Overview
- Member nations voted 56–20 at the FEI General Assembly in Hong Kong to replace automatic disqualification with a veterinary ‘fit to compete’ assessment.
- The change takes effect on January 1, 2026, shifting decisions to event veterinarians who may permit competition after minor bleeding is addressed.
- Small blood traces may be wiped and competition may continue if the horse is cleared, while injuries from violent use of spurs or whip still trigger immediate disqualification.
- The FEI will publish warnings and, after two within a year, impose a CHF 1,000 fine and a four‑week suspension on the rider.
- Opposition is mounting, with Germany’s FN calling the move a clear mistake and an online petition surpassing 70,000 signatures.