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Are the blood rules in FEI horse sport working – and how can we move forward?

In our latest H&H subscriber-exclusive investigation into issues affecting horse sport today, H&H senior news writer Becky Murray examines the FEI blood rules; what they are, why they are in place and how stakeholders feel they are working.
Becky Murray Becky Murray

    • The rules relating to cases of blood seen on sport horses while competing in the Olympic disciplines have long applied – and been the subject of debate. The FEI states the rules exist “to protect our horses, and there can be no grey areas when it comes to horse welfare”.

    It’s important to note that not all cases of blood mean there is a welfare issue or that a rider has done something wrong. The FEI states “eliminations for blood-related reasons do not imply that there was any intent to injure the horse” and that many incidents are “minor or accidental”. But the consequences are different across the disciplines.

    In dressage rules, fresh blood results in elimination. If the judge at C suspects blood on a horse during a test, they will be stopped and, if fresh blood is confirmed, eliminated. If no fresh blood is detected, they may continue.

    Fresh blood in the horse’s mouth or area of spurs during the post-test tack check results in elimination, and blood found elsewhere on the body will result in an examination by a vet, who will advise on the horse’s fitness to continue in further competition.

    But there are different procedures in showjumping and eventing.

    The showjumping rules state that blood (fresh is not stipulated) on the horse’s flanks results in elimination. In cases of horses bleeding in the mouth, “such as where the horse appears to have bitten its tongue or lip”, officials may authorise the rinsing or wiping of the mouth, and allow the combination to continue. But any further evidence of blood results in elimination.

    In eventing, the same approach is taken in the dressage phase as the above dressage rules.

    For cross-country, the rules state “all athlete induced (spurs, bit and whip) blood must be reviewed case by case”; if the horse shows fresh blood, officials may authorise the rinsing or wiping of the mouth and horses may continue if no further bleeding. Cases of “significant blood” will result in elimination.

    In the showjumping phase, blood on the flanks or mouth result in elimination – but the rules add that for “minor cases, such as where a horse appears to have bitten its tongue or lip” officials may wipe the mouth and allow them to continue.

    These differences have often generated discussion and questions.

    H&H asked the FEI why the rules differ, and was told the disciplines have their own individual sport rules under the relevant technical committee, and “historically, this has led to each discipline codifying their own rules on how cases of blood are handled”.

    “The FEI believes that this is an appropriate approach given the significant differences between the disciplines and is generally well accepted by stakeholders,” said an FEI spokesperson.

    “Blood is naturally emotive”

    ● What are your thoughts on the blood rules in horse sport? 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

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    Becky Murray
    Becky Murray

    H&H senior news writer
    Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.
    Becky Murray

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