A new rule for tack or rider-induced blood has been proposed in showjumping – as terminology concerning “minor cases” is scrapped.

The final draft of the FEI rules changes that will go to the vote at the general assembly (4–7 November) have been published. The first draft was released on 8 July, and national federations and stakeholders had until 26 August to submit feedback.

The showjumping rules are undergoing a full revision this year and there has been much deliberation over blood-related eliminations, including repeated calls for sanctions to have proportionality when it came to “micro or minor” cases of blood on the horse.

In the first draft of rule changes the FEI proposed that “any minor blood cases” will result in a recording warning – and blood not considered minor will result in elimination or disqualification and maybe separate disciplinary proceedings.

This was met with mixed reviews over the definition of “minor”. The German federation said “the determination between minor and more than minor blood could lead to different results between events and officials”.

The International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) welcomed the FEI’s revised approach as “a more fair and proportionate solution to a sensitive issue” – but raised concerns that “the terms ‘minor ’and ‘natural causes’ remain open to subjective interpretation”. The IJRC called for the event’s FEI veterinary delegate to be consulted by the ground jury to provide expert opinion in these cases.

The FEI said that following the latest comments, it had removed the word minor “as it is indeed challenging for officials to determine if the blood is minor or not and it could lead to inconsistencies in its implementation in practice”.

The FEI added that in addition the “concept of blood on the horse caused by tack or equipment or any athlete-induced blood” has been introduced.

“This is similar to what is already applicable in eventing for cross-country. We have removed the initial wording about elimination or disqualification in this specific article on recorded warning as other provisions in the rules apply for this (abuse of horse, excessive use of spurs, whips, etc),” said the FEI spokesperson.

“Finally, we have now added that the horse must be fit to compete in order to compete again and that the veterinary delegate will be consulted.”

The new wording that will be voted on states: any blood in the horse caused by tack or equipment or any athlete-induced blood detected during a competition will result in a recorded warning for first and second offences. Should the person responsible receive two or more warnings at the same or any other event within 12 months, they will receive a 1,000CHF fine and be suspended for a month.

In cases of blood where a horse appears to have bitten its tongue or lip, or is bleeding from the nose, the blood may be wiped and the combination can continue, “provided that the horse is deemed fit to compete”. No warning will apply in these cases

In all of these cases of blood under this article, the horse may only be permitted to continue in a competition or participate in any subsequent competitions at the event if the ground jury, in consultation with the vet delegate, has deemed the horse fit to compete.

“Tack is integral to our sport”

On 14 October showjumping stakeholders held a meeting on “shaping the future of tack requirements in the sport”. Discussions included whether rules should vary by competition level or rider experience, if there should be a list of “acceptable” tack combinations, and if current rules, controls and education systems for officials are sufficient.

“Jumping is evolving, and our rules must evolve with it. We need a proactive framework that protects horse welfare, supports athletes, and ensures safety. Tack is integral to our sport; its correct use requires skill and understanding, and it is fundamental to performance and welfare,” said FEI secretary general Sabrina Ibáñez.

The FEI has proposed to consolidate descriptions and principles relating to tack from all discipline specific-rules into a single tack and equipment section, effective from 1 January 2026, but for showjumping this is deferred until January 2027.

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Blood eliminations in international showjumping continue to be a major focus – and padded batons are proposed as a replacement for traditional whips.

The FEI jumping rules are undergoing a full revision, and the first draft of proposed changes has been published by the FEI.

The International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) has continued its calls for proportionality around sanctions for micro cases of blood, particularly when riders are eliminated at championships, as was the case with Brazilian rider Pedro Veniss at Paris.

The IJRC has proposed that when blood is found on a horse’s flank, if it has occurred by an “inappropriate act”, or “remains bleeding after wiping”, the combination is immediately disqualified. But in the case of a “micro lesion or mark”, deemed accidental by a vet, the combination instead gets a “not classified” result. For first-time micro cases the IJRC suggested riders be given a warning, second warnings result in yellow cards and third warnings “heavier” sanctions.

“One of the fundamental principles of law establishes the proportionality between sanctions and violations of the norm, something which is not currently contemplated by our regulations,” said an IJRC spokesperson.

“For this reason, micro lesions which do not cause suffering to the horse cannot be considered in the same way as lesions caused by excessive use of spurs or horse abuse.”

The Swedish federation called for horse abuse and blood rules to be “harmonised” across disciplines – and the Irish federation suggested the blood rule be amended to specifically state “blood on the horse caused by spur or whip”, as the federation has had cases of horses “cut by hitting wings, flags etc, which is nothing to do with the rider”.

In response, the FEI proposed that if blood on a horse is considered to be “minor and a result of natural causes”, for example biting the lip or an insect bite, this may be wiped and riders may continue. But if bleeding persists, or there are welfare concerns, officials may eliminate the rider.

The FEI proposal states that the rider would not receive a recorded warning, if this applies – but goes on to state that “any minor blood cases” will result in a recorded warning for first and second offences – and should a rider receive two or more warnings in 12 months, they will be fined CHF1,000 (£933) and suspended for a month.

