New five-star category for international eventing proposed

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has proposed the introduction of a five-star category in eventing. This would involve the regrading of all current eventing star levels, to allow for the creation of a new one-star category for lower-level competition.

The two British four-star events, Badminton and Burghley, would become CCI*****, while remaining at the same heights and distances. Similarly, the other international advanced events, currently called three-star, would become four-star, and so on down the levels.

An FEI spokesman said: “The five-star will line up with the other categories for FEI disciplines — the best show jumping events etc are five-star. Most importantly, it provides an opportunity to introduce a lower one-star category to help national federations set up their qualification programme for international events.”

Capt Mark Phillips said: “Having another international level at the bottom end would benefit the developing [eventing] nations.”

The proposed height for the new one-star is 1m to 1.05m — the equivalent of pre-novice in this country. The rules are being finalised and a draft will be presented to the national federations for their input.

The final proposal will be submitted for approval by the FEI in November, with a view to introducing the new categories on 1 January 2009.

• Discuss the potential introduction of international one-star (pre-novice) three-day events in the forum >>This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (22 May, ’08)

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