FEI STEWARDSMANUAL

Edition June 2016
Update July 2019

FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
June 2016 update July 2019

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 5
THE IDEA OF FEI STEWARDING AND ITS PURPOSE ................................................................................................ 8
1.1
2.

STEWARDING ............................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4

3.

WHAT IS STEWARDING? .................................................................................................................................... 8
THE AIM OF FEI STEWARDING ............................................................................................................................ 8
ORGANIZATION OF STEWARDING WITHIN THE FEI (STRUCTURE AND HIERARCHY) .......................................................... 8
WORKING PLACE FOR STEWARD(S) ................................................................................................................... 11
THE COOPERATION BETWEEN FEI OFFICIALS AND ATHLETES ................................................................................... 11

STABLES ......................................................................................................................................................11
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6

ACCESS TO THE STABLE AREA ........................................................................................................................... 11
STEWARDING OF THE STABLE AREA ................................................................................................................... 12
GROOMS ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
MOVEMENT THROUGHOUT THE SHOWGROUND .................................................................................................. 14
STEWARDING OF THE PRACTICE ARENAS ............................................................................................................ 14
GRAZING AREA ............................................................................................................................................. 14

4.

WARNING CARDS ........................................................................................................................................15

5.

VETERINARY EXAMINATIONS, HORSE INSPECTIONS AND PASSPORT CONTROL ..........................................15
5.1
5.2
5.3

6.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HORSE INSPECTION ...................................................................................................... 15
HORSE INSPECTION PROTOCOL ACCORDING TO THE RULES ..................................................................................... 16
PROCEDURE OF THE HORSE INSPECTION ............................................................................................................. 16

ANTI-DOPING TESTING FOR ATHLETES AND HORSES ..................................................................................17
6.1
6.2

EQUINE ANTI-DOPING AND CONTROLLED MEDICATION TESTING (EADCMP) ........................................................... 17
ATHLETES TESTING......................................................................................................................................... 177

ABUSE OF HORSES ......................................................................................................................................18

8

BE PRO-ACTIVE ...........................................................................................................................................18

9

MISCELLANEOUS .........................................................................................................................................18
9.1PUBLIC ................................................................................................................................................................ 18
9.2
FOOTING ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
9.3
PRACTICE ARENA(S) TIMETABLES ...................................................................................................................... 19
9.4
STIRRUPS ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
9.5
ADVERTISING AND PUBLICITY ON ATHLETES AND HORSES (GRS ART. 135) ................................................................ 1910

LEGAL PROCEDURE AND SANCTIONS ..........................................................................................................20
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5

11

THE LEGAL BASE............................................................................................................................................ 20
SOME PRACTICAL ADVICE................................................................................................................................. 21
PROTESTS (GR ART. 163) ............................................................................................................................... 22
APPEALS (GR ART. 165) ................................................................................................................................ 23
PENALTIES (GR ART. 169 EXTRACT) ................................................................................................................. 24

REPORT AND FOLLOW-UP ...........................................................................................................................24
11.2
11.3
11.4

REPORTS (GR ART. 164) ................................................................................................................................ 24
AFTER THE COMPETITION ................................................................................................................................ 24
FEI CHECKLIST FOR CHIEF STEWARDS ................................................................................................................ 24

ANNEXES .............................................................................................................................................................28
ANNEX I – THE CHIEF STEWARD REPORT ................................................................................................................ 29
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ANNEX II – THE HORSE INSPECTION ....................................................................................................................... 30
ANNEX III – STABLE CARD INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 31
ANNEX IV – NIGHT CONTROL IN THE STABLES ........................................................................................................ 32
ANNEX V – TACK CONTROL DURING FEI EVENTS .................................................................................................... 33
ANNEX VI – SADDLERY REFERENCE ........................................................................................................................ 35
ANNEX VII – DRESSAGE ARENAS............................................................................................................................. 38
ANNEX VIII – GUIDELINES FOR STEWARDING......................................................................................................... 39
ANNEX IX – DRESSAGE FOR ATHLETES WITH IMPAIRMENTS.................................................................................. 42
ANNEX X – ASSISTANCE FOR ATHLETES WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS ................................................................... 43
ANNEX XI – STEWARDS TRAINING RECORD............................................................................................................ 44
ANNEX XII – STEWARDS NOTES .............................................................................................................................. 45
ANNEX XIII – NEW. PRE AND POST COMPETITION TRAINING TECHNIQUES ........................................................... 46
ANNEX XIV – SITE LAYOUT ...................................................................................................................................... 48

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FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
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PREAMBLE
International equestrian Competitions have developed rapidly in recent years and Stewarding
must therefore be developed to the highest standards.
This Manual is intended to provide guidance to anybody concerned as an FEI Steward at an
International Para Dressage Competition.
The FEI Stewards Manual for Para Dressage constitutes a specific provision of the FEI Rules
and Regulations, and should be read in conjunction with the Statutes, the General
Regulations, the FEI Para Dressage Rules and the Veterinary Regulations.
The rules must always be strictly observed and there are minimum standards that must be
achieved at all FEI Competitions. This Manual includes many recommendations for 'best
practice’ which are the standards to be aimed at and are essential.
The first consideration for all Officials and Organisers must always be the safety of the Athlete
and the welfare of the Horse, closely followed by the need to ensure fair play in Competition.
Every eventuality cannot be provided for in this Manual. In any unforeseen or exceptional
circumstances, it is the duty of the Ground Jury in consultation with the Technical Delegate(when present) to make a decision in a sporting spirit and to approach as nearly as possible
the intention of the FEI Para Dressage Rules and the FEI General Regulations.
In the event of conflict between the FEI Stewards Manual for Para Dressage and the FEI Para
Dressage Rules, the FEI Para Dressage Rules shall prevail. The FEI Para Dressage Rules are
not repeated in this Manual, but only referenced as they may change from time to time.

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INTRODUCTION
1.

FEI Stewarding Motto"Help, Prevent, Intervene"
2.

Fairness by means of a good FEI Stewarding ProgrammeInternational equestrian competitions have developed in recent years to a point thatstewarding is now one of the most important aspects of any event. The steward is called upon
to make quick, informed judgements and to intervene in situations that require an official,authoritative but fair reaction. In line with most activities of equestrian officials, knowledgeof accepted behaviour and of the rules and regulations combined with experience and common
sense provide for the best stewarding.
From higher level events where top professionals compete down to lower level events withup and coming competitors, often riding borrowed horses, the services of qualified stewards
are essential. Up and coming competitors often imitate the well-known experienced
competitors, and proper training methods and behaviour are frequently learned by example.
The stewards’ principal aim is to endeavour to ensure that competitors participating in events
do so with the utmost respect for their horses, officials, the public, their fellow competitors
and all those involved in the sport.
While no two events are alike, stewards should always make fair and considered decisions.
The FEI Chief Steward must be aware of the standards at each event and should always aspire
to help raise the awareness of competitors and officials alike. The welfare of the horse isparamount.
3.

FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse

The FEI requires all those involved in international equestrian sport to adhere to the FEI Codeof Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse and to acknowledge and accept that at all times thewelfare of the Horse must be paramount. Welfare of the horse must never be subordinatedto competitive or commercial influences. The following points must be particularly adheredto:
1. General Welfare:a) Good Horse management
Stabling and feeding must be compatible with the best Horse management practices. Clean
and good quality forage, feed and water must always be available.
b) Training methods
Horses must only undergo training that matches their physical capabilities and level ofmaturity for their respective disciplines. They must not be subjected to methods which are
abusive or cause fear.
c) Farriery and tack
Foot care and shoeing must be of a high standard. Tack must be designed and fitted to avoid
the risk of pain or injury.

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FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
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During transportation, Horses must be fully protected against injuries and other health risks.
Vehicles must be safe, well ventilated, maintained to a high standard, disinfected regularly
and driven by competent personnel. Competent handlers must always be available to manage
the Horses.
e) Transit
All journeys must be planned carefully, and Horses allowed regular rest periods with accessto food and water in line with current FEI guidelines.
2. Fitness to compete:a) Fitness and competence
Participation in Competition must be restricted to fit Horses and Athletes of provencompetence. Horses must be allowed suitable rest period between training and competitions;additional rest periods should be allowed following travelling.
b) Health status
No Horse deemed unfit to compete may compete or continue to compete, veterinary advice
must be sought whenever there is any doubt.
c) Doping and Medication
Any action or intent of doping and illicit use of medication constitutes a serious welfare issue
and will not be tolerated. After any veterinary treatment, sufficient time must be allowed forfull recovery before Competition.
d) Surgical procedures
Any surgical procedures that threaten a competing Horse’s welfare or the safety of otherHorses and/or Athletes must not be allowed.
e) Pregnant/recently foaled mares
Mares must not compete after their fourth month of pregnancy or with foal at foot.
f) Misuse of aids
Abuse of a Horse using natural riding aids or artificial aids (e.g. whips, spurs, etc.) will not betolerated.
3. Events must not prejudice Horse welfare:a) Competition areas
Horses must be trained and compete on suitable and safe surfaces. All obstacles andcompetition conditions must be designed with the safety of the Horse in mind.
b) Ground surfaces
All ground surfaces on which Horses walk, train or compete must be designed and maintained
to reduce factors that could lead to injury.
c) Extreme weather
Competitions must not take place in extreme weather conditions that may compromise
welfare or safety of the Horse. Provision must be made for cooling conditions and equipmentfor Horses after competing.
d) Stabling at Events

