championships (Team and Individuals) for Seniors
Chapter XIII Continental Championships for Youth and VeteransThe integration of all Jumping Championships into the Jumping Rules is one of the most significant changes in the new rule book. These provisions are now fully incorporated into Chapters XII and XIII, creating a single, coherent regulatory framework that improves clarity and ensures consistent application across all championship levels.
In addition, the rules for Championships other than Seniors have been aligned and grouped together. An important change concerns the Children and Pony Championships, which will now be judged under Table C instead of Table A.

OFFICIALS
Chapter III Officials
The second category of changes concerns Officials and is now set out in Chapter III. The requirements have been strengthened to ensure that the number of appointed officials matches the number of arenas and concurrent competitions.

COMPETITION FORMATS
Article 220 Competition Over One Round
Article 230 Power and Skill Competitions
Several outdated and unused competition formats have been removed, including “Take Your Own Line” and “Hit and Hurry”. The use of mobile phones, electronic devices, and earphones while mounted in the warm-up arena during a competition is now prohibited.

HORSE WELFARE

Annex II CSI/CSIO Requirements – Young Horses
Another significant change is the introduction of specific rules for Young Horses in Annex II. Maximum heights have been set for 5-, 6- and 7-year-old horses, and competitions for five-year-olds may no longer be run against the clock. 

Article 259 Jumping Recorder Warning
A new Jumping Recorded Warning has been introduced to replace Article 241.3.30. Under this system, any blood caused by tack, equipment, or athlete-induced results in a first and second recorded warning, with repeated offences within 12 months leading to a fine and a one-month suspension.In all cases, the horse must undergo a veterinary examination and be declared fit to compete, ensuring welfare remains the priority. The Ground Jury also retains the authority to disqualify for excessive use of the whip or spurs, and separate Abuse of Horse proceedings may still be initiated.A briefing note on the Jumping Recorded Warning is available here.

Videos about the Rules Changes 2026 available on FEI Campus
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FEI Jumping Rules (clean and mark-up versions)

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to jumping@fei.org.

Source: Press Release from FEI Communications

Photo & Banner: © FEI

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