The FEI Dressage Committee debated several key issues facing riders at its meeting in Paris earlier this month and the following developments were decided, H&C has learned. 

Blood rule 

The committee proposed a new blood rule explicitly stating that the test would be stopped if blood appears anywhere on the horse.

At top level events (Olympic Games, Championships and Finals for seniors), where FEI vets will be present at the warm-up arena, they would examine the horse and the test would resume if bleeding from minor injuries had stopped.

If the bleeding had not stopped, the horse would be eliminated. Where vets are not present to examine the horse, bleeding would result in immediate elimination.

As always, rule revisions will be presented for National Federation approval at the FEI General Assembly in November for implementation on 1 January 2012.

Protective headgear 

In the wake of Courtney Dye King's tragic accident, the FEI Medical Committee has recommended making protective headgear mandatory across all disciplines when riding at show grounds outside competition arenas.

At its meeting, the Dressage Committee discussed making protective headgear mandatory everywhere on the showgrounds except during competition and warm-up prior to competition, and except for athletes under 18 and in Young Horse classes where it would be mandatory everywhere including during the test.

A draft rule will go forward to the General Assembly for approval and implementation on 1 January 2012.