Blood not considered to be minor will result in elimination or disqualification, and maybe separate disciplinary proceedings. H&H asked for further clarification on this and was told by the FEI it is a “first draft”.

Fairness and horse welfare

Discussing the FEI’s proposal, IJRC director Eleonora Ottaviani told H&H that the club “acknowledges the difficulty of drafting rules that fairly distinguish between intentional and accident violations”.

“It is essential to balance three key factors; public perception, the respect and welfare of the horse as an athlete and partner, and the proportionality of the sanction,” she said.

Ms Ottaviani added that the IJRC welcomes a “revised approach” to the blood rules but would prefer that a vet rather than an official assess whether a case of blood should be considered minor or not.

“This is the most crucial aspect of ensuring both fairness and horse welfare,” she said.

“The IJRC agrees with the implementation of a one-month suspension in case of repeated warnings, as it provides a clearer distinction between isolated accidents and repeated negligence.”

The IJRC has called for an amendment to provide clarification on when a ground jury president can ring the bell to eliminate a rider mid-round and suggested that in “doubtful or unclear situations”, the president should allow the rider to complete the course.

“This ensures that official footage or other available technology can be reviewed to determine whether the rider should be eliminated or not. The president may notify the rider at the end that the result is under review before confirming the final outcome,” said the IJRC spokesperson.

The FEI rejected this owing to “subjectivity” around the wording “doubtful and unclear”, and that elimination decisions were for the ground jury president to decide.

Calls for change to whip rules

British Equestrian (BEF) proposed that whips allowed in FEI competitions be changed to padded batons, as was introduced in British national competitions in 2022.

“Prior to this we regularly had horses which had been marked (or blood drawn) by the use of traditional whips and since the introduction of the padded baton we have not had a single horse marked (or blood drawn) in warm-up or competition arenas,” said a BEF spokesperson.

“During this time, we have continued to see horses in FEI competitions marked by excessive use of the whip and sanctioning the rider after the event while a deterrent still means that a horse has been hit excessively.”

The FEI responded that current tack and equipment rules will remain in force in 2026, and proposed to remove tack and equipment requirements from sport rules to separate standalone documents for each discipline to allow changes to be made outside the rule revision process, when needed.

Stakeholders have until 26 August to give feedback. A final draft of proposals will be published in October, before voting at the FEI General Assembly on 7 November.

What do you think about the new rule proposals? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

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The controversial blood elimination rule in showjumping is back under the spotlight as the sport prepares for a full revision of its rulebook this year.

During the showjumping session at the FEI Sports Forum (31 March–1 April) a panel of the sport’s stakeholders discussed proposals relating to the blood-on-flanks rule, as the FEI prepares to create a “simplified rulebook” but without “taking away from the spirit of the rules or weakening”.

The current rules state that blood on the horse’s flanks results in elimination. This applies regardless of whether the horse has a mark, scratch, or cut – and this has resulted in a number of high-profile cases, the most recent at the Paris Olympics when Brazilian rider Pedro Veniss was eliminated for a “micro case” of blood.

Many riders and the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) have continued to speak out on this topic in recent years, calling for proportionality around sanctions and raising concerns that as it stands, the rule creates a negative image for the sport.

During the panel discussion it was broadly agreed that the rule had “served its purpose”. FEI judge and steward Cesar Hirsch said in his experience cases had reduced, but he added that “the sport evolves and the rule needs to evolve, too”.

It was discussed whether instead of immediate elimination, a graduated sanction system could be used for minor cases starting with a warning, then a yellow card, then suspension for repeat offences. Mr Hirsch said the proposal is “not to weaken the rule” but to “redefine it”.

IJRC president Francois Mathy Jr is in favour of a graduated sanction system, stating that a micro case of blood on the flanks “could happen to anyone”.

“I think the progression in the sanction is very important, because [with minor cases] this is not where somebody is doing something wrong to the horse or doing it on purpose,” he said.

FEI jumping committee chair Stefan Ellenbruch said “it shouldn’t happen [cases of blood], but we are all aware that it can happen”.

“It’s not blaming the riders for that, but blaming riders if it happens for the second time,” he said.

One member of the audience asked about how removing instant elimination would be explained to the public. She highlighted that in dressage “it is quite clear: blood is out – no discussion”, but asked how could it be explained that blood in showjumping is acceptable in some cases.

Mr Ellenbruch accepted that it “will be very difficult to explain to the outside world” and this was a “concern” – but emphasised the importance of having clear protocols and procedures.

“I’m open to listening to proposals,” he said. “I think the rule as it is does still make sense. If there is a better way to sanction riders, let’s discuss it. Maybe we will come to the conclusion there is a better way, maybe we will come to the conclusion there is not, but we have to keep in mind the headline is always the social licence.”

Discussions around proposals will continue ahead of the rules revision process later this year.

