Controversial “Blood Rule” in Show Jumping Faces Potential Overhaul
Hong Kong – A hotly debated regulation regarding blood on horses during show jumping competitions is poised for a vote at the FEI General Assembly in Hong Kong this November, potentially ushering in a new era of sanctioning for riders. The current rule, Article 241.3.30 of the FEI Show Jumping Regulations,mandates disqualification if a horse displays blood on its flanks,a provision that sparked outrage following the disqualification of the Brazilian team at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The controversy surrounding the rule – and its perceived disproportionate punishments – has fueled calls for reform, with applications submitted by Ireland, the USA, and the International Jumping Riders club (IJRC) advocating for a more nuanced approach. The debate centers on balancing horse welfare with the often-marginal nature of infractions, and whether a strict disqualification is the appropriate response to minor injuries.
hardly any other topic moves the show jumping world as much as this regulation. The Olympic Games in Paris last year provided new fuel for the debate, when the brazilian team was disqualified due to a barely visible scratch on the flanks of Pedro Veniss’ horse. Veniss was also no longer allowed to compete in the individual event – in the opinion of the IJRC a wholly disproportionate punishment.
The “blood rule”,its consequences and possible reinterpretations,were intensively discussed last april at the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne. Stephan Ellenbruch, Chairman of the FEI Jumping Committee, defended the current regulation: “I understand that the Jumping Riders Club and the riders want to discuss the consequences of this regulation. The question that arises for me is: Do we need the rule or not? And I am absolutely convinced: Yes, we need this rule. for me, changing the procedure is not up for discussion. But if there is a better way to sanction riders, then we should talk about it.”
Ellenbruch then brought up a possible reform: a staggered sanction model with a warning, a yellow card and only a ban for serious or repeated violations.The FEI now seems to be specifically considering this solution.
A revision of the jumping regulations is due in 2025. The planned changes will be voted on at the FEI General Assembly in Hong Kong at the beginning of November.
