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Governing body moves from six-month to annual flu vaccinations

Becky Murray Becky Murray

    • Horses and ponies competing in British Eventing (BE) national competitions next year will no longer need to have a six-monthly flu vaccination, as the organisation moves back to annual boosters.

    On 15 December BE announced that six-monthly vaccinations would no longer be required from 1 January 2026. The move brings BE in line with other British governing bodies including British Showjumping (BS), British Dressage (BD) and British Riding Clubs, which all require 12-month boosters.

    “The decision to move to annual vaccinations for national competitions followed careful discussion with our owners and riders, alongside guidance from our veterinary team,” BE chief executive Rosie Williams told H&H.

    “We also reviewed approaches taken by other governing bodies, including BD and BS, to ensure our rules remain appropriate, consistent and evidence-led. Horse welfare remains at the heart of everything we do, and this change reflects a balanced approach that supports both equine health and our members.”

    The 2026 eventing season begins on the weekend of 7-8 March at Poplar Park. BE members have been reminded that regular vaccination checks will take place at events, and sanctions may apply if vaccination records are not compliant.

    “Please ensure your horse’s vaccination record is up to date before competing,” said a BE spokesperson.

    For those competing in international competitions and/or stabling in FEI stables, six-monthly vaccinations still apply under FEI rules; a booster must have been given no more than six months and 21 days prior to competing. A vaccination should not have been given within seven days of the competition or entry into FEI stables.

    In February 2019 BE was among the governing bodies to implement six-monthly vaccinations during a major UK equine flu outbreak which led to the cancellation of some competitions and racing fixtures. At the time the Animal Health Trust reported a new strain of flu had caused the outbreak, which continued to cause problems throughout the year.

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    Becky Murray
    Becky Murray

    H&H senior news writer
    Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
    Becky Murray

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