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Calls have been made for international showjumping to have minimum eligibility requirements (MERs) to prevent riders competing at higher levels before they are ready.

The topic was raised during the showjumping session at the FEI Sports Forum (31 March–1 April). MERs exist in eventing, but there is no such requirement in showjumping.

A panel of showjumping stakeholders including FEI representatives, International Jumping Riding Club president Francois Mathy Jr, and Swedish team chef d’equipe Henrik Ankarcrona, discussed whether, as the sport grows, riders are gaining the necessary experience before stepping up through the levels.

“We have a very big sport, do we now need to think about bringing in MERs? Should it be that you can buy the best horse in the world and go straight to five-star?” said FEI athlete committee chair Jessica Kürten, who moderated the session.

“Or should it be that you get some experience at two-star and have success before you can move on to three-star?”

The panel agreed experience is important, but it was pointed out it is easier for riders to gain this experience in Europe compared to Latin America, for example, where there are fewer international shows – and any proposals would need to be “consistent around the world”.

Francois said it is important that riders compete at the appropriate level for their riding.

“We want to avoid people being in the wrong event when they don’t have experience, it’s not for the benefit of themselves or anyone else or the sport,” he said.

Swedish chef d’equipe Henrik Ankarcrona said he would be in favour of MERs.

“I don’t think you should jump straight to five-star level. You earn your way, by doing the right thing and knowing what it’s about,” he said, adding that the issue is technicality rather than height.

“We have pretty good national sport in Sweden, we have 1.50m and until a few years ago 1.55m, but jumping at 1.55m nationally and going to the equivalent four-star grand prix is a different universe.”

FEI jumping director Todd Hinde said MERs will not be part of this year’s rules revision, but this is the start of a discussion.

“We know it’s a complex system to create. If we do create one we need to take into consideration the different regions of the world and we also need to then look at the federations and what they have nationally,” he said.

“We have evolved and grown, and we need to make sure our riders and horses are at the level and standard to compete at the higher levels. For me it’s an open discussion now, but we need to think positively for the future of our sport.”

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Are quality young horses being “ruined” by doing too much too soon?

This was a major talking point among a panel of showjumping stakeholders at the FEI Sports Forum (31 March–1 April). The session was used to discuss key topics ahead of a full jumping rules revision this year.

FEI athlete committee chair Jessica Kürten, who was moderating the session, said there has been a trend over recent years that some “five-year-olds are having seasons like top 12-year-old international horses”; aiming for finals at “numerous international events with a championship, and another championship, and then perhaps another championship”.

“And then we ask ourselves why do we not have enough horses at the top of the sport, why is it difficult to find the superstar horse? Because they’re not making it,” she said.

“Are they not making it because they’re not good enough? No, our breeding is wonderful. Are we losing these horses on the way to the top because their careers are quite simply being ruined by being used too early?”

The panel discussed whether education should be prioritised over competition and how to achieve this. Suggestions included reducing the number of competitions young horses are allowed to compete in, improving national offerings to reduce travel and using optimum time instead of jump-offs.

Swedish chef d’equipe Henrik Ankarcrona said although many riders produce horses correctly “there are a few getting caught in the business and competition side”.

“Today there is a market for driving your young horse across the continent and competing for money and I’m not sure that’s the best way,” he said.

“I don’t have a problem with a good rider making a short turn [in a jump-off] when they know what they’re doing, but a lot of times I think the emotions of winning take over and we should never have emotions guiding us in producing horses, it should be knowledge.”

International Jumping Riders Club president François Mathy Jr said the purpose of young horse competition is to “prepare the horse for the future” and that events such as the Sunshine Tour offer good education and experience, providing horses are then allowed to rest rather than go straight to the next competition – and this is about “self-management”.

“I don’t think anyone could say that running legs off a five-year-old is constructive so I think I would be in favour of taking away speed classes for those horses,” he said.

FEI jumping director Todd Hinde said the FEI will look into the statistics on young horses competing and how often.

“We know at higher levels riders have education behind them and are trying to produce horses for the longevity of the sport, I think it’s more the next tier down we need to look at and educate,” he said, adding that these discussions will continue.

FEI veterinary director Göran Åkerström said a project with the University of Bristol has been agreed in which a PhD student will look into career longevity in jumping horses; the first set paper is expected by early 2026.

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Showjumpers have made a last-ditch appeal to the FEI to revise its elimination rule ahead of the federation’s general assembly (18 to 21 November).

The showjumping rule, introduced for this year, states that the president of the ground jury (or a ground jury member delegated in the president’s absence) can eliminate a combination if they believe allowing them to continue would be “contrary to the principles of horse welfare”.

The International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) had repeatedly called for having one or more top riders to advise the ground jury in these “split-second”, unappealable elimination decisions, at Olympic Games and major events. But the FEI pushed back (news, 9 November; 12 January).

The crux of the IJRC’s concerns is that the scenarios that could lead to elimination “remain undefined” and the club wants more clarity. The situation has come to a head as decisions on rules for 2024 are rubber-stamped at the FEI’s general assembly.