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Stables must be safe, hygienic, comfortable, well ventilated and of sufficient size for the typeand disposition of the Horse. Washing-down areas and water must always be available.
4. Humane treatment of horses:a) Veterinary treatment
Veterinary expertise must always be available at an Event. If a Horse is injured or exhausted
during a Competition, the Athlete must stop competing and a veterinary evaluation must be
performed.
b) Referral centres
Wherever necessary, Horses should be collected by ambulance and transported to the nearest
relevant treatment centre for further assessment and therapy. Injured Horses must be given
full supportive treatment before being transported.
c) Competition injuries
The incidence of injuries sustained in Competition should be monitored. Ground surface
conditions, frequency of Competitions and any other risk factors should be examined carefully
to indicate ways to minimise injuries.
d) Euthanasia
If injuries are sufficiently severe, a Horse may need to be euthanased on humane grounds bya veterinarian as soon as possible, with the sole aim of minimising suffering.
e) Retirement
Horses must be treated sympathetically and humanely when they retire from Competition.
5. Education:
The FEI urges all those involved in equestrian sport to attain the highest possible levels of
education in areas of expertise relevant to the care and management of the Competition
Horse.
This Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse may be modified from time to time and theviews of all are welcomed. Particular attention will be paid to new research findings and the
FEI encourages further funding and support for welfare studies.

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FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
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THE IDEA OF FEI STEWARDING AND ITS PURPOSE
The terms “Stewarding” and “Steward” (and the included responsibilities) can have different
interpretations and therefore need to be clearly defined.
1.1

What is stewarding?

It is the supervision at international events by trained individuals to ensure that the welfareof the horse is respected and that a level playing field is provided for all athletes participating
at the event.
2.

STEWARDING

2.1

The aim of FEI stewarding

The purpose of Stewarding is:
To protect the welfare of the horse and ensure fair play;
To support the Organising Committee (OC) in the successful running of the event inline with the FEI rules and regulations.
2.2

Organization of stewarding within the FEI (structure and hierarchy)

2.2.1

FEI Director Stewarding

The FEI Director Stewarding is appointed by the FEI Bureau from a member of FEI HQ. The
FEI Director Stewarding duties are:•••

To coordinate all matters relating to Stewarding for each discipline;
To liaise between the FEI Honorary Stewards General for each discipline;
To report to the Bureau.

2.2.2

FEI Honorary Steward General

An FEI Honorary Steward General is appointed by the FEI Bureau for each discipline and is
responsible for stewarding throughout the FEI for that specific discipline. The FEI Honorary
Steward General’s duties are to:•
Liaise with the FEI Director Stewarding and produce a report on stewarding every six
months;•
Liaise with the Regional Stewards General;•
Liaise with the Para Equestrian Technical Committee.
•
Together with FEI HQ establish a list of courses each year for the education of
Stewards;•
Supervise stewarding activities within Para Dressage.
FEI Regional Steward General – FEI Regional Stewards General are appointed
by the FEI for designated areas.

2.2.3

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To report half yearly on stewarding in their area to the FEI Honorary Steward General

2.2.4

FEI Steward General

The FEI Steward General is proposed to the FEI by their NF and is responsible for the
stewarding at international events within their NF. Prior to their appointment as FEI General
Steward they must be a Level 3 Steward. In addition they are required to report to the FEIRegional Steward General to make suggestions for improvement relating to stewarding
matters. The duties of a Steward General are to:•
Act as the contact person between their NF and the FEI Regional Steward General andif necessary directly with the FEI Honorary Steward General in matters relating to theirdiscipline’s stewarding.
•
Advise their NF on all matters relating to their responsibility;•
Be familiar with the organisation of an international event;•Have a good knowledge of veterinary matters plus FEI Veterinary Regulations and the
FEI legal system.
•
be able to speak at least one of the FEI’s official languages.
•
Inform the OCs of international events in their country of their responsibilities relating
to stewarding and stable security under their jurisdiction.
Within smaller NFs, one Steward General may act as Steward General for a number ofdisciplines providing that they are qualified in the disciplines for which they have been
appointed.
The Steward General must arrange for Level 1 and 2 steward courses to be organized within
their NF for persons to be appointed to Steward Levels 1, 2 and 3.
2.2.5

The Chief Steward

To be eligible to act in the capacity as Chief Steward at an international event the Chief
Steward must have successfully completed a FEI Stewards’ Level 2 course and be included
on the FEI list of stewards. The number of FEI Stewards in any country should be in proportion
to the number of international events held there.
A Chief Steward must be able to speak English as one of the FEI’s official languages and must
be a person experienced in equestrian sports, particularly in the Discipline of Dressage andhave a good knowledge of all FEI Rules and Regulations for Dressage, the General Regulations
and the VRs.
Each OC must appoint a Chief Steward from the list of FEI Stewards. If the event includes
more than one discipline, a Chief Steward must be appointed for each discipline. One of thesemust be appointed as overall Chief Steward of the entire event.
The Chief Steward must be integrated into the Organisation Committee of the event. Theirname must be printed in the event schedule. They are responsible for organising the
stewarding at the event and is under the authority of the President of the Ground Jury. If a
Technical Delegate is appointed they must work together closely prior to and during the event(see Annex II).
The Chief Steward must report immediately to the President of the Ground Jury (GRs Art
155.5) any act by anyone that they consider being in contravention of the rules andPage 9 of 48

FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
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regulations relating to their responsibilities. They must inform the President of the Ground
Jury, the Appeal Committee (where appointed) and the Technical Delegate of any infractions
that merit a Yellow Warning Card and additional action. The Chief Steward may issue Yellow
Warning Cards to athletes, in accordance with General Regulations Art. 169.7.1 for reasons
including, but not limited to, abuse of horses and incorrect behaviour towards Officials. Oncea Yellow Warning Card has been issued the Chief Steward must inform the OC.
During the event the Chief Steward and Assistants must wear, along with the event’s
Organizing Committee’s accreditation, the FEI Steward badge in a clearly visible manner.
The Chief Steward is responsible for stewarding and the organisation of the stewarding teamduring the entire event.
Following each event, the Chief Steward must send a written report to the Para Dressage
Director at FEI HQ, with copies to the President of the Ground Jury, the OC, the Steward
General of the NF and the Secretary General of the host NF where the event has taken place.
If necessary, recommendations for improvements should be made in the Chief Steward’s
report (see Annex I).
2.2.6

The Assistant Steward

According to the size and type of event, a sufficient number of assistant stewards must be
appointed by the OC. These persons must preferably hold at least Level 1 Steward status.
2.2.7

The Stewarding TeamThe OC together with the Chief Steward are responsible for the selection of a competentstewarding team capable of providing the appropriate stewarding service during the event,as per the FEI Para Dressage Rules. Briefing sessions must be organised every day by the
Chief Steward.. Stewards must attend a Refresher Seminar every 3 years to stay on the listof FEI Stewards.
A briefing meeting must be held by the Chief Steward with the assistant Stewards prior to thestart of the International Event. The following topics must be covered:-Supervision and security of the stables
Control of schooling and competition areas
Patrolling of the event restricted area
Veterinary assistance and Medical Control ProgrammeTimely intervention to prevent abuse
Horse inspection
Procedure for reporting incidents
Correct behaviour towards athletes, grooms and trainers
Work timetable
Meals
Accommodation
Areas of responsibilities
Stewarding Groups
ArrivalStable Duties
Schooling (specific Dressage Duties)
Warming-up

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Checking the saddlery and compensating aids and Athlete’s profiles against the FEIClassification Master List
Competition Flow
Prize-giving
Location of screens in case of a horse injury/fatality
New pair of gloves to be used for each individual tack check
Checks to be completed for the tack check
Each steward must have a copy of the FEI Classification Master List of compensating aids.
Compensating aids must be checked against the FEI Classification Master List. This check
MUST be undertaken whilst the athlete is mounted if possible.
It is advisable to have two stewards working in each area (where numbers allow). This isespecially important during the timed training of Grades I, II and III, where trainers are riding
the athlete’s horse. Trainers may only ride an athlete’s horse for a maximum of 30 minutes
a day. Trainers must be dismounted 15 minutes before the athlete’s competition time. On no
account may any horse in Grade IV and Grade V be ridden by a trainer. Horses may be lunged
without an Athlete, by the Athlete/Trainer or their designated representative, but NOT during
the 15 minutes before entering the competition arena.
2.3

Working place for Steward(s)The OC must provide the Stewards with adequate working facilities. A room or trailer should
be available with chairs, beverages and a table so that they have a place to rest from time totime. At events where they have to work outdoors every effort should be made to provide
them with a sheltered area in the middle of, or immediately adjacent to, the exercise arenas
from where they can effectively supervise the activities of the athletes. For purposes ofcommunication the entire team must be equipped with radios.
All Stewards officiating at an international event must wear distinctive identification such as
badges or armbands, bibs, etc. and must have complete freedom of access to all restricted
areas such as, but not limited to, all parts of the stables, schooling areas, collecting rings andall other areas under control of the OC.
2.4
The cooperation between FEI Officials and athletes (athletes, owners, chefs
d’equipe, trainers and grooms)
Every effort should be made to have a good working relationship between Officials andathletes.
It should not be forgotten that athletes have their own interests at heart that may not be inline with the rules and procedures applicable to the event.
It is much better to prevent a rule being broken rather than having to react afterwards. To
be able to intervene at the correct time a good knowledge of the rules and regulations isnecessary.
3.

