First FEI

[CoconutEventer25]

Hi everyone!

I am (finally!) running my first FEI this summer. I was wondering if there are any rules, or specifications that I need to be aware of? And before you mention, yes, I do have a coach but he will not be attending. And yes, I will be reading the FEI guidebook. Just wondering if there were any rules that you weren’t aware of before you did your first one either leading up to or during the event.

I also have another question, are shads required for FEI? I will most likely only be running two so I can’t really justify buying a brand new coat. If required I will see if I can poach off someone else

Thanks

[HeartsDesireEventing]

Congratulations! Our first FEI was an experience and a half that still gives my trainer nightmares - but all of the others have been straightforward, so I prefer to think that’s an outlier

Technically no, shadbellies are not required. I borrowed one for my first FEI, and then purchased one used however, as most people do wear them, at least for the CCI-longs.

Our biggest oops at the first FEI was not checking ride times after the jogs - that nearly got one of us eliminated (there were three of us running our first CCI long together). This has never been an issue at subsequent CCIs, but that first one shifted ride times by a couple hours after the jogs, so definitely double check.

Make sure you have your passport completed correctly well ahead of time, and be sure you understand the entry process - you will need to do the FEI entry as well as the regular horse show entry.

There are some minor differences in some of the equipment rules and such - do double check the FEI rules and make sure everything you use is legal. FEI is also where you’ll have to remove hind boots for inspection if you use them in show jumping, so make sure you have ground help if that’s something you’ll need to worry about. Also ground help for the vet box is very helpful.

Be very careful leading up to the event with what you feed, what liniments you use, etc. - you definitely don’t want an accidental drug test from the ‘wrong’ liniment, topical, treat, etc. Be aware of cross-contamination with other horses’ buckets if they are stacked for feeding, etc.

And remember to have fun

[Jealoushe]

One thing riders don’t often think about is their own drug use. Riders are drug tested so any recreational or prescription drugs ensure you check what’s allowed and what’s not. No need to get a two year suspension over something silly.

[EventerAJ]

Shad not required at any level.
If your horse doesn’t already have a passport, start the application process at least 6 weeks out.
Practice jogging at home, your horse should be prompt, relaxed on a loose rein. If you feel the need to wear dressy shoes run in them at home first.

No medications.

Check the rulebook frequently and be sure your tack and equipment is legal. You will be asked to remove hind boots in show jumping and put them back on in front on a steward. This can be a PITA if you don’t have a groom (I often didn’t).

[Bonnie2]

And check out the current requirements for posting your horse’s FEI temperature checks. It’s a pain to get to in barns and have the vet say where’s your temps? Hopefully they then say “go over there and enter them then come back” and not “horse can’t compete”. Also double triple check your horse’s vaccine record on his passport. Best of luck and enjoy your rides!

[leighbo009]

I think there is a rideIQ ask an expert about first FEI. I’ll see if I can find the youtube link.

Edit, found it!
https://www.youtube.com/live/nlJYksir9Xw?si=altB9zGEKGV5k71z

[CoconutEventer25]

Theres an app now right?

[CoconutEventer25]

Super helpful thank you!

[Jealoushe]

OEA Virtual Clinic - So you Want to Ride a FEI with Kendal Lehari

It’s 4 years old so check the info is still correct but a good start here.

[EventerAJ]

@Bonnie2

And check out the current requirements for posting your horse’s FEI temperature checks. It’s a pain to get to in barns and have the vet say where’s your temps? Hopefully they then say “go over there and enter them then come back” and not “horse can’t compete”. Also double triple check your horse’s vaccine record on his passport. Best of luck and enjoy your rides!

Yes, forgot about this.

I think the temperature recording is about as useful as a 30-day health cert (not required for FEI events, but interstate travel etc).

Who’s to say the temperatures are recorded accurately? If you forgot to do one (or several) what’s stopping you from just making up a number to fill in the app? It’s not even “live” entered…you can back-enter data from many hours prior. And how do you know the thermometer is even accurate? I’m sure most of us have had a thermometer that tends to read a little high or a little low; if I think I have a genuinely sick horse at home, I have backup thermometers to try. A competitor at an event may only have 1, and not realize it’s inaccurate.

It’s a good intention to monitor equine health and safety… but if a competitor has spent tens of thousands qualifying, entering, traveling, etc…do you think they will honestly put down “101.5” instead of “102.2”? If their horse is otherwise acting healthy and normal, eating/drinking/pooping, no nasal discharge… I’d be willing to bet that temp gets fudged.

Maybe one sick horse will be found, and as a result prevent the spread of disease, which would make the program worth it. But given that the FEI feels the need to make a thousand rules to prevent cheating and horse abuse…why do they think suddenly competitors will be honest and legit with something as simple as temps.

If vets/officials themselves were temping horses twice a day at the competitions, I could understand the value. But the FEI already believes competitors are not capable of acting in the horse’s best interest so this honor system health requirement seems silly to me.

[alyssaequestrian]

@EventerAJ

Who’s to say the temperatures are recorded accurately? If you forgot to do one (or several) what’s stopping you from just making up a number to fill in the app? It’s not even “live” entered…you can back-enter data from many hours prior.

You can only enter the information at within a certain time window. You cannot back enter the information. I’m not preaching that its perfect (its not, its awful actually) but its set up to make it difficult to fake it. However, I can guarantee that no one is actually temping and just filling the information in.

