20 December 2021

FEI withdraws canter in new Pair Test and publishes clarifications to new rules

The FEI has published today clarifications and updates regarding the FEI Driving & Para Driving Rules and the Driven Dressage Test 3*HP2-HP4.

1. FEI Driving & Para Driving Rules Clarifications, 12th Edition, effective 1st January 2022

During the FEI Hybrid General Assembly 2021 in Antwerp, the FEI in consultation with several National Federations, introduced some changes to the proposed Rules Changes presented in the Annexes. In order to inform the FEI Driving community of the reasoning of these changes, an explanatory document has been published containing clarifications on the following Articles:

  • Article 901.11: Trial of New Scoring System
  • Article 913: Minimum Eligibility Requirements / Qualification criteria
  • Article 935.3: In-Harness Horse Inspection
  • Article 936: Permitted Carriages
  • Article 937: Weights and Dimensions
  • Article 940: Harness, carriage and Horses
  • Article 948: Starting Order
  • Article 950: The Arena
  • Article 958: Classification
  • Article 960: The Course

Please refer to the FEI Rules Driving Hub for the Clarifications Document.

2. FEI Driven Dressage Test - Test 3*HP2-HP4

Following the publication of the new 3* Dressage tests for Pair and Four-In-Hand Horses and Ponies, to be implemented on 1 January 2022 without the canter figure and in 2023 with the canter figure (only for Pairs), the FEI Driving Technical Committee, upon further discussion and feedback from the Driving community, has unanimously decided to withdraw the introduction of canter for Pairs at this time.

As such, a 3rd version of the test has been created and is now published here. This 3rd version test replaces both the 2022 and 2023 tests and will be applicable for Pair Horse, Pair Pony and Four-In-Hand Pony classes as of 1 January 2022, and for the Four-in-Hand Horse class as of 1 January 2023.

The 3rd version modifies the gaits of two figures within the tests to a medium trot and stretch of the frame and thus provides a sufficient level of difficulty for the time. In the future, the FEI Driving Technical Committee unanimously feels that introducing the canter in the Dressage Test for Pair is important for the development of the sport and aligns with the aim to further improve the Drivers and Horses skills. Additionally, it provides a true distinction between Higher and Lower-level events.

Should you have any questions regarding the Dressage tests or the Clarifications to the FEI Driving & Para Driving Rules Clarifications, 12th Edition, effective 1st January 2022, please do not hesitate to contact the FEI Driving Department.



Photo: Krisztina Horváth

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