This is the second edition of our series about proposed rule changes. Rule changes go through a long process wherein members, committees, and councils review and revise them before they are passed or rejected. (You can learn more about that process in this article from Equestrian Magazine.)
This series is aimed at helping members understand why rule changes have been proposed, why they’re constructed the way they are, and how they may change as they go through the process. You can find the first story in this series, which dealt with the proposed change that would allow for provisional 60-day suspensions of horse, rider, and owner, here.
The rule change proposal 011-25 may be an example of great intent with challenging implementation. This proposed change to General Rule 845.1 would require all licensed competitions to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site beginning June 1, 2027, with all qualified medical personnel made aware of the AED’s location prior to the start of the competition.
In 2025, the story of 14-year-old Ryan Haselden touched many members and created an awareness of how impactful AEDs can be. Haselden suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while on course during a jumper competition at Fox Lea Farms in Venice, Fla. Quick thinking from bystanders and EMTs, who started chest compressions and used the facility’s AED to restart Ryan’s heart, certainly saved her life. (You can read that story here.) Although events like these are rare, the statistics around them are concerning – cardiac arrest episodes that take place outside of a hospital environment are estimated to have a 10% survival rate.
Like all rule change proposals, this one is working its way through periods of member comment and committee discussion. (You can find existing committee feedback on it by clicking “View” next to 011-25 on this page.) It was also a topic of discussion at the rule change forum during the recent US Equestrian Annual Meeting.
At a time when the cost of hosting competitions is rising for everyone, many people have expressed concern that this requirement could place particular burden on smaller competitions. Depending on how they're sourced, AEDs can be expensive. There’s also the question of where an AED should be located. One audience member at the rule change forum suggested that to be effective, the rule should also mandate that the devices be available within a stated range of people on horseback – but at larger venues, that may require competition organizers to purchase multiple units.
Because this rule change proposal is for a General Rule, it’s also important to keep in mind that some disciplines (like eventing and endurance) have phases that take riders over huge expanses of ground, which also makes the location of the device a challenge. It’s possible the rule could need a revision in phrasing that clarifies the AED should be positioned so it’s accessible to medical personnel, rather than in relationship to competition areas, or different specifications for sports that involve long distances.
There are refurbished AEDs available, as well as leasing options. Several people have suggested that bulk purchasing power could help reduce the cost to organizers, should this proposal be passed in June.
From here, general rule proposals remain out for member comment until Feb. 15, when they will go into their first blackout period for possible revision in response to comments. They will be again available for member and committee feedback on March 6. You can submit your comments on this and other rule change proposals at this link.