Elitist ridiculousness. But all the non FEI judges (including S judges) can ignore the FEI. You know, gawd forbid some backyard rider mistakenly thinks they are qualified for the Olympics😵
I was most surprised that they forbid the use of FEI tests.
not a new rule. None of this is new - they just clarified that virtual shows are included. ANd yes, elitist.
I don’t see anywhere in that article a claim that these are new rules. 
There was a huge kerfuffle in the showjumping world a few years ago when the FEI invoked the rule to try to shut down a tour organized by one of the big name riders. Can’t for the life of me remember who, or what became of it. I’d have to research.
It was the Global Champions Tour. They ended up taking FEI to court in Europe claiming FEI was acting as a monopoly. The two sides reached an agreement about 3-4 years ago allowing the Tour to continuing operating.
Thanks. 
I may be one of just a few, but I believe the FEI is correct. It’s not valid competition unless all riders are being tested in the same conditions, like footing, weather, noise, etc. I think it’s just fine to submit a video and get feedback from a judge or a trainer, but competition? No.
Oh, I agree with you. No points should be earned or rankings affected.
I thought they could lighten up a little and let the folks who are trying to have fun, do so. I don’t know what made me think that, but I did. 
What harm would there be in letting people use the FEI tests?
Well, you were surprised at the use of the tests… thats not new either. Thats the way many people I know on line, who were not aware of these rules (because we arent FEI competitors…) approached this news.
I was surprised that they are sticking to that rule for virtual "competitions"in the middle of a pandemic (thus the title of this thread) but I shouldn’t have been. :yes:
It affects me not one whit, but seeing people trying to make the best of a bad situation by organizing fun things online, I hope the grinch won’t spoil their fun.
Not a new rule, the FEI has always forbidden non sanctioned competitions. The thing that is ridiculous - these shows don’t count toward anything. They are on line schooling “shows”. Submit your ride for feedback. So why should the FEI care?!?! Especially considering what is going on in the world right now.
It isnt like anyone is one is going to mistake it for a team qualifying event! And it might even be an opportunity for judges to make a bit of $, and riders to get a bit of feedback. Instead, imho the FEI comes off looking like a Scrooge.
Well then shut the front door if it starts raining right in middle of a class!
No , I was surprised that the “FEI won’t give an inch” under the current circumstances. I don’t know why you assumed that anyone thought the rules were new.
Huh? How is it elitist?It’s the opposite of elitism - they will be an option available only to the lower levels and not the elites.
How can a governing body sanction an international caliber competition when then is no way to ensure a level playing field or to monitor whether rules are being followed?Different arenas, different environments, different footing, never mind the difficulty in ensuring there is no editing, no way to drug test horse and rider, no monitoring of the warm up, etc. etc. etc.
Virtual competitions have always been an easy, affordable means of grassroots competition at lower levels. They can and will continue to take place - probably with a lot more of them with a lot more entries this year. They can still be judged by certified judges, just not FEI ones.
At first I didn’t agree with it, but after thinking about it I can see where the FEI is coming from and do agree. I have done virtual competitions and am getting ready to complete another test this weekend. I only do it for feedback/different sets of eyes on me and my horse. I don’t see it as a competition, because it’s not, to me (different settings, you can ride your test more than once/refilm if you want to, no drug test, etc.) It’s just a judged ride. I appreciate feedback on my video from “qualified eyes” and I treat it as if it were a home competition. I warm up like at competition, ride the test once, and send it.
For me it’s just something extra to do, and as I said, I like to receive feedback from various sources. I think it’s nice to have the option and judges available, but it is by no means a true competition.
I wonder if it may have something to do with copyright fees? Recognized USEF/USDF shows pay $.45/test.
This isn’t about sanctioning. The rules say an FEI judge CAN NOT judge a non-sanctioned event. Period. So an on-line “show”, a schooling show, anything that is NOT FEI sanctioned. That is why it is elitist - the FEI is telling the big name judges they can NOT judge. And honestly, in regular times, I don’t think that matters - the FEI judges I know are always plenty busy with big shows. But now - why? Why not waive the rule? Even better, why not put out a statement that on-line events are not considered part of the rules. Let’s be realistic, NO governing body is recognizing these - they are just a chance for some fun, for some feedback, during trying times.
WHO cares about a level playing field - there is no recognition! No one is getting their Silver Medal, no one is qualifying for the Olympics, no one is even qualifying for regional championships. So why does it become such a huge issue with the FEI? Here, finally, is a chance for some lower level people to maybe get some feedback from a big name judge.
This is much more about education than it really is about competition. It doesn’t COUNT toward anything official…
Well… If it’s more about education, FEI judges are allowed to do online clinics - and other type of educational online stuff.
Just not competitions.
I really don’t get the anger toward the FEI for this…
There are plenty of online competitions already, what’s with the urge to have FEI tests and FEI judges?
