🔥 The FEI has announced one of the biggest changes to young horse show jumping in years.

Following growing criticism of the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Lanaken, officials have introduced major new rules for 5-year-old horses starting in 2026. The controversial speed format will be replaced with an optimum time system designed to encourage better horse welfare, educational riding, and long-term development.

But why did the FEI make this decision?

In this video, we examine the controversy surrounding the 2025 Lanaken Championships, the criticism from top producers like William Funnell, concerns about young horse welfare, and what these changes could mean for the future of show jumping worldwide.

Are young horses being pushed too hard too early? Or is this a necessary step toward protecting the next generation of Grand Prix stars?

Watch and decide for yourself.

🐴 Topics Covered:

✅ FEI rule changes for 2026

✅ Lanaken Young Horse Championships controversy

✅ William Funnell's criticism of the 5-year-old final

✅ New optimum time format explained

✅ Horse welfare in modern show jumping

✅ WBFSH eligibility requirements

✅ The future of young horse production

✅ Why breeders and riders demanded change

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

00:31 Why Lanaken Matters

01:37 The Growing Welfare Debate

01:55 What Happened at the 2025 Championships?

02:38 William Funnell Speaks Out

03:38 Why Critics Called It "Uncomfortable Viewing"

03:34 The Problem with Speed Classes

04:18 FEI Announces Major Rule Changes

05:03 New Qualification Requirements Explained

05:54 Why Some Horses Were Not Ready

06:40 The Bigger Horse Welfare Conversation

08:49 Could These Changes Transform Show Jumping?

🎥 Subscribe for more videos on:

• Dressage

• Show Jumping

• Horse Welfare

• FEI News

• Equestrian Current Events

• Breeding & Bloodlines

• Olympic Equestrian Sport

💬 What do you think?

Did the FEI make the right decision?

Should young horse classes focus more on education and less on speed?

Do you believe modern show jumping pushes horses too hard too early?

Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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