NEWS
FEI Regulations – Updated February 2026
Following official contact with the FEI via our legal counsel, the FEI has confirmed that it is maintaining the ban on mouthguards in FEI competitions from January 1, 2026, and will not reconsider its decision at this stage.
In its official response, the FEI states in particular:
- that it would have unilateral power to authorize or prohibit any equipment in competition;
- that it would not be required to consult manufacturers, as they are not considered recognized stakeholders within its statutory framework;
- that it would not set up any system of certification, approval or prior validation of equipment;
- that the banning decision had been taken unanimously by its technical and veterinary bodies and that it had been, in its words, “well received by the equestrian community”. FEI Letter – 13 February 2026
PROTEC notes that the FEI is resorting to arguments of authority, refusing to engage in any substantive debate without even arguing that its decision was taken on the basis of any scientific study whatsoever.
PROTEC remains convinced that, properly used, its device has a positive effect on the horse’s well-being, and is currently pursuing several independent scientific studies to provide objective, measurable and transparent data on the device’s effects on the horse’s well-being.
We would like to stress that the FEI’s decision only concerns use in competition and is not binding. probably inspired by suppositions – founded or unfounded – as to a specific behaviour of certain competitors in these specific circumstances; we remind you that use in all other circumstances remains perfectly permissible; as for At the FEI, we remain convinced that decisions about equipping horses should be based on sound science and objective testing, and should only be taken and maintained through open dialogue between the various parties involved, with the sole aim of ensuring the well-being of the animal we hold so dear.
We’ll let you know again as soon as the results of the ongoing studies are available.
National competitions: vigilance recommended
For national competitions, rules may vary from one federation to another.
👉 We recommend that all riders check the regulations applicable to their own federation before use.
