Leipzig, November 2025 – A shift in equestrian rules is sparking debate, as the world Equestrian Federation (FEI) moved away from automatic disqualification for horses showing blood during competition, instead opting for case-by-case evaluations beginning at the World Cup tournament in Leipzig this weekend.
The new rule, implemented in November 2025, allows a committee to assess weather blood detected on a horse is due to accidental causes or excessive force.
- The FEI’s previous “no-blood” rule automatically disqualified horses with visible blood, irrespective of cause.
- The new regulation introduces a three-person committee to evaluate each incident individually.
- The change is dividing the equestrian world, with the German Equestrian Association (FN) voicing strong opposition.
- Proponents argue the new rule prevents unfair disqualifications, while critics fear it could compromise animal welfare.
The change unfolded during the “Partner Horse” World Cup tournament in Leipzig, where Pennywise, a gray horse, and Westborg, ridden by their respective athletes, competed. The previous rule mandated immediate disqualification for any visible blood, but the new regulations state the horse no longer guarantees exclusion.Instead,a committee comprised of the steward,the responsible veterinarian,and the head of the ground jury will assess each situation.One rider, observing the competition, acknowledged that horses sometimes bite their tongues, but emphasized that blood resulting from pain or excessive force should be disqualifying: “Then we have to stop.” The ambiguity lies in determining the source and severity of the bleeding.
Division Within the Equestrian Community
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The German Equestrian Association (FN) has publicly opposed the change. Dennis Peiler, the FN’s General secretary, stated, “We see the need for an absolutely clear regulation that does not allow any interpretation.” The FN argues the previous rule was both clear and practical, noting that disqualifications due to blood traces were rare, occurring in less than one percent of cases internationally, according to FEI figures.
Majority Backs the New Approach
Despite the FN’s opposition, the majority of national associations voted in favor of the new regulations at the FEI General assembly in Hong Kong in November 2025. The initiative originated with the International Jumping Riders Club,and applies only to international jumping competitions.German show jumper ludger Beerbaum, a board member of the Jumping Riders Club, is a prominent supporter.
Preventing Unjust Disqualifications
Beerbaum explained the goal is to ensure exclusions are proportionate and to avoid “hardship cases” like those seen at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, where riders were disqualified due to “trace marks,” shattering their medal hopes. A “mark” refers to a bloody spore print on the horse’s flank. Beerbaum expressed confidence that “Not a single horse on this planet will suffer anymore as a result of this rule change.”
Increased Pressure on Veterinarians
Michael Köhler, head tournament veterinarian in Leipzig and chairman of the Horses Committee of the Federal Veterinary Association, disagreed. He argued that even if legally permissible, the new rule is “against animal protection.” He also highlighted the increased pressure on veterinarians, especially when prize money and sponsorship interests are at stake. The FEI’s innovation introduces a “yellow card” system: a warning is issued for suspicious cases, and a ban follows any subsequent incident within twelve months.A responsible person in Leipzig noted the list of riders receiving these warnings is already extensive, suggesting the show jumpers may have inadvertently created a problematic rule.
Ultimately, Pennywise and Westborg delivered a solid performance in Leipzig, though not enough to place. The broader implications of the new rule, however, are likely to be felt throughout the equestrian world for years to come.