STABLES

3.1

Access to the Stable Area

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FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
June 2016 update July 2019For a high level of stable security at Championships and Games, the stables must becompletely enclosed by a fence or wall. Access to the stable area must be controlled andrestricted. This serves both as a deterrent to the entry of unauthorised persons anduncontrolled exit of horses. The area must be sufficiently large to allow horses to be evacuatedfrom the stables in an emergency.
All horses must be stabled in the official designated stables. Horses cannot leave their stables
without their ID number.
Strict stable security is of paramount importance. Admission to the stables is limited during
an event. The only persons authorised by the OC to enter the stable area are the following solong as they are in possession of the required accreditations (See Art. 1009 VRs):
Athletes plus one accompanying person
The Technical Delegate or Foreign Judge
Members of the Ground Jury and Appeal Committee
Chief Steward and assistant stewards
The Veterinary Commission/Delegate
Treating Veterinarian
Medication Control Officials
The Official farrier, Team farriers and individual athlete’s private farriers
Not more than two owners per horse as per those registered within the horse’s
passport
The Chefs d’Equipe, trainers, grooms
The Team Veterinarians and veterinarians accompanying individual athletes
Physiotherapists who have registered with the Veterinary Commission/Delegate
Presidents and Secretaries General of National Federations may also visit the stablearea with the approval of the OC
It is essential that the OC official responsible for authorizing access to the stable area is asenior person within the OC.
Control of accessA control system must operate at all entrance gates to the stable area so that there is anefficient and reliable method of identifying those who enter and leave the stable area at any
time. Please see below for further information.
3.2

Stewarding of the Stable Area

At least one steward reporting directly to the Chief Steward must be present or readily
available in the vicinity of the stable area 24 hours a day for the entire duration of the event.
They may be assisted by additional stewards as deemed necessary.
See stable security requirements Veterinary Regulations Part I (Facilities & Stables).
During the time that the stables are officially closed nobody has the right to stay in the stables.
Any persons requiring access to the stables during the hours of closure must report to thesteward on duty. They must be in possession of the required accreditation. They must sign inon the ‘Night Control in Stables’ form (ref. Annex VIII) and they must be escorted by an FEI
Steward at all times during their visit until they have left the secured stabling area. The ‘Night
Control in Stables’ form must then be submitted to the Chief Steward each morning.

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There must be constant patrolling of the secured stable areas by official FEI Stewards (orsecurity team employed by the OC). This patrolling must be obvious and clear for all people
to see. It must take place 24 hours a day, even when the stables are closed. No predeterminedpattern should be established in order to discourage any form of forbidden practices orabuses. Any misdemeanours must immediately be reported to the steward responsible in thestable area, who must, in turn, report to the Chief Steward, who in turn reports to the
President of the Ground Jury. Stewards may also ask for the appropriate Medication Form if
a horse is seen to receive treatment of any kind; this also applies to the use of nebulisers.
Any persons found within the secured stable areas during the hours of closure without therequired authorisation will have their accreditation removed for the remainder of the event.
Also, at the discretion of the Ground Jury, the Athlete of the concerned groom etc. may
possibly be disqualified from the remainder of the event.
The duty of the stewards is therefore to safeguard the welfare of the horses and to prevent
any form of forbidden practice.
Stabling must:
If possible be on the Showground
Satisfy requirements of local authorities.
Have clear-kept emergency exits.
Have appropriate and sufficient fire-fighting equipment
Have no-smoking/e-cigarettes signs
Be checked for safety and solidity
Be allocated by the OC to athletes
Be numbered and labelled
Have adequate ventilation, water and bedding
Have clean yards, adequate manure disposal
Have an area for storing fodder and bedding
Have an entrance open 24 hours a day
A passageway of a minimum of 2 metres, although minimum 3 metres is highly
recommended.
Stabling – Minimum Requirements:
Cleaned and disinfected prior to horses’ arrival
Well ventilated
Be a restricted area (Security)
Washing facilities for horses
Sufficient electricity and power points
Space for tack and equipment
Sufficient number of showers and toilets for grooms
No cars or motor bikes may be parked in the stable area. Push bikes and electricallypowered bikes may be allowed at the discretion of the OC.
Office for Stewards if possible in the vicinity of the stables, Stable Manager andTreating Veterinarian for assistance
Information Board
Minimum two MCP Stables
Minimum two isolation stables
Cafeteria - “Meeting corner” in the stables area.
There must be hot water, kettle or water heater to be available
Dedicated Smoking Area away from hay/straw/shavings storage
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Stables must have a roof over hang

3.3

GroomsAccommodation for grooms, if required, must be provided in the vicinity of the stables. Only
grooms, duly registered with the OC as a groom, who wish to remain with their horses during
the night, may possibly be permitted to do so. This permission may only be granted under
exceptional circumstances i.e. ill horse etc.
The Person Responsible must ensure that their groom, or any other authorised persons withaccess to their horses, are familiar with the security and stewarding procedures for the eventin question.
3.4

Movement throughout the Showground

Movement of horses between the stables, practice area, grazing area and main arena must
be strictly controlled. The optimum layout may be found in Annex XIV of this document. It is
understood that flexibility will be required depending on the requirements of other disciplines
and lay-out of showground, but wherever practicable the optimum layout should be followed.
3.5

Stewarding of the Practice Arenas

3.5.1

Practice Arenas

The practice arenas refer to all arenas used for warming-up, training practice etc. From here
in, all of these arenas/areas will be referred to as practice arenas.
The Chief Steward must ensure that each practice arena is adequately stewarded at all times
when officially open. They must also ensure that all practice arenas are subject to random
control when they are officially closed.
There should be the capacity to change a 20mx60m arena into a 20mx40m arena for Grades
I, II and Grade III.
Arenas should be randomly checked when closed.
Boots, bandages and fly hoods are allowed during training and warm up.
3.5.2

10/15 Minute Arena

This is the last practice area before entering the competition arena. A 10/15minute
Arena is obligatory for the Paralympic Games and Championships and recommended for allother CPEDIs. The fully equipped arena must have the same footing as the main arena. The
athlete may enter the arena following the departure of the athlete as they enter the main
arena. It is not obligatory for an athlete to use the 10/15 -minute arena. A steward must bepresent at all times to supervise. Adjusting of saddlery and normal caring for the horse isallowed.
3.6

Grazing Area

It is recommended that a grazing area be provided at all outdoor events and that this besubject to random control. If available, horses must only be grazed or walked in hand within
this area and their ID number must be clearly displayed.
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FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
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WARNING CARDSIn accordance with the FEI General Regulations, Current Edition (Art. 169), in cases ofoffences mentioned in paragraphs 169.6.2 (abuse of Horses) and 169.6.3 (incorrect behaviour
towards Event Officials or any other party connected with the event) and which are of a lessserious nature, and/or in cases specified in the Sport Rules, the President of the Ground Jury,the President of the Appeal Committee and the Chief Steward, instead of instituting theprocedures foreseen in the legal system, may deliver to the Person Responsible (athlete) a
Yellow Warning Card, either by hand or by any other suitable means.
In the case of a Yellow Warning Card being issued, after the decision of the Ground Jury, a
notice stating the name of the Athlete and the reason of the warning must be posted on the
Official notice board.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the General Regulations, should the same Person
Responsible receive one more Yellow Warning Card at the same or any other international
Event within one year of the delivery of the first Yellow Warning Card for the same offence,
the Person Responsible shall automatically be suspended for a period of two months after
official notification from the FEI Secretary General.
National Federations and Organising Committees must ensure that the President of the
Ground Jury, President of the Appeal Committee and the Chief Steward at all International
Events are in possession of sufficient Yellow Warning Cards.
In case the Chief Steward wants to issue a Yellow Warning Card out of their own authority it
would be prudent to discuss this first with the Technical Delegate or President of the Ground
Jury as appropriate.
An up to date list of athletes in possession of a Yellow Warning Card can be found on thefollowing link: http://www.fei.org/fei/your-role/athletes/warning-cards
5.
VETERINARYCONTROLEXAMINATIONS,HORSEINSPECTIONSANDPASSPORT

Please refer to Chapter IV “Veterinary Control at FEI Events” of the FEI Veterinary Regulations
for full details.
5.1

Requirements for the Horse Inspection

The OC must consider all the necessary requirements for the Horse Inspection. It must also
liaise with the Technical Delegate / Veterinary Commission / Veterinary Delegate and will
discuss the protocol for the inspection well in advance with the Chief Steward.
5.1.1

