FEI: The Fédération Equestre Internationale

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), founded in 1921, is the international body governing equestrian sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Equestrian sport has been on the Olympic programme since 1912 with three disciplines: Jumping, Dressage and Eventing. The FEI is based on the principle of equality and mutual respect between all 133 affiliated National Federations, without prejudice to race, religion or internal politics.

We are the sole controlling authority for all international events in Dressage & Para-Equestrian Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Driving & Para-Equestrian Driving, Endurance, Vaulting, and Reining.

We establish the regulations and approve equestrian programmes at Championships, Continental and Regional Games as well as the Olympic Games. We promote equestrianism in all its forms and encourage the development of the FEI equestrian disciplines throughout the world, keeping the welfare of the horse at the heart of all our activities.

Our Values
1. Fairness and Equality: Equestrianism is one of the very few sports where men and women share the same podium and compete on equal terms up to and including Olympic level.
2. Complicity with the Animal: It is also the only sport that involves two athletes, the horse and rider. It is the successful partnership between these two elements; the relationship of confidence and respect that is built up between them, that makes the sport so exceptional.
3. Respect for the Environment: Equestrianism is also very much concerned with the conservation of the environment. It was one of the first international sports federations to establish a Code of Conduct towards the Environment
4. Respect for the Horse: Since the FEI was formed, it has concerned itself relentlessly with the welfare of the horse. In 1991, the FEI adopted a Code of Conduct, which starts as follows: “In all equestrian sports, the welfare of the horse must be considered paramount”.