TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published April 3, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
The FEI has proposed key format changes for the 2028 Olympics, including a team tie-break for jumping and a January 2028 deadline for horse/rider nationality declarations.
What Happened
The 14th Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) Sports Forum convened in Lausanne, Switzerland, on April 1-2, 2026. The two-day summit brought together global equestrian officials, coaches, and athletes to finalize regulatory shifts and organizational strategies leading into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic cycle.
A primary focus was the refinement of competition formats following feedback from the Paris 2024 Games. Notably, jumping officials proposed introducing a formal tie-break for team medals to clarify podium results, a direct response to the close finish between France and the Netherlands in Paris. Additionally, the forum solidified the "substitution" rule, ensuring that if a qualified team is unable to compete, the 11th-ranked qualifier will step in to maintain a full ten-team final.
The forum also addressed the "Pony to Podium" pipeline, analyzing eight years of data to improve youth transitions into elite sport. Discussions centered on increasing access to horses, funding, and education for the next generation of riders.
Why It Matters
For American riders and trainers eyeing the Los Angeles 2028 Games, the "nationality deadline" is the most immediate logistical takeaway. High-performance athletes must ensure the nationality of both rider and horse are officially declared by January 17, 2028. This clarity is vital for owners who may be considering international horse purchases or syndicate arrangements for the home Olympics.
Equally significant is the shift in scoring philosophy during team competitions. The proposed ability for a rider to withdraw a horse due to a "problem" without devastating the team’s overall score marks a critical evolution in the "Social License to Operate." It signals the FEI’s commitment to prioritizing horse welfare over competition outcomes, allowing riders to make the right choice for their mount without the pressure of a team penalty.
For barn managers and show organizers, the introduction of the FEI Event Stable Manager certificate points toward a push for higher professional standards in horse care and biosecurity at sanctioned events.
Discipline Context
The updates from Lausanne have a broad impact, primarily centered on high-performance jumping and youth development across all Olympic disciplines.
- Jumping: Significant changes to team final formats, substitution protocols, and tie-breaking procedures are being prepared specifically for the LA28 Olympic Games.
- Youth & Breeding: The "Pony to Podium" initiative aims to bridge the gap between youth levels and professional careers, potentially opening more pathways for young American riders to access elite training and mounts.
- Welfare: The discussion on withdrawal rules and the new Event Stable Manager certification affects all FEI-governed disciplines, placing a heavier emphasis on veterinary oversight and specialized stable management.
Quick Facts
- Governing Body: Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI)
- Key Event: 14th FEI Sports Forum
- Location: Lausanne, Switzerland (Olympic Capital)
- LA28 Nationality Deadline: January 17, 2028
- Key Leaders: FEI President Ingmar de Vos; FEI Jumping Director Todd Hinde
- Major Updates: Team jumping final format, horse withdrawal/substitution rules, and equine safety certifications.
Riders tracking how federation rule changes apply to their own division can put rulebook questions to rulebook answers from TurnoutAI.