Surface

It is important that the inspection surface provides a fair evaluation of the horse’s fitness tocompete. The surface should always be firm, level and not slippery. This can be accomplishedin three ways:
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A competition arena that has been scraped to its firm base layer. The surface should
be watered and rolled so that it is sufficiently compact to prevent it cutting up during theinspection.
A firm gravel or stone dust road that has been swept to remove all loose stones.
There should be a minimum of 30 metres of surface available to inspect the horses at walkand trot, but a shorter surface may be acceptable for indoor horse inspections. In somecircumstances the Horse Inspection may, if necessity, be carried out on the competition
surface, in which case the OC must discuss the conditions with the Inspection Panel and the
TD if appointed beforehand. In such a situation the surface must be firmly rolled to provide
the appropriate conditions.
5.1.2

Organisation

The inspection area must be properly cordoned off from the public and effectively stewarded
so that horses are ready for inspection at the scheduled time and quickly led away afterwards.
5.1.3

Holding Box

A cordoned off area should be allocated close to the inspection area that can be used for afurther examination of horses exhibiting doubtful fitness to compete. This area should be
separate and if possible out of sight of the main inspection track, and large enough to trot
the horse in hand.
5.1.4

Announcements to the Public

Any announcement relating to the progress of the inspection (i.e. horse being presented andits competition number) should be made by public address. The decision as to whether thehorse has been accepted, not accepted or sent to the Holding Box should be given out
immediately.
5.1.5

Safety of horses and handlers

Special care is necessary with strict stewarding at Inspections where there are a large numberof horses in the collecting area. The same applies if there are stallions present for the
Inspection, as they can create a significant safety risk.
5.2

Horse Inspection protocol according to the Rules

The Horse Inspection should be held not more than 24 hours prior to the start of the firstcompetition.
5.3
5.3.1

Procedure of the Horse Inspection
General Remarks

The Person Responsible must present the horse for inspection, unless prior permission
to have a substitute lead the horse has been granted by the Inspection Panel (through Chief
Steward/OC).

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The Veterinarian will walk around the horse to carry out a brief visual inspection of thehorse. Palpation of a limb or other part of the body will only be carried out if deemednecessary. However, other clinical tests may not be performed at this time (i.e. active flexion
tests or walk the horse in a circle).
After the visual inspection, the horse will be walked for a short distance (10 paces)
and then trotted on a loose rein (for 30 - 4O m) with the handler on the left side of the horse.
The veterinarian watches the horse’s gait from the centre of the inspection track.
Walk before turning to the right and trot back.
The inspection panel then makes a decision, taking into account the opinion of the FEI
Veterinary official, to accept, not accept or refer the horse to the Holding Box
5.3.2

Rules for Horse Inspections

Horses must be presented in bridle with a bit and with ID number clearly displayed,no other tack or equipment may be worn
Handlers neatly dressed
No rugs
No dye or paint on horses or hooves
Handlers may carry a whip of up to 120cm only, if necessary, as per the Vet
Regulations.
6.

ANTI-DOPING TESTING FOR ATHLETES AND HORSES

6.1

Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication testing (EADCMP)

At any event where testing is to take place, the Testing Official (EADCMR Testing Veterinarianor Veterinary Delegate) will require the assistance of stewards with testing. In most cases,
the Steward will be asked to notify the athlete (at the moment of leaving the arena) that thehorse will be tested and accompany the horse thereafter until the sample(s) has/have beencollected. It is essential not to let the horse out of sight until collection takes place. The
Steward appointed to Testing should be familiar with the procedure, so that they are awareof the correct procedure (FEI website / Veterinary / Medication Control).
The Steward escorts the selected horse to the EADCMR testing box.
6.2

Athletes TestingIn accordance with the FEIs’ Anti-doping Rules for Human Athletes (ADRHA), FEI athletes(riders, drivers, vaulters, lungers) can be tested at any FEI Event, by the FEI or by other AntiDoping Organisations with Testing jurisdiction (Anti-Doping Organisations who wish to
conduct athlete testing at FEI events must first obtain the FEI’s permission).
Where FEI Testing is planned, Organisers have the responsibility to provide facilities andstaff/volunteers if requested by the FEI (article 22.3 of the ADRHA). The FEI makes allnecessary arrangements with the Organiser and the TD or Foreign Judge. Stewards may be
asked to provide assistance if necessary.
If a Steward receives a query on human anti-doping, they should direct the person:- to a medical person with knowledge in anti-doping, or- to the FEI, or- to the local National/Regional Anti-Doping Organisation.
Additional information and contact details can be found in the ”Clean Sport Humans” sectionof the FEI’s website.
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The ADRHA are published on the FEI’s website

7

ABUSE OF HORSES

No person may abuse a horse during an event or at any other time.
ABUSE is defined as acting in a way which may cause pain or discomfort to a horse. It meansan action or omission which causes or is likely to cause pain or discomfort to a horse. This
includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:-

Excessive or inappropriate use of hand/leg and/or whip
To subject a horse to any kind of electric shock device
To exhaust or exercise an exhausted, lame or injured horse
Excessive or prolonged use of any training method or movement
To sensitise or desensitise any part of a horse
To leave a horse without adequate food, drink, bedding or movement/exercise
To use any device that causes pain to the horse

If abuse is witnessed during an event, it should be reported as a protest (Art 167) to an
Official. If an Abuse is witnessed at any other time it should be reported as a protest (Art167) to the FEI Secretary General for referral to the Judicial Committee.
8

BE PRO-ACTIVESITUATIONS NOT ALLOWED BUT NOT LIMITED TO...
Any behaviour or training method that could be considered as abusive to the horse;
Persons in charge of horses causing dangerous situations due to a lack of consideration
to others;
Riding or walking with horse in hand in the main arena, without authorisation;
Riding in the Practice Arena when used without authorisation or outside the allowedtime.
For situations of bleeding please see Article 8430.11.4 of the FEI Para Dressage Rules.
9

MISCELLANEOUS
9.1Public

For safety reasons, the public must be separated and kept away from the areas where horses
transit and exercise. The entire event area should be patrolled randomly.
9.2

Footing

The footing of all exercise areas is of great importance. Horses spend much more time inPractice Arenas than in the competition arena. The OC must be prepared to improve thefooting (watering, sand, shavings, etc.) and even move to another area if this is available

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Judge/Technical Delegate/Chief Steward.
9.3

Practice Arena(s) Timetables

Timetables for the use of Practice Arenas must be established, posted on the notice board in
the stable in an appropriate area with athlete access, and adhered to. Whenever possible,
flexibility is required and the Practice Arenas should be opened outside the established times
on receipt of reasonable requests. Horses must always wear their ID number. The Practice
Arenas must always be stewarded when in use.

9.4

Stirrups

In the interests of safety, the stirrup iron and the stirrup leather (this also applies to safety
stirrups) must hang freely from the safety bar of the saddle and the outside of the flap. The
Athlete must not directly or indirectly tie any part of their body to the saddlery.
9.5

Advertising and publicity on athletes and horses (GRs Art. 135)

Athletes participating in an Event agree to be filmed, televised, photographed, identified,interviewed and otherwise recorded during the Event for the purposes of the media coverageof the Event (by means of all and any media throughout the world in perpetuity) and thepromotion of the sport. Athletes therefore assign with full title guarantee in perpetuity to the
FEI all rights of any nature in any such recordings. Athletes agree that their name and image
and any photographs and moving images taken of them at an Event may be used by the FEI
and/or OC for the purposes of publicising the Event and promoting the sport.
At all Events, except Regional and Olympic Games under the patronage of the IOC, Athletes
may wear clothing and use equipment (including, but not limited to, riding equipment andvaulting back pads) and vehicles which identify the manufacturer, the Athlete's sponsor(s),as per the FEI General Regulations, Current Edition.
Any athlete in direct contravention of the rules concerning advertising should not be allowed
to enter the arena. They may also be subject to a yellow warning card issued by the Ground
Jury.
9.5.1

Identification of the Manufacturer

While present in the competition area and during the prize-giving ceremonies theidentification of the manufacturer of the clothing and equipment may appear only once peritem and may appear on a surface area not exceeding:
3 cm2 for clothing and equipment
75cm2 for fly hood
If the manufacturers of clothing and equipment act as sponsors, the provisions underparagraph 9.4.2 of this article apply.
9.5.2

Identification of Sponsors

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While present in the competition area and during the prize-giving ceremonies the name and/or
logo of the individual’s sponsor(s) and/or team sponsor(s) may appear on a surface area notexceeding:a.
200cm2 on each side of the saddle cloth.
b.
80 cm2 only once on jacket or top garments at the height of breast pockets
c.
16cm2 on both sides of the shirt collar.
d.
75cm2 for fly hood
9.5.3

Team Sponsor Logo

OCs of Championships or CIOs may state in the schedule that such logos are not permitted
in Nations Cup Classes, with the exception of the names and logos of the team sponsors under
the limitations of Art. 135 of the General Regulations.
9.5.4

Competition / Event Logo / Advertising

1.
The OC may display the name and/or logo of a competition and/or event sponsor(s)on members of the area party and on the numbers worn by athletes and on stable rugs while
present in the competition area and during the prize-giving ceremonies at all FEI events. The
size of name and/or logo on the athlete’s number shall not exceed 100 cm2.
2.
Advertising may appear on the outsides of the arena provided the TV agreement allows
for it.
3.
For the purposes of this article, the competition area shall include all areas where theathlete is being judged or their horse is undergoing a horse/veterinary inspection.
Any athlete in direct contravention of the rules concerning advertising should not be allowed
to enter the arena. They may also be subject to a yellow warning card issued by the Ground
Jury.
10

LEGAL PROCEDURE AND SANCTIONS
10.1

The Legal Base

The following rule books and regulations describe the basic tasks, responsibilities andorganisation of the FEI. Officials and the Chief Steward must be in possession of these rulebooks and know the rules which cover their responsibilities.
The Chief Steward should have the following:-

FEI General Regulations (GRs).
FEI Veterinary Regulations (VRs).
Appropriate Rules for the relevant Para Dressage Event.

