The USEF Eventing High Performance team has come to the rescue of numerous perplexed eventers who are still scratching their heads trying to figure out what the new FEI eventing rules mean for their 2013 season. In the USEF’s own words, the organization hopes to “simplify the complex” with its newly released overview of the 2013 FEI qualifying requirements. Click here to view the overview PDF in its entirety, which we’ve also included below. Many thanks to the USEF for its tireless work to clarify the new FEI rules for eventers. Go USEF!
From USEF Eventing High Performance:
2013 USEF/FEI EVENTING QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS
The FEI Eventing Rules have been re-formatted and changed significantly for 2013. Foremost amongst the changes are those made to the FEI Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) for horses and athletes. In order to determine your eligibility at a certain level or that of your horse, we encourage you to follow these steps (we promise — it’s easier than you think).
STEP 1 – CATEGORIZED OR UNCATEGORIZED? THAT IS THE QUESTION!
It is first important for you to determine whether you are, as an athlete, uncategorized or categorized (similar to a license) and, if you are categorized, at which level. This information will be updated by the FEI*at the end of each calendar year and can be found on the on the FEI website here.
STEP 2 – USEF AND FEI, HOW CAN I BE SURE I HAVE COVERED ALL THE BASES?
Once you have determined your status with the FEI, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the 2013 Eventing Rules. Appendix 3 of the USEF Rules for Eventing will provide you with the specific information you need to determine the
level of eligibility of you and your horse(s) for both National (USEF) and International (FEI) competitions.
USEF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. The 2013 FEI Eventing Rules state: “As of 2013, MERs for CIs and CIOs do not expire. Does this include MERs achieved prior to 2013 which were due to expire according to the 2012 FEI Eventing Rules?
Yes, with the exception of MERs required for the purposes of qualifying for FEI Championships, MERs achieved prior to 2013 remain valid for 2013 and beyond.
2. I am an uncategorized rider and prior to the end of 2012 my horse and I were qualified to enter a CIC 3* for the first time although we did not achieve all MERs as a combination. The 2013 FEI Eventing Rules state: “For Athletes not yet categorized at the level of the Competition the Minimum Eligibility Requirements must be achieved as a combination….”As we were qualified prior to 2013 do we remain qualified?
No, as of January 1, 2013 uncategorized riders must achieve all MERs required by the FEI for a particular level in combination with the horse they wish to compete in that level.
3. I am an uncategorized rider and established at the CCI3* level and I have a new horse who is established at the CCI 3* level. Under the new rules, am I required to move down and achieve all the FEI MERs to compete in a CCI 3* with my new horse?
Yes, you must achieve all FEI MER’s required as a combination.
4. But, as an uncategorized rider, do I have to achieve National Qualifying Results (NQRs) required by the USEF in combination with each horse I wish to compete in FEI Competitions?
No, all USEF requirements DO NOT need to be achieved as a combination
5. I am listed on the FEI website as a Category B rider as I have achieved 15 FEI MERs at the three star level of competition over the last eight years. I understand that the number of FEI MERs required for categorization is 15 for 2013 and will increase to 20 in 2014. I am unable to achieve an additional 5 MERs at the same level or higher in 2013 will I lose my categorization at that level?
Yes, at the end of 2013 the FEI will update the list and only riders with 20 FEI MERs (or more) at a particular level will remain categorized at that level.
STILL NOT QUITE SURE?
If you still have questions about the FEI Minimum Eligibility Requirements or any of therecent changes to the FEI Eventing Rules, the FEI has created their own list of frequently asked questions, which you may find helpful.As always, we are here to help! If you have any doubt about your (or your horse’s) current level of eligibility please feel free to contact Shealagh Costello by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (859) 225-6923.
* For 2013 the FEI will update the list of categorized riders on or about July 1, 2013 to allow a one-time, mid-year opportunity for rider categories to be changed based on results achieved in the first six months of competition.
