This is one of the most important conversations we’ve ever had on this channel.

The FEI — the international governing body for equestrian sport — has proposed a controversial new rule that would allow horses showing blood from tack or rider aids to remain in competition, as long as the bleeding is considered “minor” or “unintentional.”

For decades, equestrian sport has stood on a promise: horse welfare comes first.

That meant a clear, simple rule — if a horse is bleeding, they stop. No debate. No excuses.

But now, that line is being blurred.

This video dives deep into what this new FEI proposal could mean for showjumping, for riders, and most importantly, for the horses who can’t speak for themselves. We explore the emotional, ethical, and public implications of this shift — because while the FEI says it’s about fairness, many of us worry it’s about optics, politics, and pressure.

What message does it send when a bleeding horse is allowed to keep jumping?

What does that say to the next generation of riders learning what “good horsemanship” means?

And what does it say to a public that’s already questioning whether our sport is truly humane?

This isn’t just about showjumping. It’s about the integrity of equestrian sport as a whole — dressage, eventing, reining, endurance — all disciplines that depend on the trust between horse and rider.

Every drop of blood tells a story.

And no ribbon, no ranking, no world championship title is worth that kind of pain.

We hope this video gives you the context, the clarity, and the courage to speak up — calmly, respectfully, and firmly — for the horses who have carried this sport for centuries.

🕒 Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: A worrying change for horse welfare

01:00 – What the FEI’s “blood rule” proposal really says

03:42 – Why intent doesn’t erase impact

05:00 – The risk to horses and to public trust in the sport

12:30 – How to make your voice heard

💌 How to Contact the FEI

If you believe horse welfare should remain the top priority in all FEI disciplines, please take a few minutes to write to the FEI.

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Contact Form: https://www.fei.org/contact

You don’t need to be rude or angry — in fact, respectful and thoughtful messages are the ones that truly make an impact.

Share your genuine concerns. Ask for transparency. Ask them to protect the horse first, always.

If enough of us speak up, they will have to listen.

📢 Why This Matters

This issue isn’t about punishing riders — it’s about protecting horses.

It’s about ensuring that our sport stands for empathy, responsibility, and respect.

The FEI’s decisions shape not just the rules, but the values of equestrianism worldwide. If this proposal passes, it could redefine what we accept as “normal” in competition. And that’s something we can’t ignore.

We love this sport. We love the beauty, the connection, the artistry of partnership between horse and rider. But that bond means nothing if we lose sight of compassion.

Let’s be the generation that says no — not because we’re against the FEI, but because we’re for the horse.

🐴 Join the Discussion

Do you think this new rule puts horse welfare at risk?

Should any visible blood automatically mean elimination?

Comment below — your voice matters.

📢 Please share this video to raise awareness and keep the pressure on. Together, we can remind the FEI what truly defines great sport: not speed or spectacle, but heart.

This video is for educational purposes and constitutes Fair Use under Section 107 of the US Copyright Act of 1976. Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes of education, research, criticism, comment, and news reporting. This video is fully transformative and created in accordance with YouTube’s Content Reuse Policy under the Content Reuse Act. It includes original narration, commentary, educational context, visual edits, and added value through storytelling and analysis. No content is simply re-uploaded.

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#equestrian