The FEI is proposing several rule changes to be voted on at the upcoming General Assembly, effective from 1 January. Key proposals include reducing eventing flag penalties from 15 to nine and making double bridles optional at CDI3 dressage competitions, currently allowed only up to CDI2. The eventing rules will also align blood-related penalties with showjumping, allowing warnings rather than elimination for blood caused by tack or rider, while blood from biting may permit continuation if the horse is fit. Additionally, national federations will be required by 2027 to adopt abuse and harassment protocols consistent with FEI standards to protect horse welfare and uphold sport integrity.

In dressage, the allowance of snaffle bridles at CDI3* has been broadly welcomed but calls for a two-year trial period have been made by several federations and rider groups to gather data on the impact before wider implementation. The FEI plans a full dressage rules revision in 2026, with the British Equestrian Federation emphasizing the need for a formal evaluation process to ensure fair competition conditions. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to enhance horse welfare, clarify rules, and modernize competition standards across equestrian disciplines.