Qualification procedures for international endurance rides are to be tightened up with the introduction of a new star system to replace the former CEI (A) and CEI (B) rides.
Events will be categorised more clearly according to distance and the ride’s specified veterinary parameters of heart rate and the maximum time available for a horse to be presented to the veterinary panel at a vetgate.
One-star events will be over short distances, but are expected to have tight veterinary parameters. Four-star rides will be international level and include one-day 100-mile endurance rides.
Both horse and rider will have to have completed a certain number of starred events before moving up to the next level.
The ruling, which is expected to go before the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Bureau in November for ratification by the FEI General Assembly in April next year, was outlined at the recent meeting of the FEI endurance committee held following the recent World Championships in Compiegne, France.
