The International Federation for Equestrian Sports is reviewing its rules in the discipline of Jumping and has published a first draft with several significant reforms, driven by federations and other institutions or organisations.
In this regard, the IJRC proposes differentiating between accidental micro-injuries and clear cases of malpractice. The former, certified by a veterinarian, would receive a “non-classified” classification instead of immediate elimination. In the event of repeat offenses, progressive penalties would be established: an initial warning, a yellow card for a second, and serious penalties for a third.
In this regard, the institutions of Sweden and Ireland are calling for a penalty to be applied only if the bleeding is caused by spurs or a whip, ruling out injuries resulting from contact with the obstacles.
For its part, the FEI accepts that small, natural wounds—for example, stings or bites—do not obligatorily stop competition if the bleeding ceases, although it provides for formal warnings and, for a second infraction within a year, fines of up to CHF 1,000 and a one-month suspension.
On the other hand, British Equestrian has proposed replacing the traditional whip with a padded one, which has been compulsory in national competitions since 2022, a period that has coincided with the disappearance of whip marks on the horses.
FEI is considering separating the regulations on equipment and whips from the general regulations to allow greater flexibility in future amendments.
Interested parties may submit comments until 26 August, before the final version is published in October and voted on on 7 November at the FEI General Assembly.