The FEI is also concerned that “split-second subjectivity could have career-changing outcomes for riders and national teams, especially at next year’s Olympic Games, where there is no drop score”. This is why the club is pushing for top riders to be allowed to “support” the ground jury in these decisions at major events.

But the FEI jumping committee has said that “the same rule must apply for all level of competitions”, adding that from a legal perspective “it is difficult to give the mandate to a person who is not an official”. The FEI board has backed the FEI jumping committee on this.

It follows a long-running debate, brought into focus by Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton in his H&H column after Tokyo and which he repeated during the IJRC’s general assembly last December, citing a similar advisory role in motorsport. He also suggested trialling a panel at an event, such as a Nations Cup, to see how it works.

An amendment, which is among the proposed changes to be voted on at the general assembly, would give the ground jury power to eliminate a combination if it believes it “would be in the best interest of the wellbeing and/or safety of the horse and/or athlete”. The IJRC welcomes this new wording – but it wants more, namely a clear definition of cases leading to elimination and a top rider to act as support to officials in an advisory role during major events.

“The IJRC initially hoped the advisory role might be adopted in time for the 2023 European Championships. That was not achievable. The IJRC has now taken the matter through the FEI rule-changing consultation process for 2024 – to be finalised in Mexico City on November 21,” said a statement from the IJRC.

“Currently, the FEI is recommending national federations to support the original premise.

“It says the same rule must apply at all levels of competition; that from a legal perspective it is difficult to give a mandate to someone who is notan official; and that the same principle/provision must apply across disciplines.

“The rule is understood to result from the growing pressure of social licence to operate, and the potential pushback from the non-equestrian public when negative images circulate on social media.

“However, the scenarios that should be eliminated remain undefined and the IJRC seeks more clarity.”

The statement gave examples of an awkward-looking jump that could result from over-facing a horse or rider of limited ability – but that “equally it could be an isolated incident that is part of the normal learning curve of a young horse in expert hands”.

“In all sport, the decision of a ground jury (judges) is final, but the principle of utilising other experienced personnel as part of the decision-making process on the field of play at major FEI events is not unprecedented,” added the IJRC statement.

“Since 2011, FEI dressage has utilised a judges supervisory panel (JSP), with powers to ‘correct’ marks given by the ground jury, for example, missing a clear mistake during the test or where one judge’s marks are notably out ofkilter with colleagues’ marks.

“The dressage JSP is mandatory at Olympic Games, world and continental championships and World Cup finals, and the JSP may attend other lower level shows at its discretion. Notably, the JSP is drawn from trainers who are not judges, as well as FEI accredited judges.

“The role suggested by the IJRC does not have the formalised structure of the dressage JSP, and is only intended as advisory, not to overrule.”

It added: “For the avoidance of doubt, the IJRC supports the elimination of a horse in instances of blood.”

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A controversial FEI showjumping elimination rule has come under discussion again – with questions over its “fairness” and more calls for change.

Under the rule, which came into force this year, the president of the ground jury, or in their absence a designated ground jury member, may ring the bell to eliminate a combination while a round is ongoing if it is decided it would be “contrary to the principles of horse welfare to allow the combination to continue”. The decision is final and not subject to appeal.

This was met with backlash and was a major talking point at the International Jumping Riders Club general assembly in December, with riders including Nick Skelton and Belgian showjumper Pieter Devos calling for judging panels at major championships to include a former top rider to help with any elimination decisions (news, 12 Jan).

Last month the IJRC called for a review of the rule – and asked the FEI to allow former elite-level riders to sit with the ground jury in an “advisory capacity” at championships and Olympics.

“This unprecedented request results from serious concerns over the new ‘elimination’ rule, which enables a sole judge to eliminate a horse or rider who appears in difficulty during their round,” said an IJRC spokesman.

The first draft of this year’s FEI rules revisions includes the IJRC’s proposal that the wording “it would be contrary to the principles of horse welfare”, is replaced with “for the safety of the horses and riders”.

In the FEI feedback to this proposal, a spokesman said that following discussions on the new rule, and taking into account the work of the equine ethics and wellbeing commission, it is proposed that the rule states that the ground jury president can ring the bell to eliminate if it is decided this “would be in the best interests of the wellbeing and/or safety of the horse and/or athlete”.

But the FEI stated that with regards to appointing a rider to act as a support to officials in elimination decisions, “such cases will require the ground jury president or their designee to take quick decisions on the spot. There will be no time or possibility to consult with other parties”.

IJRC director Eleonora Ottaviani told H&H the organisation does not understand why having a rider to help the ground jury on such decisions is an issue.

“To put all the decision on the shoulders of the president of the ground jury, and with no possibility to appeal, we don’t think is fair. Of course we want to respect horse welfare but that cannot be down to one person to decide in one second about something happening in the arena,” she said, adding that the IJRC disagrees over there not being enough time.

Ms Ottaviana said the IJRC hopes to discuss the rule with the FEI.