[Bonnie2]

Yes, but you need to remember to enter the temps.

[EventerAJ]

yes, there is a certain time window. I don’t remember the exact time frame, but I’ve certainly “whoops” missed a temp at 7am and was able to enter it later when I remembered.

If the app was so sophisticated that it only let you enter data when you were at the horse’s stall, with a current un-alterable timestamp, I might take it more seriously. If the FEI is truly concerned about biosecurity and horse temps, they would require biothermal microchips and send an official around every 12 hours to scan every horse and record temps. (though I can say from personal experience the biochips are not always accurate either).

[nutmeg]

I am sad that y’all know people that would fudge the temps and/or arrive at the show with a feverish horse. If they are that lazy and undisciplined they should take up motorcycling. Go back and read about the rhino outbreaks on the Sunshine Circuit in Spain two years ago. Imagine being stranded in a tentful of sick and incapacitated horses for weeks after the other competitors fled the showgrounds. It is so important to be as invested in this as you are about picking out studs. I don’t fault the FEI for expecting people to take some responsibility. Biosecurity is a group effort (said Pollyanna.)

[DMK]

Bring your own thermometer, easily accessible, for check in because you will need to check the temp yourself as you trailer in and the vet will record it. Also they will scan the microchip so have a plan ahead whether you will unload or have the vet go in the trailer stall. For us drivers this requires a bit more planning since carriage can be between the door and the horses

Actually riders are allowed to take all sorts of drugs. I was genuinely surprised when gabapentin didn’t show up on the list. But the earliest generation still commonly used hypertension med, hydrochlorothiazide, require a TUE (it is a diuretic).

But what you also need to be careful with is drugs that are legal for you, but not your horse. The one that gets me is surpass/voltaren. I’d like to use it on my hand, but the FEI won’t give a safe w/d time (even for use on the horse which they actually do for a handful of drugs), and considering that said hand will be feeding hay, mixing grain, supps, feeding treats and handling bits, I’m not willing to FAFO that some seemingly reasonable amount of time is still detectable.

Another good practice is to just have a feed bucket that is for shows and only shows so you know there is no residue of some powder med in there. I used to have one at home that was for 10 days out because I was using these old fortiflex tubs and at some point I realized that they weren’t truly cleanable so who knows what was in there.

And just to keep scaring you, it’s not just humans who can’t pee in stalls. Guess what? Dogs on meds trigger positive findings too, so keep your stall door closed when your horse is out of it.

Most importantly, DON’T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

[skydy]

@DMK

Actually riders are allowed to take all sorts of drugs. I was genuinely surprised when gabapentin didn’t show up on the list. But the earliest generation still commonly used hypertension med, hydrochlorothiazide, require a TUE (it is a diuretic).

I’ve been surprised by what medications for riders are actually allowed as well, however there are many that aren’t. The FEI regulations: https://inside.fei.org/sites/default/files/FEI%20ADRHA_Updates%20effective%201%20January2024%20-%20Clean.pdf

WADA list: https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/2025list_en_final_clean_12_september_2024.pdf

[SeeSpotEvent]

The other really good I advice I received before my first FEI was to go run through your tack with the officials. They had hours they were available, and were in stabling, so I had them check my bridles, bits, and stadium boots (they are happy to look at anything you may have questions about). It gave me peace of mind and the officials were so kind and said yes it was all ok and then walked me through exactly why, so it was very educational.

Other than that, the two rules I worried about as different than horse trials was that they specified black or brown riding boots (I usually wear navy at National HTs), white saddle pad (also typically use navy), and gloves are also more restricted. I really, really did not want to get sideways on something dumb like that!

I regularly show at national HTs alone but it is hard to do a FEI that way. 90%+ of the riders will have a groom. I did do it but had a friend come and help me for SJ because the setting jumps and boot removal is very hard on your own.

Vets and officials were very nice and helpful, especially if you asked in advance. I thought the vet crews were particularly great.

I did see several folks in the 1* and 2*S with regular coats, although most had on shads.

[CatchMeIfUCan]

If you don’t have a groom, don’t be afraid to ask a groom that is quietly standing in warm up. I’ve removed boots, set fences, pep talked, lead into the start box, etc many horses that were not my own. Most of us are more than happy to help!!

Temps are required to be entered twice a day for three days prior to arrival and through the event. You can only back date three days.

I do an FEI competition almost every month, and I know most of the stewards really well. They are all lovely and always keen to help. Anyone can feel free to PM me their specific questions at any time. The list on this thread contains a lot of what I do. Cross contamination of drugs is a very real thing and something I take very seriously. I would recommend labeling every “not legal” cream, paste, etc in your barn, store it separate, and familiarize yourself with withdrawal times. I do not put illegal drugs in feed. Always paste them directly into the mouth and then do not let FEI horses share fields/stalls with the horse that’s on the meds.

[Mack_the_Knife]

You didn’t mention where you were going to do your first event, but do make sure you look at Eventing Rules and Vet Regs at the very least. Make use of the FEI Stewards, we are happy to help steer you in the right direction, particularly with tack and equipment. The tack app is available, but can be a bit daunting to navigate around.

Feel free to DM me with any questions you might have.

[Willesdon]

Don’t mix up national and FEI rules. Sounds obvious but…