With members keen to get the 2025 season underway, British Eventing are pleased to release the 2025 Rules & Members’ Handbook to help you plan your year. There are several changes to be aware of; a full summary of which is available here FINAL Rule Changes 2025
Saddlery & Dress (Chapter 7)
British Eventing now allows plain dark boots of any conservative colour or full grain smooth dark leather gaiters of any conservative colour with matching boots OR topped boots with breeches.
When competing in Young Horse classes, all Young Horse Classes (5YO, 6YO, 7YO & 8YO) must comply with the FEI Young Horse Class Boot rule – FEI Jumping Article 257 – 2.3.
There are also several amendments to the Table – Rule 7.19.2 on a number of saddlery items.
Reminder about safety wear (Chapter 7)
Hat and Body Protector rules have not changed, but as a reminder:
Body protectors
The Level 3 blue BETA 2018 standard will be required when riding at any British Eventing event. The purple BETA 2009 safety certification will no longer be permitted for use at British Eventing competitions.
Hat standard
Riders are reminded that all hats must be tagged. All standards can be found listed on page 61.
Vaccination Rule (Chapter 10)
There are no changes to the vaccination rules, but they have been put into a table to hopefully make it easier to understand.
Series & Championships (Annex 6)
For the Intermediate and Open Championships, it is now a percentage rather than placing that counts towards qualification.
Youth Championships
Changes have been made to the qualifying criteria so please see the full rules for the amendments (page 169-171).
BE80 Championship
As announced last year, the qualification criteria for the BE80 Championships has changed for qualification for a Regional Championship and direct qualification for the Championship.
FEI Rules (Annex 2)
It is the member’s responsibility to ensure they aware of the 2025 FEI Eventing Rules, General Regulations and Veterinary Regulations. In addition, saddlery can be checked through the FEI Tack App. If you are unsure of a piece of equipment/dress, find the FEI Chief Steward at the event to check in advance of using it.
MER requirements for GBR Members
MER (GBR requirement) for 1* has changed – Athletes and Horses will now require x2 BE100, x1 BE105 or x1 Novice.
MER (GBR requirement for Category C& D athletes) for 4*L has changed – In addition to the FEI MERs, GBR Category C & D athletes will need x1 CCI4*S OR x1 Advanced.
Full details of the rules can be found in the 2025 Rules & Members’ Handbook, but please do get in touch if you have any further queries. Have a great season!