“We don’t want to fight, because we’ve seen that good operation is always better in our sport, but we want to discuss this item with the FEI jumping committee,” she said.

National federations and stakeholders have until 16 August to provide feedback and propose amendments. The final draft will be issued on 24 October, and voting on the new rules will take place at the FEI general assembly in November.

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New rules around blood-related showjumping eliminations and dangerous cross-country riding are among those to be approved for 2023.

Voting took place at the annual FEI General Assembly in Cape Town (10-13 November), following a rules review process throughout the year where national federations and other stakeholder had their say on proposals. The final drafts went to the vote and all were approved for eventing, dressage, para dressage, and showjumping.

A new rule comes into force for eliminations in showjumping, and follows a proposal from the Swedish national federation after a combination completed their round in Tokyo despite the horse bleeding from the nose. Under the amended rule the president of the ground jury, or in their absence a designated ground jury member, may ring the bell to eliminate a combination while a round is ongoing if it is decided it would be “contrary to the principles of horse welfare” to allow the combination to continue – and this elimination is final and not subject to appeal.

The original proposal from the Swedish federation asked for the rule to state “Horses bleeding from nostril (airways) will result in elimination”, but during the review process the FEI jumping committee argued that the wording needed to be broader, and the International Jumping Riders Club agreed.

“The IJRC agrees with the jumping committee that believes that a broader concept going beyond just the relatively rare case of blood in the nostrils is needed in order to give the ground jury the clear authority to take action where there are serious horse welfare concerns,” the IJRC said.

In eventing, course-designers will have the right to monitor possible cases of dangerous riding during the cross-country phase and report this to the ground jury, who will take the decision on elimination. This topic was discussed at the FEI sports forum in April (news, 12 May), during which FEI eventing committee chairman David O’Connor highlighted that on the day of the event, often the course-designer is “the most educated person about, on how horses jump”

“We’ve had no backlash from course-designers on this, they’re very happy to do it. To have their expertise I think is hugely important,” he said.

Eventing course-designers cannot officiate at the same venue for more than six consecutive years at CCI4*-S and CCI4*-L, including championships, and for more than eight years at CCI5*. But they may officiate again after a three-year break.

The timeframe for eventing MERs used for athlete categorisation will be reduced from eight years to four years following a review from the FEI risk management steering group with EquiRatings. Athlete categories will also be updated according to the performances at the end of each month, instead of twice a year.

Horses who have not competed at FEI competitions within 13 months will have to complete a lower-level event to compete at CCI4* and above. To compete in a CCI4*-S they must complete a CCI3*; for a CCI4*-L they must complete a CCI4*-S, and to compete in a CCI5* they must complete a CCI4*-S or CCI4*-L.

In dressage, under the new rules – of which 91.21% of voters were in favour – the short grand prix test will only be allowed in a CDI5* or CDIO5* if the grand prix is scheduled during prime-time sessions; end of the afternoon or evening, and when there are “clear restrictions” on arena availability. In May, the FEI board had approved the option for organisers to offer either the standard or the short grand prix at World Cup qualifiers.

Other changes include competition categories: small, medium and big tours have been replaced with individual CDI star ratings – plus new qualification criteria for CDI4* will come into force, requiring combinations to qualify at CDI3* by scoring 63% in a grand prix or grand prix special.

From 2023, if a horse is stopped in a freestyle event, owing to extreme weather for example, the rider will now be permitted to start either from the beginning of the test or from where they stopped.

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The European Equestrian Federation has warned that showjumping’s “credibility” is at risk, while International Jumping Riders Club director Eleonora Ottaviani cautioned against “profiteering” from the pandemic as riders pay sums rumoured to be up to €50,000 to attend European shows. H&H finds out more...

Early in lockdown, international showjumping organisers speculated that their sport would emerge from Covid-19 with new priorities.

Long before the practicalities of social distancing were understood, Olympia and Royal Windsor supremo Simon Brooks-Ward hoped funding would swing back towards footfall from ordinary spectators.

Christophe Ameeuw, promoter of the Longines Masters, felt that the “new normal” would rail against conspicuous consumption. Fans would no longer tolerate “trucks that could carry three houses” and the lavish “pop-up” garden party scenario – expensive hospitality tables occupying two or three sides of the arena.

But a different picture has emerged in Europe, where FEI jumping resumed months ahead of the UK.

With few shows yet able to admit grandstand-seated spectators, funding has relied wholly on subsidy by super-rich organisers, sponsors, rumoured “pay cards”, which are prohibited in FEI rules but impossible to police, and VIPs, with public spats between promoters over the inequalities arising.

There are unconfirmed reports of €50,000 (£44,640) “pay cards”, the sum a low-ranked rider privately pays for an invitation.

The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) said jumping’s “credibility” is at risk, while International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) director Eleonora Ottaviani warned against “profiteering” from the pandemic.

“Tennis does not allow anyone who feels like it to play with Federer just because they have paid,” she said.

