Ban of trimming horse sensory hairs transition phase reminder

Vibrissae, or sensory hairs/whiskers, are the long stiff hairs growing on the chin, mouth and around the eyes and are used as organs of touch by the horse.

In August, the EA Board voted to implement the FEI rule to ban the trimming of horse sensory hairs across all EA National Disciplines in the interests of horse welfare.

A transition period began from August 2021 and the rule will come into full effect on 1 January 2022. No elimination or penalty will be incurred during the transition period.

As of 1 January 2022, horses will not be permitted to compete:

i) if the Horse’s sensory hairs have been clipped and/or shaven or in any other way removed unless individual sensory hairs have been removed by a veterinarian to prevent pain or discomfort for the Horse. Areas of hair that must be clipped, shaven or removed to allow veterinary treatment are exempt from this rule.