FEIF aims to ensure horse welfare and harmonious riding in everything we do
Photo: G.M.Sharman
FEIF has taken the welfare of Icelandic horses very seriously for many years. We aim to lead developments and discussions on welfare issues in horse sport rather than merely react to criticism.
FEIF Rules and Regulations are constantly evolving, and – as far as possible – informed by scientific research. It is important for FEIF that the focus on good riding practice and horse welfare is not only on high-level sport competitions and international breeding shows. To the best of our ability – FEIF also aims to encourage leisure riders to keep the highest standards in training and understanding of the horse’s needs, in all parts of the FEIF world.
FEIF Rules and Regulations are reviewed and revised annually. In addition, continuous professional development for judges and trainers (CPD) is compulsory for all who want to keep their FEIF licence.
Social Licence to Operate
SLO is the public acceptance of the equine world to undertake riding and other horse activities. This social acceptance can change over time. What was accepted years ago, might not be acceptable today anymore. Looking from now into the future, we must ask ourselves: what do we find acceptable and what does science tell us?
By being proactive and showing the world that we are actively thinking about this, we take an active role in current discussions.
vielleicht hier auch: welfare im Vergleich zu SLO?
Photo: Peter Niess
A work in progress
Within FEIF, the FEI code of Conduct is implemented at all levels of Icelandic horse riding. shich states that all involved must accept that the welfare of the horse is paramount, and that the welfare of the horse must never be suorrdinated to competition or commercial influences.
This applies not only to riding at competitions or during training, but also to horse keeping, the health of the horse, transportaiton and the use of training aids.
In order to turn these principles into practices we have outlined the behaviours we expect from FEIF officials, riders, participants, volunteers and spectators.
Major changes include the following
2024 – Establishment of an expert group with internationally renowned veterinarians and hoofsmiths from all over the world. – die ist aber noch nicht wirklich existent…..
2024 – Luxembourg statement?
2023 – Equipment regulations were fundamentally changed, and a list of permitted equipment now applies.
2015 – Introduction of firewalls in the Sport Judges’ Guidelines meaning performances can no longer get more than 7.5 unless the connection is soft and harmonious. Wwe have also strict rules about all equipment used, including the permissible length of hooves, thickness of shoes and weight of protective equipment. The Sport Judges’ Guidelines are reviewed annually.
2014 – The FEIF Hoof Study (Weishaupt et al, 203, University of Zurich and Vejle Equine Clinic) resulted in a change of the permitted hoof length after scinetific studies proved a higher risk for injuries with longer hooves. This resulted in tighter regulatons of hoof length and limitation in the weight of hoof boots and protective equipment.
2005 – New rules to include looking into the horse’s mouth during the equipment check. To standardise the procedure, a new form includes all injuries in the mouth and on the whole body, espeacially the legs of the horse. Find the current forms here: Vet Form 1 (fit to compete) and Vet Form 2 (equipment and health check after the presentations)
shoe check form: Shoeing Control Manual Form.pdf (feiffengur.com)
FEIF Rules and Regulations: Documents | FEIF
FEIF Matrix: Education | FEIF
Ringmasters breeding in action – work of the ringmasters: Breeding | FEIF
FEIF is maintaining a register of warnings (general, sport) and public reprimands (breeding) given to persons and corporate bodies (e.g. riders, judges, organisers, other officials, associations) involved in Icelandic horses as they are committed to fair, comradely and sportsmanlike behaviour to one another, and correct behaviour towards the horse. All persons are bound to the Code of Ethics and the Code of Conduct regarding the Welfare of the Horse and Fair Play and Equestrian Sport as described in the FEIF General Rules and Regulations. Warnings & Bans | FEIF
FEIF’s continued push to improve riding skills also advances the welfare of our beloved Icelandic horse. This becomes obvious on FEIF’s list of riders singled out for Good and Harmonious Riding. These riders – independent of their marks – demonstrate they clearly put the horse first in the presentation.Good & Harmonious Riding | FEIF
FEIF SLO group???
FEIF Anti-doping following FEI?
weight of riders Studie? start auf der WM? ongoing: https://www.feiffengur.com/documents/Johannes%20Amplatz%202024%20-%20weight%20study.pdf
- Research on the recovery phase of Icelandic horses after a 250m pace race
- After the preliminary research in Brunnadern, Switzerland in October 2023, the work on the research continued in Iceland last week.
- The aim of this study is to understand in detail recovery of heart rate and blood lactate concentration after a 250m pace race. Based on the results of how high the heart rate and lactate values rise and how long it takes for the lactate concentration to return to normal reference range, the minimum pause duration between 2 pace race runs will be re-evaluated.
Related news
Final Day at WC 2025 Delivers Thrilling Finish to an Unforgettable Week
The last day of the World Championships 2025 wrapped up in spectacular fashion, packed with A-finals and an electric atmosphere. The world's best stallions dazzled in the arena, showcasing power, grace, and precision in front of a roaring crowd. One of the biggest...
Day 5 at WC 2025: Fast Tracks, Top Mares, and Festive Vibes
Day 5 of the 2025 World Championships was full of energy, emotion, and celebration—from decisive B-finals to fast-paced action and a festive evening of Icelandic spirit. The morning kicked off with a string of B-finals, where riders battled for final placements and...
World Championship Day 4: Strong Performances, Community Spirit, and a Look Toward Landsmót in Hólar
Day 4 of the World Championships began with powerful impressions in the 4-gait competitions, where riders and horses delivered strong, expressive performances that energized the early crowds. In the afternoon, the second round of the Breeding Show highlighted the...
Pace, Power, and Passion: Day 3 at the World Championships 2025
Day 3 at the World Championships 2025 in Birmenstorf began with the thrilling P1 Pace Race over 250 meters, kicking off the day with speed and excitement. Spectators gathered early to witness top riders push for the fastest times. The second round for the breeding...
WC 2025 in Birmenstorf: A Day Dedicated to the Tölt
The atmosphere at the World Championships 2025 in Birmenstorf was electric as the day was fully dedicated to the tölt, the signature gait of the Icelandic horse. The morning kicked off with the elegant T2 (loose rein tölt), showcasing the harmony between horse and...
WC 2025: Spectacular PP1 Pace Test, Top Breeding Classes, and a Heartwarming Opening Ceremony
Thrills and speed dominated the afternoon at the World Championships for Icelandic Horses, as both adults and young riders delivered spectacular runs in the PP1 pace test. Riders showed impressive precision and control as they raced down the track in the flying pace....
WC 2025 – let’s get started!
Meanwhile all teams and almost 200 horses arrived in Birmenstorf and everywhere are still busy volunteers and helpers working to prepare the site for the official start of the World Championships tomorrow! Yesterday the fit-to-compete checks took place for the...
Let’s go back in time – European Championsships 1972 in St. Moritz CH
The second European Championship became a truly unforgettable experience for many visitors and participants, thanks to its breathtaking setting in St. Moritz. The journey to the venue, via the stunning Julier Pass, left a lasting impression—not just on the riders, but...
Relay Ride – Ceremonial Baton Handover in Bad Zurzach
The rider pairs who travelled from the Netherlands through Germany to Switzerland on horseback are not only bringing a symbolic message of greeting from the previous World Championship host, Oirschot (NL), but also carrying with them the spirit of community and love...