Former Olympic champion Eric Lamaze walked away from Lier in Belgium, after it ran 252 horses in a 1.45m class, a scenario also “unacceptable” to the IJRC.

At the other extreme, insurance billionaire Sadri Fegaier has hosted the frequent “Hubside” four- and five-star shows near St Tropez since June, admitting mostly the same 50 riders.

In a normal year, Stephex group founder Stephan Conter organises five-star CSIs at Brussels and Knokke in Belgium. He said: “What is happening now is actually really dangerous.

“At three-star, riders from the top 100 now take up the invitations of those who used to go to these shows. Only a small group of riders is showing and getting the opportunity to earn points. We can’t say we have a level playing field under these circumstances.”

The problem is unintentionally exacerbated by the FEI’s new online invitation process. This generates CSI invitations in ranking order. Organisers may still personally invite 20% of entrants.

The system launched on 4 February and had barely bedded in before lockdown began. The FEI shelved it for lower-level shows and “froze” rankings points for riders grounded by travel restrictions, hoping they would retain their positions.

But the latest rankings table suggests the minority currently able to compete has already made gains. Ms Ottaviani said there is no perfect solution.

“Freezing the ranking completely is not an option,” she said. “Without ranking classes, prize-money will drop considerably. This will leave riders in a more pressurised situation financially.”

Last month, EEF president Theo Ploegmakers urged adherence to the new system; if young riders feel excluded by “prevailing money-driven networks”, they will give up.

“The interest of the sport must be at the core,” he said. “The invitation system will, to some extent, limit the freedom of individual participants for the sake of the entire community. Nevertheless, it is also a tool to enable the principle of ‘merit over money’.”

In April, Mr Brooks-Ward told H&H: “If I ‘buy’ a jumping team, I am automatically ‘buying’ rankings points for my daughter/son/friend. An interesting discussion could be had over whether this is a Corinthian sport any more.”

On future funding, he observed: “There will be belt-tightening across the globe and stresses on luxury and non-discretionary spending.

“None of us have the answer yet, but quite a few might take this opportunity to drop out of the high-end game.

“I would like to see shows with heritage continuing – Hamburg, Piazza di Siena, Rotterdam – and shows that have gone through good times and bad to come through this. There will be a clearing out, though it’s an entirely healthy thing to jump our horses less.”

Five months on, that seems a pipe dream.

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H&H speaks to the International Jumping Riders Club and the FEI to find out to find out more about the issue, and what is being done to try to alleviate concerns around positive tests for prohibited substances caused by accidental contamination...

Changes could be on the cards for certain aspects of FEI anti-doping rules, as riders are “living in fear” of accidental contamination.

The International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) is asking the FEI to simplify its complex rule system, and the “huge list” of prohibited substances, as part of a review of human and equine anti-doping regulations planned for this year.

A new World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code is to be introduced on 1 January 2021 and the IJRC believes that while some changes will be needed to ensure the FEI stays WADA-compliant, “the FEI has scope in some areas to adapt the rules to reflect the specificities of equestrian sport”.

The IJRC sent a survey to all national federations and riders for feedback on the subject, as it states: “The athletes know it is not possible to ask the FEI to change all the legal issues that are not under its control, but they can ask to have the correct conditions to be sufficiently protected.

“Despite the FEI’s best efforts to explain its procedures and rules, riders clearly underlined how the risk of contamination and lack of stable security cause sleepless nights, and even worse, enormous harm, and the worst thing is that they cannot control everything.

“All riders live in fear that a great result will be tainted by a positive drug test that, after a lengthy and arduous process, is proven to be a case of contamination.”

H&H has reported on numerous cases of positive dope tests caused by contamination – from hay bought from show venues that proves to contain naturally occurring plant-based prohibited substances to contact with a human who is contaminated with a banned drug.

Riders have asked for screening levels to be set, or increase, so picograms of a banned substance, far lower than a level that could have any effect, would not mean automatic elimination.

IJRC director Eleonora Ottaviani told H&H contamination is a big issue.

“Riders are responsible for their horses 24 hours a day and we have to follow WADA in that, but how can they be? You can’t stay with a horse all the time; if it’s travelling, it’ll stay in an airport stable, then flies on the plane, normally without even its own groom, to another airport, and then it goes in a lorry – how can you be responsible through all that?

“We see so many cases of contamination [resulting in a positive test]; it’s a rider’s nightmare.”

Mrs Ottaviani raised concerns over stable security and the fact some temporary stabling travels from one show to another, “and who guarantees they’re disinfected?” she asked.

She pointed out that there are more than 1,200 substances on the FEI’s prohibited list, compared to 400 for humans on WADA’s, adding that screening levels are “dangerously low”.

The IJRC has asked that, in cases of accidental contamination when a panel recognises the rider is not at fault, and when the quantity of the substance has not enhanced performance, the athlete should suffer no sanctions or disqualification. The club also plans to hold a round table discussion, including experts in different fields.

“The FEI is taking the subject forwards,” she added. “We’re working hard with them; I’m satisfied with the relationship with the FEI on this.”

