The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has announced that it will suspend the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) starting December 1, 2026, due to ongoing issues with its governance. This suspension means that Indian riders, officials, trainers, and horses will not be able to take part in international competitions during this period.
In a letter dated October 15 and sent to members of EFI’s temporary committee, Lt Col (retd) Sandeep Dewan and lawyer Vidushpat Singhania, the FEI revealed that the decision was made during an online meeting on October 13, 2026. The letter stated, “Following the FEI Board online meeting of 13 October 2026, the board has decided to suspend the Equestrian Federation of India, with the suspension effective from 1 December 2026.”
The FEI explained that the suspension is a direct result of a governance crisis triggered by the dissolution of EFI’s executive committee by the Delhi High Court in February 2026. This occurred because the committee’s term had ended in September 2023, and no new elections were held to establish a new leadership, which has created ongoing uncertainty.
In the letter, the FEI acknowledged the efforts of the ad hoc committee created by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on March 27 but highlighted that elections for a new executive committee should be completed by January 31, 2027. The FEI also stated that the suspension would be reconsidered only after these elections and their evaluation.
During the suspension, EFI will not be allowed to attend any FEI meetings or organize international events. Moreover, members, including athletes and horses, will be prohibited from competing in international events arranged by the FEI or other national federations, regardless of whether they are competing under the Indian flag or that of the FEI.
This decision disrupts India’s ability to participate internationally in equestrian sports until the governance problems are resolved and the FEI assesses the new electoral process.
Additionally, the FEI noted the impact on Indian endurance trainers, specifically mentioning that trainer Hari Singh Aam is registered with EFI. Horses trained by him but registered with other federations will need to change their registered trainer to continue competing from December 1.
According to FEI regulations, any horse undergoing a trainer change cannot participate in competitions for 14 days after the notification, meaning any necessary changes must be reported by November 17 to maintain eligibility.
### The Background of the Dispute
The governance dispute began when EFI’s executive committee continued in office beyond its designated term. Following legal proceedings concerning the management and election processes, the Delhi High Court dissolved the committee in February 2026 and instructed the IOA to set up an ad hoc committee to manage EFI and organize new elections.
Though the IOA formed this temporary committee on March 27, the electoral process has not been completed, leading the FEI to seek clarification before deciding on the suspension. After reviewing the committee’s response, the FEI concluded that the absence of an elected executive could not persist indefinitely, prompting the forthcoming suspension.
As it stands, India’s return to international equestrian competition hinges on resolving these governance issues and the successful evaluation of the electoral process by the FEI.