It is of course impossible to know all the rules by heart. Therefore the first priority is tobecome familiar with the relevant articles, in order to understand how to proceed.
The First Principles are:HELP
PREVENT

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INTERVENEIn accordance with the maxim that prevention is better than cure, the first principle of Officials
is to ensure that everything is organised according to the rules.
Athletes for their part, have a duty to ensure that they observe the rules with regard to theirhorses and within relation to their own preparation for and participation in the event.
The legal system is fairly complex even for a professional lawyer. Therefore those concernedwith applying it, while they must know what rule to look for and where to find it, ought not
to try to learn the system by heart. When a difficulty arises, it is wise even for the wellinformed to read the relevant articles carefully before tackling the problem.
If someone objects informally to a decision by an official, the official should inform them of
the correct procedure and refer them to Articles 163 and 165 of the General Regulations. If
the objector is not the appropriate person, this should be pointed out.
10.2

Some practical advice

The facts of a case, if not already agreed, must first be established. A decision must then bereached on the agreed or proven facts. Witnesses to prove alleged facts are of great
importance.
If an objection (including an informal objection) is clearly correct, thank the objector,
apologise and correct the mistake, however caution is needed on two points - think carefully
before you change your decision: the official may have been right.
Except when making a quick decision, a quiet place should be found where the proceedings
will not be overheard. A courtroom atmosphere should be avoided, but order must be
maintained and interruptions discouraged. Each interested party must receive a fair hearing
and be allowed to state their case regarding the facts and, where necessary, the law.
Judges, other officials and stewards, who were in the arena or the restricted area, may beable to give relevant evidence. Where severe cruelty is alleged, see the horse as soon as
possible and enlist the help of the veterinary official. If the horse shows signs of having been
ill-treated, point out any marks to the person accused.
Even if the act of cruelty has been seen by you, ask the accused person for their comments
before reaching a decision.
If an incident has to be reported, do not forget the officials will need written statements fromthose involved and witnesses (impartial!). These papers must be signed and dated (with thetime noted, if possible).
Finally while a lay person cannot expect to be a qualified legal expert, it is important to be
fair and patient, to give each party an opportunity to state their own case and ask eachquestion of the witnesses, to weigh the evidence (where it is disputed) and reach an impartial
decision in a sporting spirit.
Who must have a good knowledge of the rules?
-

The President of the Ground Jury
The Foreign Judge/Technical Delegate
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The President of the Appeal Committee
The Chief Steward
The Veterinary Delegate/President of the Veterinary Commission

10.3 Protests (GR Art. 163)1.
Protests may be lodged against any person or body involved in any capacity in an
International Event or otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the FEI including for failure toobserve the Statutes, GRs or Sport Rules or violation of the common principles of behaviour,
fairness, or accepted standards of sportsmanship, whether occurring during or in connection
with an International Event or at any other time.
2.
Protests may only be lodged by the FEI, Presidents of NFs, Officials, Chefs d’Equipe or,if there is no Chef d’Equipe, by a Person Responsible or a Team Veterinarian responsible forHorses taking part in the Event. Protests for abuse of Horses may be lodged by any person
or body.
3.
Unless otherwise specified, Protests must be lodged before the end of the period ofjurisdiction of the body that has the competence to hear the relevant Protest. This is true
even if the person or body lodging the Protest is not present at the Event. The relevant body
does not have jurisdiction to hear the Protest prior to any required deposit being paid.
4.
Protests in the following matters can only be lodged with the Ground Jury:
4.1.
Protests concerning the eligibility of an Athlete or Horse for a specific Event orconcerning the conditions of the arena. Such Protests must be filed not later than thirty (30)minutes before the start of the relevant Competition;
4.2.
Protests concerning an obstacle, or the plan or length of the course for a Jumping
Competition or the obstacle Phase of a Driving Competition. Such Protests must be filed nolater than fifteen (15) minutes before the start of the Competition;
4.3.
Protests concerning the cross-country obstacles or courses in Eventing or marathon
course or obstacles in Driving, or the course in Endurance. Such Protests must be filed nolater than 18:00 on the day before the relevant Competition;
4.4.
Protests concerning irregularities or incidents during a Competition, or the results of aCompetition. Such Protests must be filed no later than thirty (30) minutes after theannouncement of the results of the relevant Competition.
4.5.
Protests challenging the procedures followed in the application or implementation of
any FEI rule. Such Protests must be filed no later than thirty (30) minutes after the notificationof the application or implementation of such rule.
4.6.
Lodging a Protest before the Ground Jury within the relevant time limit in matterslisted in the previous paragraphs is a prerequisite to a right of Appeal to the Appeal
Committee.
5.
Protests for matters not listed in Article 163.4 must be lodged with the Appeal
Committee or with the Ground Jury if there is no Appeal Committee.
6.
Protests regarding matters which have not occurred during or in direct connection withan International Event and which were not known until after the end of the Event, shall belodged with the FEI Tribunal through the Secretary General. Such Protests shall be filed nolater than fourteen (14) days after the end of the relevant Event. A case shall be deemed tooccur in direct connection with an Event if it occurs during the journey towards the Event or,after arrival, including during the period of quarantine, training or acclimatisation.
7.
All Protests must be in writing, signed by an authorised person within the meaning of
Article 163.2 and be accompanied, as the case may be, by any supporting evidence, includingnames of witnesses.
8.
Protests to the Ground Jury and to the Appeal Committee shall be presented within
the applicable time limit to the President of the Ground Jury or to the President of the Appeal
General Regulations, 23rd edition, 1 January 2009, updates effective 1 January 2017 40
Committee, as the case may be, together with the necessary deposit. Protests to the FEIPage 22 of 48

FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
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9.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Protests may be lodged by the FEI, at its
sole discretion, in the event that conduct brings equestrian sport, and the FEI in particular,
into disrepute and/or in the case of match fixing, betting, bribery and/or corruption without
the payment of a deposit.
10.
Any person lodging a Protest should, if possible, secure witnesses to the incident andany other form of evidence, and either bring them to the body before whom the Protest islodged, or obtain written statements from them, duly signed, together with their names andaddresses. Before the FEI Tribunal, these requirements are set out specifically in the Internal
Regulations of the FEI Tribunal.
11.
The Foreign Judge, Technical Delegate, Veterinary Delegate and Foreign Veterinary
Delegate must report to the Secretary General all acts or omissions constituting a Protest.
12.
There is a statute of limitation on prosecution by the FEI, which is time-barred after:(i) one (1) year for offences committed on the field of play or in its immediate vicinity;(ii) five (5) years for all other offences;(iii) ten (10) years for doping offences;(iv) Match-fixing, bribery and corruption shall not be subject to a statute of limitations.
10.4 Appeals (GR Art. 165)
1.
An Appeal may be lodged by any person or body with a legitimate interest against any
Decision made by any person or body authorised under the Statutes, GRs or Sport Rules,
provided it is admissible (see paragraph 2 below):
1.1.
With the Appeal Committee (or with the FEI Tribunal if there is no Appeal Committee)
against Decisions by the Ground Jury.
1.2.
With the FEI Tribunal against Decisions of the Appeal Committee or any other person
or body.
1.3.
With the CAS against Decisions by the FEI Tribunal. The person or body lodging suchAppeal shall inform the Secretary General and provide them with copies of the statement of
Appeal.
2.
An Appeal is not admissible:
2.1.
Against Decisions by the Ground Jury in cases covered by Article 159.7.1–4 (or incases in relation to the arena, an obstacle or the course if there is no Appeal Committee);
2.2.
Against Decisions of the Appeal Committee on Appeals arising from Decisions madeby the Ground Jury.
2.3.
If there is no Appeal Committee, against Decisions made by the FEI Tribunal on
Appeals arising from Decisions made by the Ground Jury.
3.
Appeals to the Appeal Committee must be in writing, signed and accompanied by
supporting evidence in writing or by the presence of one or more witnesses and must be
lodged no later than one (1) hour after the Decision of the Ground Jury.
4.
If there is no Appeal Committee, Appeals to the FEI Tribunal must be in writing, signed
and accompanied by supporting evidence in writing or by the presence of one or more
witnesses and must reach the FEI Tribunal no later than fourteen (14) days after the end of
the Event. So far as Competitions are concerned, the right of Appeal is limited to questionsof the eligibility of an Athlete or Horse and questions involving the interpretation of the Sport
Rules.
5.
Appeals to the FEI Tribunal must be dispatched to the Secretary General and signedby the appellant or their authorised agent and accompanied by supporting evidence in writing
or by the presence of one or more witnesses at a designated hearing and must reach the FEI
Tribunal within thirty (30) days of the date on which the Secretary General’s notification of
the earlier Decision was sent.
6.

