Exciting changes are on the horizon for equestrian sports enthusiasts and officials alike! The FEI has just unveiled its updated Education Systems for Eventing, Driving, and Para Driving, and trust us, you’ll want to dive into these details. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: these updates aren’t just about Eventing and Driving—the systems for Jumping, Dressage, Para Dressage, Vaulting, Endurance, and Veterinary have also been revamped, all set to take effect on December 1, 2025. This overhaul comes hot on the heels of recommendations from the Officials Working Group, approved by the FEI Board back in June 2025, and it’s designed to streamline processes while ensuring top-notch standards across the board.
So, what’s changing? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to digest, even if you’re new to the scene. One of the most significant updates revolves around the Continuous Education System (CES) Maintenance requirements. Here’s the deal: if you fail to pass or even attempt the CES Online Assessment or the CES Maintenance Course, your status will be marked as inactive for a year—until you successfully complete the requirement. This might sound strict, but it’s all about maintaining the highest level of competence and professionalism in officiating.
And this is the part most people miss: the CES Officiating Review has been fine-tuned to reflect different levels of experience and responsibility. For Level 1 officials, there’s no review needed—you’re good to go. But for Level 2, you’ll need at least one officiating assignment in the past three years to keep your status; otherwise, you’ll be moved down a level. As for Levels 3 and 4, the criteria are being reviewed by the Disciplines/Veterinary & Equine Welfare Department to lighten the load while keeping things relevant. Oh, and starting in 2028, Level 2 officials will need two assignments instead of one—so mark your calendars!
These changes will officially kick in on December 15, 2026, giving everyone ample time to adjust. But here’s the controversial bit: some might argue that these stricter requirements could deter newcomers or place undue pressure on existing officials. What do you think? Are these updates a necessary step forward, or do they risk alienating those who keep the sport running? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
In the meantime, spread the word! Share this update with officials in your country, and if you’ve got questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the respective Discipline/Veterinary & Equine Welfare Department. After all, staying informed is the first step to staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of equestrian sports.
