New Five-Star Level Of Eventing On The Cards

The removal of the dressage coefficient and changes to the fl ag rule are also among proposals put forward for 2018

- Lucy Elder

NEW competition levels, removal of the dressage coefficient and changes to the flag rule are among the major proposals for the 2018 FEI eventing rulebook.

The FEI is planning to introduce “five-star” levels and, at the other end of the scale, a 1.05m “one-star” with other classes shifting up a star rating (see box).

“The eventing committee is proposing for 2018 a review of the structure of the competitions to adapt to the current global level of the sport and better support the implementation of the Olympic strategy,” said an FEI statement.

“This is part of the continued effort to address risk management and the cost-effectiveness of the discipline together with encouraging the development of the number of nations participating in eventing.”

It says the 1.05m level would not be compulsory to qualify for higher levels, but would give a “transition” between national and international competitions in developing eventing nations. It could also be used for pony championships and be “the basis” for a children’s level or category.

The CIC5* will be the level at which Nations Cups and a new World Cup series could run.

CCI5* will apply to Olympics and World Equestrian Games.