The FEI has made amendments to the new Eventing Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER) rules brought in at the start of 2013. After consultation with the National Federations and the Eventing Riders Association, the FEI has announced the changes which can be viewed HERE
One of the most important effects of the changes will be the modification which will enable “all categorised Athletes to enter directly at the2 Star level according to their National Requirements without the need of additional international qualifications”
This ruling had affected certain high level riders and, as the FEI states,
“It has become apparent that higher qualified horses, if ridden by categorized Athletes, should not need to re-qualify from the 1 star level as this could put unnecessary mileage on the horse”
Updated lists of athletes’ categorization per nation taking into account the new criteria will be published on the FEI web-site as of 20 March 2013
The Event Riders Association say that they welcome the changes and will continue to monitor the effects of the new rules during the season
Australian riders should ensure that they are aware of all rule changes and modifications which may impact them this year. Recently Equestrian Australia advised of Australian 'targeted events' approved by the FEI i.e. all riders who gain a qualifying round at these events will have the result count toward FEI Minimum Eligibility Requirements.
The events included are as follows:
- Scone Horse Trials 9-10 March - CNC2*
- Reynella Horse Trials 16-17 March CNC3*,CNC2*,CNC*
- Warwick Horse Trials 18-19 May CNC3*
- Wooroloo Horse Trials 18-19 May CNC3*,CNC2*,CNC*
- Naracoorte Horse Trials 18-19 May CNC3*, CNC2*, CNC*