An FEI spokesman told H&H it invited federations to give feedback as part of the rule review.

“The FEI is very conscious of the concerns regarding contamination within the equestrian community and has therefore included a dedicated section on contamination,” she added.

“Based on the feedback already received, including input from the IJRC, the FEI is proposing certain changes. These will be presented to the FEI board during its three-day videoconference [this week], after which the first draft of the new [anti-doping rules] will be finalised, and shared with national federations and stakeholders on 13 July for further feedback.

“National federations and stakeholders will have seven weeks to make comments and/or propose any additional changes. The proposed final draft of the proposed rules changes will be provided to national federations and stakeholders on 20 October prior to the federations’ vote during the 2020 FEI general assembly.”

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Urgent calls have been made to reduce contamination risk at shows and improve horse welfare by introducing stricter rules.

The FEI has promised “constructive discussion” after the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) asked for “urgent intervention”.

The proposed measures include certificates to prove disinfection of stables, dogs to be banned from stabling zones, a reduction in the number of people allowed in the stabling zone and no unauthorised visits.

The IJRC also asked for straw, hay and feed sold by organising committees to have a certificate declaring them “free of doping substances” and assuming responsibility on organisers’ part in failed dope tests caused by contamination.

IJRC director Eleonora Ottaviani told H&H the call came after a number of positive dope tests caused by contamination were recently recorded by the FEI.

“The idea is strong 
co-operation between the IJRC and the FEI vet department,” she said. “The IJRC doesn’t intend to protect anyone who wants to cheat, but to avoid contamination. It is nearly impossible to check your horse 24 hours a day.

“When a contamination procedure is started, the image of the rider is destroyed and rebuilding this is very difficult.”

An FEI spokesman told H&H the IJRC’s points are “being addressed”, adding that the FEI has built in measures to protect riders to its anti-doping programme, including screening limits and elective testing.

“We are constantly working on further developing education and clean sport initiatives,” he said.

“Following discussions at the FEI general assembly (16-19 November), the FEI has proposed to meet the IJRC in early 2020 to continue constructive discussion for the way forward to protect horse welfare and reduce contamination risks.”

Showjumper Lisa Williams, whose ride Campbell was banned after testing positive for synephrine (news, 24 October), told H&H being exposed to contamination is “devastating”.

“I understand why the IJRC has requested the measures because riders are at risk. Most contaminants are natural, such as synephrine, which grows in our grass in South Africa. My horse tested positive for eating food.

“At the end of the ban, there is no black mark against Campbell’s name or mine, but there is a stigma attached to testing positive. It had an emotional impact because I have been an ambassador for my country and always prided myself on being a clean-sport person.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Discussion over whether invitational and ranking rules are swung in favour of riders with deeper pockets has arisen after several top showjumpers voiced concerns.

Steve Guerdat, Kevin Staut and Jeroen Dubbledam shared their thoughts on a video by the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC).

The FEI’s final 2018 rule proposals state that for regular CSI5* shows, 60% of riders must come from the Longines ranking list (in descending order), 20% must be selected by the host national federation and 20% are made up of invitations by the organising committee.

However some shows are exceptions to this, including top-level commercial shows where rankings points can be collected but competing at which can be more expensive.

Olympic gold medallist Steve Guerdat explained why he believes this does not give a level playing field to all riders.

“I think it is not a problem for series like the World Cup or Nations Cup because those invitations go basically back to the national federation, who can then pick the riders from the rankings because they deserve to go to the show,” said Steve.

“But the problem is that also includes commercial series, like the Global Champions Tour or the Global Champions League, and at this kind of show they have only 30% of the riders who are picked from the ranking list and the rest are riders who have to be part of a team and that costs €2 million a year.

“So if we want to have equal chance for everybody to get to the better shows and get the same chance to get points for the rankings, we have to change that.

“I think all national federations should stand very strong and fight for the 60/20/20 [ratio] for all the five-star [shows], with the only exception of World Cup and Nations Cup shows.”

Praise for the series

Other leading riders have openly praised the role of the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League in bringing the highest level of competition to the sport.

The final in Doha at the weekend (9-11 November) featured 17 of the top 20 riders, while the series has consistently has between seven and nine of the top 10 ranked riders in the world competing at its shows.

“The Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League are official FEI-approved series like the Nations Cup, World Cup and other series,” Marco Danese, sport director of the Global Champions League and Tour told H&H.

“We always work with the FEI to make sure the rules governing the invitation system are implemented correctly and followed accordingly.”

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Buy-in to the top?

But Kevin Staut added “every athlete” wants to have the chance to participate in the highest levels of competition, especially the Olympics, regardless of which sport they compete in.

“It is exactly the same in our sport,” he said.

“I think every rider wants to be able to ride at the highest competition and the Olympic Games based on their merit, so we need a fair chance for everybody and it is really important to fight for it.”

US Olympian Reed Kessler warned if you have to start paying to participate, showjumping could become the “only Olympic sport where you can buy into the biggest events with easier access to the most ranking points”.

