The prime judging criterion should be the harmony between horse and rider. The rider must handle the horse with fairness, delicacy and respect; be its true leader rather than its dominator. At all times the rider must put the horse’s welfare paramount and guard its health and safety. The horse should be able to fulfil its tasks with pleasure; be calm and supple, but also confident, attentive and keen.

The sport judges guidelines 2026 include the following changes:

• Judging of pace in F1/F2
• Firewall for giving a yellow card is moved to 4.5
• The new Cards and Disciplinary Measures rules are explained in 4 new pages
• Update on Equipment

Please read the relevant pages for full details.
FEIF Sport Judges Guidelines 2026