AMONG the proposed rule changes and new rules at the 2025 FEI General Assembly, due to take place in Hong Kong next week, is the ban on athletes using mobile phones up to their ear while riding in the warm-up arena.

The initial proposal was made by the Swiss Federation, who said: “too often, we see riders of all levels, in all disciplines, and of all ages using a mobile phone while riding. This is not only potentially dangerous but also sets a bad example for the younger generation, who may see their idols riding with a phone to their ear. Just as it is on the road, using a phone while riding in a warm-up arena should be prohibited.”

The FEI have proposed the following: Unless otherwise provided in the sport rules, athletes are prohibited from holding a mobile phone and/or any similar electronic device to their ear or doing calls while riding in the warm-up arena. Athletes may use one (1) earphone or hands-free communication device while riding in the warm-up arena, provided these devices do not compromise their safety or that of others. FEI Officials reserve the right to prohibit any device deemed unsafe or inappropriate.

Blood rules

There are also extensive revisions proposed to the blood rules. The FEI has proposed that the horse would no longer be eliminated for blood, and the athlete would instead receive a jumping recorded warning. Under the draft revision of Article 259: If bleeding is determined to have been caused by the athlete or by tack or equipment, the athlete would receive a Jumping Recorded Warning rather than elimination; a second Jumping Recorded Warning within a 12-month period would result in a CHF 1,000 fine and a one-month suspension of the athlete.

In other cases of blood - for example, from a bitten lip or a horse bleeding from the nose - FEI officials may wipe the blood and allow the horse to continue, provided the Ground Jury, in consultation of the Veterinary Delegate confirming that the horse is fit to compete. No Recorded Warning applies in these situations.

Under the new proposal, the word “minor” has been removed as it is challenging for FEI officials to determine if the blood is minor or not and it could lead to inconsistencies in its implementation in practice.

There is a suggested change to article 164.2 regarding warnings in order to create a system where warnings have real impact. Reports from the General Assembly will appear in a future edition.