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6.1.
Appeals to the CAS together with supporting documents must be dispatched to the
CAS Secretariat pursuant to the Procedural Rules of the CAS Code of Sports-related
Arbitration:
6.2.
So as to reach the CAS within twenty-one (21) days of the date on which the Secretary
General's notification of the FEI Tribunal Decision was received by the National Federation of
the Person Responsible.
6.3.
A copy of the statement of Appeal should be sent concurrently to the Secretary
General.
10.5

Penalties (GR Art. 169 Extract)

7.1.
The President of the Ground Jury, the President of the Appeal Committee, the Chief
Steward and the Technical Delegate must notify the Person Responsible during the Period of
the Event that they will receive a Yellow Warning Card, which will be delivered either by handor by any other suitable means. If after reasonable efforts the Athlete cannot be notified
during the Period of the Event that they have received a Yellow Warning Card, the Athlete
must be notified in Writing within fourteen (14) days of the Event.
8.
The penalty imposed in any given case can consist of a combination of fine, suspension
and disqualification. The amount of a fine and the duration of a suspension shall be decided
according to the guidelines mentioned in Article 169.6 and to the circumstances of the case.
9.
All fines imposed under the Legal System are due to the FEI. They must not be paid
to the OC or any other body but must be paid to the FEI on receipt of a demand. Any person
who has not paid a fine within 30 days of receiving a demand for payment will be automaticallysuspended until the fine is paid. If fines are not paid within ninety (90) days from the date ofissue, interest will automatically be charged at the end of each month at the rate of 10% p.a.
If fines are inadvertently paid to the OC or any other person such fines shall be remitted to
the FEI.
11
11.2

REPORT AND FOLLOW-UP
Reports (GR Art. 164)

Officials are required to send Reports to the Secretary General at the conclusion of Events, inaccordance with these GRs and the applicable Sport Rules. Matters giving rise to Protests or
Appeals must be included in such Reports.
Failure to return the Report(s) to the FEI shall be sanctioned by the FEI, first with a Warningand then by a Suspension until the outstanding Report(s) has been provided to the FEI.
11.3

After the Competition

The Chief Steward should complete the blank report form which they should have received
from either the FEI or your NF (Steward General) or downloaded from the FEI website andsend it to the FEI as soon as possible after the event, with copy to the event’s OC, NF, Regional
Steward General and Steward General (and your NF’s Steward General if the event was held
in another country).
Communicate to the OC any points which need improving for the following year.
11.4

FEI Checklist for Chief Stewards

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11.4.1 Administration
Do you have the names of the other Officials?
Do you have an Information Leaflet for the athletes?
Will the Information/Message Board give instructions in English or French and in thelanguage of the host country? (General Map or Area, Practice Arenas, Time-Schedules,
Important Telephone numbers, Starting Lists, Results, Attribution of Boxes).
Are distinctive Stable Badges and Access Passes distributed?
Are telephone lists available?
Are letter boxes (pigeon holes) for Chefs d’Equipe installed?
Is there a list of all horses entered available (Master-list)?
Are ID Numbers ready to deliver to the grooms at the Arrival Examination?
Do the ID numbers reflect the Grade e.g. Grade I number begins with a 1; Grade II
begins with a 2; Grade III begins with a 3 etc.
11.4.2 Logistics
Is the following satisfactory:
Accommodation for grooms (outside stables)?
Accommodation for your Assistant Stewards?
Meals for your Assistant Stewards?
Is drinking water for the Stewards available?
Are radios, walkie-talkies, or telephones provided for you and your Assistants?
Is there a Steward’s Office (near to the entrance/exit of the stables; fully equipped)?
Are there accessible toilets available?
Are all access doors and gates accessible for athletes with an impairment (ramps,
toilets with wheelchair access)?
11.4.3 Medical and Veterinary Services
Are ambulances, a doctor and a veterinarian available during training?
Is a treating Veterinarian available 24 hours/day?
Are isolation boxes available?
Is there a specific place (e.g. clinic, EADCMR-boxes ...) organised for Vet treatments;
have the Vets been informed of the location?
Are there two separate boxes prepared for EADCMR (in a quiet corner)?
Is there a trained Steward in attendance for EADCMR?
Are the EADCMR-facilities ready (office, freezer, table, chair ...)
11.4.4 Stables-

Is there a close cooperation with the stable manager?
Are the trucks, lorries and vans outside the stables enclosure?
Is the Stable Area properly fenced-off (Restricted Area)?
Are the boxes sufficiently large and safe?
Is there a list of stabled horses (Boxes numbered - Master-list)?
Are there separate areas for CPEDI and CDI horses?
Are stallions placed in suitable stables (not in the stable next to a mare)?
Are the boxes labelled accordingly (Stall Information Card)?
Well ventilated?
24 hour security organised (for Championships and Games)?
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light?
-Is the ‘Night Control in Stables form (Ann. VIII) available?
Are the water supply points and showers sufficient?
Is the electricity working?
Is a Horse Watch service for the night organised?
Do the stables have enough fire-fighting equipment?
Are there designated smoking areas outside the stables?
Is there a special time and plan for grazing published?
Is a farrier readily available?
Is a cafeteria/meeting point organised?
IS the passageway sufficiently wide?
Are the stables equipped with lights and are they working, do they provide enoughIs the electric cabling out of the reach of horses?

11.4.5 Horse Examinations and Inspections
Was the Arrival (identification and examination) of horses organised with Stewards
and one Veterinarian?
Are the ID-numbers (head-numbers) readily available?
The site for the Horse Inspection:
Is it flat?
Is the ground firm?
Is it a non-slippery surface?
Are there enough Stewards to help?
Is the Holding Box area satisfactory?
Are starting-lists, table, passports, loudspeaker system, manure collector organised?
Is there enough room for the spectators?
Are spectators/owners kept away from the inspecting panel?
11.4.6 Practice Arenas-

Is there enough schooling space?
Is lunging on a separate place or at special times?
Are sufficient Stewards available for the daily schooling?
Is there a timetable for schooling?
Is the ground maintained?
Is it similar to the competition ground?
Are the arenas numbered?
Are the Stewards briefed (according to schedules)?
Are there shelters for the Stewards in adverse weather conditions?
Horse Ambulance:
Is it functional?
Is it connected to a vehicle?
Is it easily accessible?
Where is the key?
Does it have proper equipment?
Screen?
Sled?
Halter and Lead Ropes?
Is the arena entrance wide enough for the ambulance to pass easily?
If something goes wrong, is there a plan?
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Who is in charge?
Has there been a rehearsal?
Who will organise setting up the screen?
Human Ambulance and Doctor?
Is there a mounting block with wheelchair access?
Is there adequate time and people to change the arena from 20x60m to 20x40m?
Are there any blind riders?

11.4.7 Warming Up-

Are starting lists available before the start of the competition?
How is the competition flow being organised? Should the Stewards help?
(if YES, are there still enough Stewards?)
Are the lunging/flat areas separated?
Is a farrier readily available next to the warm-up?
Is ground-maintenance organised?
Is there contact between the GJ and the Chief Steward?
Is the prize-giving organised with GJ and OC?
Chief Steward to help with the gathering of Athletes and Horses for the prize-giving

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ANNEXESANNEX I – THE CHIEF STEWARD REPORTANNEX II – THE HORSE INSPECTION
ANNEX III – STABLE CARD INFORMATIONANNEX IV – NIGHT CONTROL IN THE STABLES
ANNEX V – TACK CONTROL DURING FEI EVENTSANNEX VI – SADDLERY REFERENCE
ANNEX VII – DRESSAGE ARENASANNEX VIII – GUIDELINES FOR STEWARDING
ANNEX IX – DRESSAGE FOR ATHLETES WITH IMPAIRMENTS
ANNEX X – ASSISTANCE FOR ATHLETES WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
ANNEX XI – STEWARDS TRAINING RECORDANNEX XII – STEWARDS NOTESANNEX XIII – NEW. PRE AND POST COMPETITION TRAINING TECHNIQUESANNEX XIV – SITE LAYOUT

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ANNEX I – THE CHIEF STEWARD REPORTThe latest version of the Chief Steward Report can be found and downloaded on the FEI
website using the following link:
https://inside.fei.org/fei/your-role/officials/dressage/forms

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ANNEX II – THE HORSE INSPECTION
Please refer to the Veterinary Regulations, Chapter “Horse Inspections”
Figure 1: Illustration of the Horse Inspection procedure

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FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
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ANNEX III – STABLE CARD INFORMATIONSTABLE INFORMATION CARD
Name of Horse :……………………………………………………………………………………………
ID # of Horse :……………………………………………………………………………………………
Gender of Horse :……………………………………………………………………………………………
Name of Person Responsible :…………………………………………………………………………………….
Telephone Number :…………………………………………………………………………………….
Name of Groom :…………………………………………………………………………………….
Telephone Number :…………………………………………………………………………………….
Name of Chef d’Equipe :…………………………………………………………………………………….
Telephone Number:…………………………………………………………………………………….

FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
June 2016 update July 2019

ANNEX IV – NIGHT CONTROL IN THE STABLES
Date :TimeIn

Nation

Name

Out

Horse
Nr

Signature

Reason for visit
Remarks

1.

