Representatives from the Event Riders Association met with Giuseppe Della Chiesa, Chair of the FEI Eventing Committee, and Catrin Norinder, FEI Director Eventing & Olympic in London (GBR) on 6 December 2012 to talk through changes to the FEI Eventing Rules that will be implemented from 1 January 2013.

The meeting was designed as a clarification exercise and as an opportunity to discuss the motivation behind the Eventing rule changes for 2013. Athlete Categorisation and Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) were two of the key points of discussion.

The new rules oblige National Federations and trainers to take more responsibility to ensure that their riders are ready to compete internationally, using their own NF qualification system and not relying solely on the MERs.

ERA was represented by Ruy Fonseca (BRA), Bruce Haskell (NZL) and Nick Wallbridge (GBR). ERA President, Francis Whittington, who had initiated the talks, was unable to attend the meeting, which was held on 6 December at London Heathrow (GBR), but he commented favourably after speaking to the ERA representatives.

“This meeting was part of the ongoing working relationship surrounding the rules and demonstrates that the riders are taking responsibility for their sport and that the FEI encourages their involvement in this process,” he said. “It was a really valuable discussion and was very much appreciated by the riders. We were really delighted at how receptive the FEI were to our comments and it shows how dedicated the Eventing Committee is to the future development of the sport.”

FEI Eventing Chair, Giuseppe Della Chiesa, was also very positive about the outcome of the meeting. “It is always healthy to have an inclusive discussion around rules changes and after the very successful workshop at the FEI Sports Forum earlier this year, it was good to have another session, this time with representatives from ERA, to discuss these changes and how they will be implemented. The support from the riders is very much appreciated by the FEI.”

The FEI Eventing Department has now produced a document detailing FAQs on the 2013 Eventing Rules. The document can be accessed here.