So You Want to Ride Your First FEI: What You Need to Know

Insights from Cavan Allen

Making the leap into FEI competition can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and understanding of the system, it becomes far more manageable. According to Cavan Allen, the most important point to understand is that FEI riding is as much about organization and responsibility as it is about performance.

Competition starts with your USEF number. You receive one number, and it follows you everywhere throughout your career. This number connects all of your memberships, results, and registrations, making it the backbone of your competitive identity.

From there, riders must register with the FEI, which introduces an entirely new layer of requirements. One of the biggest misconceptions is about the horse passport. Receiving a passport does not mean you are finished — it means you are just beginning. The passport is a living document that must be kept current and accurate throughout the horse’s career.

The FEI Horse App is an essential tool for modern FEI riders. Vaccination records, temperature logs, and other critical health information can all be tracked digitally, making it easier to stay compliant and organized. That said, Allen stresses the importance of maintaining hard-copy vaccination records as well. Keeping records can save riders from unnecessary stress or disqualification.

USEF resources are invaluable during this process. Riders should lean on official guides and checklists rather than relying on word-of-mouth or assumptions. Understanding the paperwork is just as important as understanding the test.

Allen also offered a helpful analogy when explaining European passports. Think of a European passport like a birth certificate, while an FEI passport functions more like a driver’s license. One establishes identity; the other allows participation. Knowing the distinction helps riders navigate international requirements with confidence.