Only accredited grooms who have requested permission may stay during the night in the stable allocated to their own nation.

2.

Any other accredited person visiting the stables during the night must sign the night control book. The person in question
must be accompanied by a steward.

3.

The stables must be patrolled approximately every hour.

4.

Smoking must be restricted to designated areas.

5.

Festivities in the stable area are not allowed.

6.

In case medication has to be given to a horse, check the appropriate form (Medication Form I/II/III ) of that specific horse.

7.

Maintain contact with the vet. on duty.

EMERGENCY : FIRE Tel : …………….....…… VET Tel : …………..………….. DOCTOR Tel : …………………………. POLICE Tel : ……………..……….

FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
June 2016 update July 2019

ANNEX V – TACK CONTROL DURING FEI EVENTS
Officials must use at least one disposable glove when checking boots or bandages, andhorses’ legs, flanks, mouth and nose for the presence of blood. Officials MUST use a fresh
pair of disposable gloves for each tack check. The mouth, nose and Horse’s flanks must be
checked for any signs of blood.
To be able to check the presence of ear plugs, the ear hoods have to be removed after the
test, when the bits and spurs are checked. The steward has to witness this. If a measurementof a bit is required the steward should accompany the horse and rider back to the stable
when the bridle can be removed and the bit measured. The Steward should request that thehorse’s noseband and curb chain are unfastened prior to undertaking the bit check.
(VRs 1035, see also VRs 1025.VI)
1. In addition to these Veterinary Regulations, the prohibitions and requirements regarding
specific types of tack are also regulated according to the various Sport Rules.
2. Examination (control) of horse’s tack material may be carried out by Stewards and/or
Official Veterinarians at any time during the Period of the Event.
3. The President of the Ground Jury must be notified of any scheduled or unannounced
examination/control that is to take place; the (Foreign) Veterinary Delegate should be
informed and be available for consultation.
4.
For controls carried out during the finals of major Events (Championships, Games,
World Cups, etc.), a member of the Veterinary Commission should attend the control
procedure.
5.
If a problem is suspected, the horse and all examined items must be kept under strict
surveillance until further examination by the (Foreign) Veterinary Delegate (FVD/ VD).
6.
The FVD/ VD must verify the identification of the horse against the outline diagram in
the passport and record the name and FEI Passport number of the horse and the Person
Responsible.
7.
For tack concerns the FVD/ VD may be required to provide advice on welfare or health
implications.
8.
The FVD/ VD must include the name and FEI Passport number of the horse, the Person
Responsible and details of every examination in the FEI Veterinary Report completed at theend of the Event.
9.
If the examination results in the finding of suspicious material, irritation, skin damage
or blood, the President of the Ground Jury must be informed immediately.
10. Noseband control protocol:
It is the Chief Steward’s responsibility to ensure that the tightness of horses’ nosebands ischecked at each FEI Dressage event.
Therefore the Chief Steward will brief all their assistant stewards on the correct conduct of
the noseband check and will highlight the importance of horsemanship when performing thetask.
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The noseband check is part of the tack control when the horse is leaving the competition
arena after having finished the test. One and the same steward must conduct the noseband
check for all horses entered in the same competition. The tightness check must be done withthe steward’s index finger between the horse’s cheek and the noseband. The steward mustwear gloves during this check.
Ideally the finger size of stewards appointed for the noseband check at different competitions
throughout the event shall be of similar size.
In case of an apparent overtightened noseband during the horse’s warm-up, the appointed
tack control steward is entitled to conduct the check also during the warm-up and, in case of
the noseband being overtightened, ask the athlete to loosen the noseband. The noseband of
the horse will be checked again by the same steward after the horse has finished the test. If
the noseband is still too tight after the second check, the Chief Steward will give a Yellow
Warning Card to the athlete.

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ANNEX VI – SADDLERY REFERENCE
This annex is to be used as a reference to the FEI Para Dressage Rules Article 8428, andmust only be used in conjunction with the written rules which take precedence over thisannex. The images below are examples only, and similar equipment which produce the same
effect on the horse are also allowed if they adhere to the written rules.
Saddles

Example of Dressage saddle

BridlesEx. of Double Bridle, used withcavesson noseband, throat lash,bridoon and curb bits, and curb
chain

Crown piece may notbeyond the two arrows

Ex. of Cavesson noseband

Ex. of dropped noseband

extendEx. of flash strap

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Ex. of crossed/mexican/grackle
nosebandEx. of combined noseband – nothroat lash necessary

Ex. of Micklem style bridle – nothroatlash necessary

Bits
Cheek Pieces:

Ex. of Loose Ring cheekEx. of Eggbutt cheekEx. of D-Ring cheekEx. of upper cheekEx. of full cheekEx. of hanging cheekEx. of Fulmer cheek

Mouthpieces:

Ex. of single jointed mouthpiece

Ex. of double jointed mouthpiece

Ex. of double jointed mouthpiece

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Ex. of unjointed mouthpiece

Ex. of double ball joint

Ex. of barrel joint

Ex. of ball joint

Ex. of centrepiece with a roller

Port deviation measurements

Curb Bits:

Ex. of curb with straight cheeks

Ex. of curb with port and sliding
mouthpiece (rotating arms also
allowed)Ex. of curb with S cheeks

Maximum size of lever arm

Ex. of Curb chain

Ex. of Leather cover for curb chain

Ex. of lip strap

Ex. of cover for curb chain

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FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
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ANNEX VII – DRESSAGE ARENAS

Points to note:
The width of the entrance must be at least two meters (2m).
Letters should be placed about 0.5m from the fence (see FEI Para Dressage Rules Article
8429).

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FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
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ANNEX VIII – GUIDELINES FOR STEWARDING
1.
Be friendly, do not disturb the riders
Impartiality: same way of stewarding for all disciplines
No politics: no influence from external factors (Press, Gossip...)A neutral, keen, watchful eye
Presence more important than intervention
Discretion in case of intervention
Explain to the riders instead of negative remarks
Police manner to be avoided
In case of intervention: as soon as possible a psychological approach (do not wait until the
rider has to go into the main arena)2.
All Depends on the way you intervene
It is impossible to make exact rules in relation to what can be accepted and what cannot be
accepted.
To deal with the tension of competition as well as trainers and competitors (and owners) theintervention has to be done with diplomacy, with a kind eye towards the horses.
All depends on:* The behaviour of a rider, on a specific day, in specific weather and footing conditions?
* Knowledge of the rules by the rider/trainer?
* Do they know they are violating rules?
* Do they violate the rules on purpose?
* What will be the reaction when you intervene:
Do they agree with the remark you made?
Do they want some more explanation?
Do they not accept? Do they protest? Are they rude?
3.
In case of abuse or maltreat: no excuse
Where there is an abuse or ill-treatment of horse: act immediately with discretion and tact;
Immediately put a stop to the abuse and explain to the rider the reason for the intervention;
Inform the President of the Ground Jury of the incident and of the action taken;
Draw the attention of the Treating Veterinarian (define exactly the circumstances) to theincident (injuries, irregular breathing, excessive sweating, general health problems);
Carry out the decision of the President of the Ground Jury.
The Steward must understand the difference between “abuse” and “correction”.
The Steward must be able to go into the schooling area and stop rough riding, rough anddiscourteous behaviour.
Always immediately act in cases of exaggerated sweating, irregular breathing (take into
account the weather conditions).
Always immediately act in case of overriding, signs of exhaustion (if necessary ask theassistance of the Treating Veterinarian).
Long, deep and round riding is accepted, unless used excessively or prolonged (hyper-flexionof the neck). There is a danger when copied by unskilled riders. There is a fine line between
training and overtraining!
Stewards must be vigilant in the stables, reporting to the FEI Veterinarian/ Ground Jury itemswith which they feel uncomfortable, such as the use of poultice on a horse’s lip to reduceswelling and pain.
Trainers are not permitted to ride horses at events in the back arena using prohibited tacketc...
It is not permitted to return to the schooling arena following a poor performance in thecompetitions arena and school the horse abusively.
The Steward should intervene if the whip is used three times.
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What are injuries:
Blood on the spur(s)/ flank(s)Blood in the bit/ mouth
Swelling on the flank(s) (spurs)
Burn behind the ears (from sweating/ scouring)
Swelling on the flanks/ hind quarters (use of the whip)
Burn at the girth (from sweating/ scouring)
Wounds on the leg/ feet/ hoofs
Blood coming from the nose
4.
Team spirit
Cooperate with athlete/ trainers
Cooperate with other Officials
Cooperate with Organisation Committee
Each member, within their own responsibilities, has to try to work together with the otherswith only one idea in mind:
To participate in an event, where everybody wants to help each other, and where horses andsportsmanship are more important than personal profit.
We must understand that we also represent the rights of the riders to ensure fair competition
for all.
5.
The athlete should understand that Stewards are there to help/ assist
General information
Starting order (call up)
Paddock schedule
Stable security
Help in solving personal problems
Help with contacts (names, telephone numbers, addresses...)Intermediary to help and solve problems between riders-organizers-Ground Jury
Help with information concerning the Rules (FEI Dressage Regulations, FEI General
Regulations, FEI Dressage Stewarding Manual...)6.
A Steward has an educational role
Making the athletes apply the Rules minding the spirit behind those Rules;
Strict but human;
Impartiality;
Give them the benefit of the doubt;
Never discuss when feelings start running high;Keep in mind that athletes/ trainers are under a lot of pressure and that they don’t needmuch to overreact.
Your behaviour will be crucial here!!! (control yourself).
Avoid a quarrel that will end up in having a blazing row.
If you have to make a remark:Be polite
Be discrete
Not in public
7.

