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CHAPTER VI – PROTECTION OF ATHLETES AND HORSES

Article 140 - Protection of Athletes and Participating Support Personnel

1. While riding anywhere on the show grounds, and for Driving Athletes and Grooms in the
Marathon phase, the use of a properly fastened Protective Headgear is mandatory. The
applicable Sports Rules may provide for an exception to this rule by permitting Athletes to
remove their Protective Headgear while accepting prizes, during the playing of the National
Anthem and any other ceremonial protocol. Failure to wear such Protective Headgear where
and when required shall result in a Yellow Warning Card, being issued to the Athlete or
Participating Support Personnel (as applicable) unless exceptional circumstances apply. The
use of cameras on Athletes or Participating Support Personnel (as applicable) or equipment
(such as on Protective Headgear, head covering or carriage) shall not be permitted, unless
otherwise specifically agreed by the FEI. An Athlete’s decision to wear a camera while
competing shall always be voluntary and at their own risk.

2. The Ground Jury after consultation with the responsible medical officer (or if not available,
with a relevant medical doctor and/or the Event medical service) may at any time exclude
from further participation in a Competition or an entire Event any Athlete or Participating
Support Personnel who is unfit to continue by reason of a serious or potentially serious
injury, impairment, or health condition.

Article 141 - Protection of Horses

In cases of illness or injury during an Event, the Ground Jury will decide, after consulting
the Veterinary Delegate or Commission, whether the Horse may continue in that or
subsequent Competitions.

Article 142 - Abuse of Horses

1. No person may abuse a Horse during an Event or at any other time. “Abuse” means an
action or omission which causes or is likely to cause pain or unnecessary discomfort to a
Horse, including, but not limited to:
(i) To whip or beat a Horse excessively;
(ii) To subject a Horse to any kind of electric shock device;
(iii) To use spurs excessively or persistently;
(iv) To jab the Horse in the mouth with the bit or any other device;
(v) To compete using an exhausted, lame or injured Horse;
(vi) To "rap" a Horse.
(vii) To abnormally sensitise or desensitise any part of a Horse;
(viii) To leave a Horse without adequate food, drink or exercise;
(ix) To use any device or equipment which causes excessive pain to the Horse upon
knocking down an obstacle.
2. Any person witnessing an Abuse must report it in the form of a Protest (Article 161) without
delay. If an Abuse is witnessed during or in direct connection with an Event, it should be
reported as a Protest (Article 161) to an Official. If the Abuse is witnessed at any other time
it should be reported as a Protest (Article 161) to the Secretary General who, following a
review of the Protest, shall take a Decision as to whether or not to refer the matter to the
FEI Tribunal.

Article 143 - Medication Control and Anti-Doping

1. Medication Control and Anti-Doping provisions are stated in the Anti-Doping Rules for Human
Athletes (ADRHA), in conjunction with the World Anti-Doping Code, and in the Equine Anti-
Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCM Regulations).
2. The decision as to whether a Horse may compete in an Event when under treatment or
medication with a Prohibited Substance is made by the President of the Ground Jury on the
recommendation of the Veterinary Delegate or Commission according to the procedures set
out in the VRs.

General Regulations, 24th edition, 1 January 2020 26