Jeroen Dubbledam and Malin Baryard also voiced their support for all riders having equal chances to obtain ranking points.

“Equality is one of the cornerstones of the FEI statutes,” said Malin.

“When these were written almost 100 years ago they stated that individuals and teams from different countries must compete under fair and even conditions.

“The FEI must honour its own statutes and guarantee equal terms for every performer.”

A statement from the IJRC said too many pay cards, which buy a rider a place in a competition, could “kill our sport, its best and most talented athletes and their Olympic future”.

A response from the FEI jumping committee said the IJRC proposal “did not appear workable from a practical standpoint”.

“The rationale for proposing new invitation rules, applicable worldwide and managed through an online invitation system was to address the issue of pay cards,” it said.

“The only way that invitations can be effectively controlled is through a transparent and enforceable invitation system.”

The issue is set to be discussed and voted on at the FEI general assembly, held on 18-21 November at Montevideo in Uruguay.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Showjumpers will no longer be automatically eliminated for minor cases of blood on a horse’s flanks next year if proposed FEI rule changes go ahead.

Under the current rules, blood found on a horse’s flanks means automatic disqualification for the combination from that class at international competitions.

This has led to several controversial cases in recent years, where top riders including Scott Brash and Bertram Allen have been disqualified for blood on their horses’ flanks at high-profile shows.

Under article 242.3.1 of the FEI jumping rules, disqualification is “mandatory” in cases of horses bleeding on the flank(s).

Many leading riders and the International Jumping Riders Club have previously spoken out over the rule.

The new proposal, which was revealed on the FEI website earlier this month, appears to give stewards a degree of discretion. The jumping stewards manual will be updated to reflect the changes approved at the 2017 FEI General Assembly, which will take place in Montivideo, Uruguay, in November.

While a rider can still be disqualified for causing a horse to bleed — and for misuse of the spurs and/or whip — the possible change states “minor cases of blood on the flank will not incur elimination”.

These first draft proposals will be consulted on by national federations before a revised edition is made available in October. The final draft of the proposed rules revision will be voted on at the general assembly.

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Blood in other disciplines

Blood rules have also been updated in the rule change proposals for other disciplines.

The eventing rules have been clarified “following discussions with other disciplines” to read that “not all cases of blood will lead to elimination” and that the most serious cases will be dealt with under the abuse of horse protocols.

There is no automatic elimination for blood in eventing at present.

While there is no mention of blood in the current endurance regulations, there are proposals to include this in next year’s rulebook.

“Horses in competition that have free flowing blood from an injury or from a orifice will be examined by a panel of three veterinarians who will report their findings to the president of the ground jury,” states the proposed rule.

“Such horses will fail to qualify and will be eliminated from the competition.”

Valuting has also brought in a blood rule in “alignment with other disciplines”.

For reaction to these proposals and more on the FEI rule change proposals, don’t miss this week’s Horse & Hound — out today (Thursday, 20 July).

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The International Jumping Riders’ Club (IJRC) believes officials should be able to use their discretion in dealing with cases of blood on horses.

The IJRC is proposing amended blood rules, which would mean sanctions given to riders would be “appropriate to the violation”.

The official would take into account whether the violation was voluntary or involuntary, as well as any aggravating or extenuating factors, and whether or not it was a first offence.

“If these aspects are not considered, we cannot describe it as ‘sporting justice’. ‘Sporting injustice’ would be a more appropriate term,” said an IJRC spokesman.

The FEI’s current blood rules state automatic elimination if a horse’s flank is bleeding. A new protocol for dealing with such cases was introduced by the FEI in July 2016.

But the IJRC says that the “application of a norm should be preceded by a thorough and accurate consideration of the implied consequences and on the appropriate preparation of judges and stewards”.

“In addition, a norm that dictates the immediate disqualification of a rider/horse should be accompanied by specific procedures during the implementation of the rule,” the spokesman added. “In the case of the blood rule, these procedures arrived a little late.”

The IJRC pointed out that in a constitutional state, such as Switzerland where the FEI is based, laws or norms are decreed, but then judges examine each case on its individual merits.

“Punishing those who fail to respect the welfare of a horse is certainly right,” said the IJRC spokesman. “However, a norm cannot deal out summary justice. General principles of legal rights must be respected in every case.

“Our proposal would have the effect of presuming the rider’s innocence in the FEI court.

“In some countries (Switzerland, Italy and France) disqualification for abusing a horse, as stated under the current norm, leads to the automatic opening of a penal prosecution by the state court.

“The intention of those who drew up the blood rule was certainly not to open an automatic penal prosecution under state law if the violation was accidental.”

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The IJRC says it has no intention of causing controversy, but would like to meet the FEI’s legal department to discuss sanctions for the blood rule.

“We are convinced that continuous collaboration will lead to an agreement that sanctions those who violate a norm in a manner that fits the individual violation of the rule,” the spokesman said.

The FEI said the matter is due to be discussed at a meeting with the IJRC this month.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now