External factors in stewarding

Third party (family, fans, friends): Partiality
Press and television:

Sensation

Other athletes/ trainers:

Jealousy
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Contradiction in communication:

Be Clear and unanimous

Organizer:

Conflict regulations – Rules

EADCMR control:

Apply the Rules

Extreme weather conditions:
In close consultation with the President of the Ground Jury and the Organizer, we can makepropositions (very early warming up, change of training areas, longer training sessions in
the main arena...).
Epidemics:
Guidelines from the Health Department through the Treating Vet.
8.

Conclusion

Do not forget you are at the event to help.

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FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
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ANNEX IX – DRESSAGE FOR ATHLETES WITH IMPAIRMENTS
Grade I Para Dressage
Athletes in Grade I have severe Impairments affecting all limbs and trunk. The Athlete usuallyrequires the use of a wheelchair. They may be able to walk with an unsteady gait. Trunk andbalance are severely impaired.
Profiles: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12a, 13
Grade II Para Dressage
Athletes in Grade II have either a severe Impairment of the trunk and minimal Impairmentof the upper limbs or moderate Impairment of the trunk, upper and lower limbs. Most Athletes
in this Grade use a wheelchair in daily life.
Profiles: 4, 6, 9,10a, 11a, 12b, 31a
Grade III Para Dressage
Athletes in Grade III have severe Impairments in both lower limbs with minimal or no
Impairment of the trunk or moderate Impairment of the upper and lower limbs and trunk.
Some Athletes in this Grade may use a wheelchair in daily life.
Profiles: 8, 10b, 11b, 14, 17a, 18a, 27, 31b, 32
Grade IV Para Dressage
Athletes in Grade IV have a severe Impairment or deficiency of both upper limbs or amoderate Impairment of all four limbs or short stature. Athletes in Grade IV are able to walkand generally do not require a wheelchair in daily life. Grade IV also includes Athletes having
a visual Impairment equivalent to B1 with very low visual acuity and/or no light perception.
Profiles: 15, 17b, 18b, 19a, 21, 25, 26a, 28, 36
Grade V Para Dressage
Athletes in Grade V have a mild Impairment of movement or muscle strength or a deficiency
of one limb or mild deficiency of two limbs. Grade V also includes Athletes with visual
Impairment equivalent to B2 with a higher visual acuity than visually impaired Athletescompeting in Grade IV and/or a visual field of less than 5 degrees radius.
Profiles: 16, 19b, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26b, 37a
Not Eligible
Profiles: 29, 30, 37b, 38, 42, 48, 39

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FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
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ANNEX X – ASSISTANCE FOR ATHLETES WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
1.
Riders with visual impairment may have callers or bleepers at the letters. Suchcallers/bleepers are classified as profile-specific compensating aids and must be suppliedby the rider or the rider’s nation, and listed on the FEI Classification Masterlist.
2.
No other tests may be called in the immediate area that could disturb a rider withvisual impairment relying on callers or bleepers whilst competing.
3.
Only one caller may be inside the arena. All other callers must be positioned outside
the arena boards and may move from one marker to another, provided they do not restrict
the vision of any of the judges.
4.
There shall be no more than thirteen callers. Visually impaired riders are encouraged
to use the least possible number of callers, one only if possible. If more than one caller isused, there must be a lead caller, who should be identified to the Judge at C.
5.
Arena familiarisation for blind riders. Before beginning the test, riders with functional
profile 36 may choose to ride one circuit of the arena in both directions with one change ofrein. If the starting signal has not been sounded after the familiarisation process has been
completed, the rider may wait at the halt, continue inside the arena at any pace, or go roundthe outside of the arena. The rider may start the test from inside or outside the arena.
6.
Any other outside assistance may result in elimination, at the discretion of theJudge at C.
7.
An arm band, provided by the Athlete, in a distinctive colour must be worn at all times
by Grade IV and V Athletes with visual impairment while mounted outside of the Competition.
8.
Provision must be made for Athletes with visual impairment to train alone and warm
up alone if the Athlete requests it.
9.

All Athletes with visual impairment may start the Test from within the arena.

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FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
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ANNEX XI – STEWARDS TRAINING RECORD
DATE:
Competitor
NumberNationTrainerOn(mountingtime)

Competitors
competition
time

Trainer Off(dismounting
time)

Trainertime
remaining

COMMENTS

Tack checkedagainst Master
List √

Bit checked√FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
June 2016 update July 2019

ANNEX XII – STEWARDS NOTESPLEASE ensure you read the Steward’s Training Record during any change of stewards toensure you are aware of the state of play at the time of the takeover (there may not always
be time for you to be fully briefed by the leaving steward).
Whip length to be checked a maximum of 1.2m.
Tack checks to be made using the FEI Classification Master List.
Horses for Grade I, II and Grade III may be ridden for up to 30 mins (per day) by theTrainer/Coach or another Athlete designated by the competing Athletes NF. (Note: this may
be divided into more than one session during the day.). The trainer must be off the horse
15mins before the athlete’s starting time in the competition. Is there a time sheet on theclip board to record relevant times? This time sheet is to be given to the Chief Steward
at the end of the day.

FEI Manual for Para Dressage Stewards
June 2016 update July 2019

ANNEX XIII – NEW. PRE AND POST COMPETITION TRAINING TECHNIQUES
1 .Background
The purpose of the warm-up period is to prepare the horse and rider both mentally andphysically to enable their best possible performance in the competition arena. This should
be done in as sympathetic way as possible with the welfare of the horse respected in allcases.
It is recognized that the competition environment presents special and sometimes
unpredictable circumstances in contrast to a normal training situation. The Steward must
be aware of the uniqueness of every competition and be able to react accordingly.
2. Permitted Training
The use of correctly executed stretching techniques both before and after training andcompetition is recognized as an important and long-established practice in almost every
sport. In equestrian sport it is used to maintain the suppleness and health of the equine
athletes.
In most cases, the warm-up will consist of alternating periods of stretching and contracting
the horse’s muscles; periods of relaxation and periods of heightened physical effort.
Stretching and contracting involves the lengthening and/or shortening of the horse’s toplineand can be done at the halt (statically) or in motion (dynamically).
Athletes should aim to warm up all the relevant muscle groups within the horse. A cooldown period after the performance is critical to the horse’s well-being. This consists of adecrease of exercise intensity allowing the horse to relax mentally, to restore normal heartrate, respiration rate and fluid and electrolyte balance. Post-competition training of
exercises following the performance is permitted but must be kept to a minimum. In any
case a relaxation period after post-competitions training is mandatory.
3. Aggressive Riding
In addition to the FEI Dressage Stewarding manual, the following points must be
considered in assessing aggressive riding for dressage:
•
•
•
•
•

All head/neck postures must be achieved as sensitively as possible. A resisting handmust be followed by a release immediately at the moment the horse responds.
All corrections should be done as tactfully as possible. Inappropriate or
disproportionate corrections are not allowed
Excessive use of any aid including spurs, whip and bit are forbidden.
Excessive repetition of any specific exercise is not allowed
The Steward must intervene and ask the competitor to immediately ride in a nonaggressive way in cases when the competitor’s stress appears to have overcome
their judgement

4. Variation of Exercises
Continuous variation of exercises and head/neck posture is essential. Aggressive riding will
be stopped immediately. Variation constitutes a period of relaxation and lengthening or a
movement which involves stretching the head and neck.

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5. Maximum Duration Of Pre-Competition Warm-Up And Post-Competition
Cooldown Periods
Only in exceptional circumstances and with the permission of the Chief-Steward, may a
warm-up session exceed one hour. The warm-up session must include a number ofrelaxation periods. Walking in hand or riding the horse at walk whether prior to or following
the warm-up session is not considered to be part of the one hour period. There should be atleast one hour break between any training and/or warm-up periods. Corrective riding
including the cool-down following a competitor’s performance may not exceed ten minutes.
6. Training Arena
All training sessions, including pre-competition warm-up may only be performed in theofficial training arena and under the supervision of stewards. Training outside the official
training period and/or in an unsupervised arena must lead to the competitor’sdisqualification.
During preparation periods and the competition itself, the Chief Steward must be present in
the training arena or be in a position to observe the training arena at events where there
are multiple training arenas. If the Chief Steward is unable to be present it is their
responsibility to ensure that a Steward with the required experience and knowledge isappointed to supervise the training arena.
7. Surveillance of Training Arenas
Video cameras covering all training sessions and arenas will be recommended to beinstalled for the major FEI Championships, Games and Finals from 2016, and mandatoryfrom 2018. Access to the video footage will be available to all relevant parties on request.
8. Revision
These directives may be subject to review and Stewards are advised to check for periodic
updates.
9. Animation
Click here for an animation showing allowed and not permitted neck positions.

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ANNEX XIV – SITE LAYOUT

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