The German Equestrian Federation (FN) has announced that it will not support the FEI’s proposal to relax the so-called Blood Rule in showjumping. According to FN President Martin Richenhagen, the welfare of the horse is a fundamental principle within the federation, and the proposed change conflicts directly with that value. “The welfare of the horse is at the heart of everything we do. The proposed amendment is therefore incompatible with this principle,” Richenhagen stated.
The debate over the Blood Rule will continue on 7 November, during the annual FEI General Assembly in Hong Kong. At that meeting, delegates from more than 130 member nations will vote on proposed rule changes and discuss broader strategic developments in international equestrian sport.
The proposed amendment would mean that visible blood on a horse would no longer lead to automatic elimination, but instead result only in a warning.
The FN has warned that such a change could set a dangerous precedent for equine welfare, stressing that the current rule exists to give riders and officials a clear ethical framework to protect the horse.
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) is the global governing body for equestrian sport, responsible for setting and enforcing regulations, as well as overseeing the organization and recognition of international competitions. The vote in Hong Kong will determine whether the controversial amendment will be adopted or rejected.
