Overview
- Delegates at the FEI General Assembly in Hong Kong approved the change, with 56 nations voting in favor and 20 against according to the German federation.
- Under the new procedure, visible blood may be cleaned and a horse may continue only if the event veterinarian deems it fit to compete.
- Rider discipline now includes published warnings, with two warnings within a year triggering a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs and a four‑week suspension.
- Injuries linked to violent use of whip or spurs remain grounds for immediate disqualification.
- Critics from the German federation and animal‑welfare advocates warn of welfare risks, a petition has passed 65,000 signatures, and the FEI says it will review cross‑discipline harmonization.