NEWS
PROTEC Gum Protection and FEI Regulations
Following the FEI's decision to ban the use of PROTEC gum protection in FEI competitions starting January 1, 2026, STEMP SRL wishes to address riders, owners, trainers, veterinarians, and the entire equestrian community.
This decision was made without prior consultation, without in vivo testing, and without the involvement of PROTEC, the sole manufacturer of the device, in the evaluation process. The ban appears to be based on theoretical considerations rather than observed damage, documented clinical cases, or dynamic evaluation under real working conditions.
A decision unsupported by available scientific and field data
For three years, PROTEC has been used by a wide range of sport horses, including at the highest international level. Its development has been guided by a single objective: to improve horse comfort by reducing oral discomfort, not only related to the bit, but also to individual oral sensitivity, anatomical variations, and each horse's specific functional history, particularly in cases of natural excess gingival tissue.
Contrary to expressed concerns, the device:
- does not reduce oral space,
- does not restrict tongue mobility,
- does not require increased noseband tightening,
- does not mask lesions.
The observed benefits are based on:
- technical analyses conducted on over 50 sport horses,
- documented clinical feedback from veterinarians,
- observations from equine dentists, osteopaths, and physiotherapists,
- structured surveys of riders, grooms, and trainers, across multiple disciplines and at various levels.
To date, no finalized independent study has demonstrated a negative effect of PROTEC on horse welfare. On the contrary, available data consistently indicate a neutral or beneficial effect on comfort, contact, and muscle tension.
Horse Welfare as a Guiding Principle
PROTEC was never designed to conceal injuries or compensate for inadequate riding. It was developed in response to a well-known reality: some horses exhibit oral sensitivity independent of the rider's skill level, and this sensitivity can significantly affect communication, relaxation, and trust.
The FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse states that decisions impacting horses must be based on objective, verifiable, and scientifically supported criteria. We believe that constructive dialogue, supported by empirical evidence and field data, is essential to uphold these principles.
PROTEC as a Training and Diagnostic Tool
The FEI's decision only concerns use in competition. PROTEC remains fully available and relevant for daily training, rehabilitation, and diagnostic work.
Many dressage riders have used it since its commercialization, even though it has never been authorized in this discipline for competition.
Many riders and professionals report that:
- horses trained with PROTEC often maintain better contact even when competing without it,
- the reduction of oral tension during training contributes to more consistent performance.
PROTEC is particularly useful during rehabilitation phases and for horses with a negative history related to the bit.
Its effects are not limited to immediate use but are part of a sustainable long-term training approach.
Our Position and Next Steps
STEMP SRL regrets a decision that, in our opinion, does not fully reflect the available scientific and field data. As a company, we have always invested in biomechanical, clinical, and field research to ensure transparency and support informed decision-making.
We respect diverse opinions and have formally requested:
- the opening of a constructive dialogue,
- the suspension of the ban pending the results of ongoing independent studies,
- the opportunity to contribute to an open, transparent, and evidence-based evaluation process,
- the reconsideration of the ban.
We remain fully willing to cooperate, share our data, and participate in independent tests.
To date, STEMP SRL has not received any direct official communication from the FEI regarding this decision, apart from its publication on the Tack application.
Horse welfare has always been, and will remain, our priority. We will continue to act responsibly, transparently, and with scientific rigor, in the interest of horses, riders, and professionals who trust PROTEC.
⚠️ For national competitions, it is essential to refer to the specific regulations in force within the relevant Federation.
