British Equestrian and British Showjumping respond to FEI rule change on rider-induced blood
Friday 07 November 2025
Following the vote at the FEI General Assembly in Hong Kong, British Equestrian and British Showjumping express disappointment at the approval of changes to Article 241, now Article 259, concerning rider-induced blood. Despite efforts from our delegation and other leading national federations to halt the proposal, the rule was passed by 56 votes to 20, with two abstentions, and will take effect on 1 January 2026.
Equine welfare is our cornerstone. While the revised rule introduces some positive measures, such as enhanced veterinary checks, stricter sanctions for repeat offences and improved transparency, we believe it falls short on a fundamental point: the presence of blood during or after a round should result in elimination. Anything less risks undermining the integrity of our sport and the trust of the public.
Jim Eyre, Chief Executive of British Equestrian, said: “We support the FEI’s commitment to equine welfare, but based on the evidence and expert opinion, we could not support this rule. The vote was far from unanimous, and we welcome the FEI’s pledge to ongoing review and dialogue.
“If horses are to have a future in sport, we must demonstrate unwavering respect for their welfare. That means clear, ethical rules that put the horse first. We remain committed to working with the FEI and fellow federations to ensure fairness, clarity, and the highest standards of care in equestrian sport.”
British Showjumping Chief Executive Iain Graham said, “As leaders in equestrian sport, our duty is clear: protect our athletes, human and equine, and put horse welfare at the heart of every decision.
“While we recognise the riders’ concerns and welcome elements like enhanced veterinary checks and tougher penalties for repeat offences, removing automatic elimination for visible blood is a step backwards. It risks eroding public trust and undermines the very progress these changes aim to achieve.
“We’re also disappointed that the FEI chose not to advance the use of padded batons over traditional whips in international jumping - a missed opportunity for meaningful reform.
“British Showjumping will not be changing our national rules in response. We remain committed to evidence-based decisions and stand firmly behind the British Equestrian Charter for the Horse, built on empathy, care, respect, consideration, ethics and learning.”
New rule summary
The new rule (Article 259 of the FEI Jumping Regulations) stipulates that rider induced blood on the horse will no longer lead to automatic elimination. Instead, a system of jumping recorded warnings will be introduced:
- First and second violations: registered warning
- Two or more recorded warnings within twelve months: a fine of CHF 1,000 and a one-month suspension.
If the blood stems from other causes, for example, the horse has bitten its tongue or is bleeding from the nose, the combination may be allowed to continue in the competition, provided that the horse is deemed fit by a veterinarian check.
The previous rule (240.3.30) covering automatic elimination in the event of the presence of blood has been removed. Rule (264.2.1) on automatic elimination for marks that indicate excessive use of spurs remains in place.
 c. KT Equine Photography.jpg "Victory for Emily Ward and Wild Star HF in the Winter Grand Prix at Kelsall Hill Winter Classic")
