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.”