Stricter rules for horse welfare in show jumping
Published
Since the beginning of this year, stricter rules regarding horse welfare have been in effect in international show jumping. The international federation aims to use these to better monitor the health and protection of the animals during competitions.
An important part of this new policy is the strict approach to traces of blood on horses. When a rider causes blood on the animal during a competition, the jury intervenes immediately. This can lead to disqualification or even a suspension for the rider involved.
Recently, Irish show jumper Max Wachman was suspended for a month due to these new guidelines. The federation emphasizes that these measures are necessary to keep the sport fair and animal-friendly. Riders are now extra encouraged to be careful with their aids, such as spurs.
These rules also have consequences for the Belgian equestrian world. Belgian riders participating in international tournaments must strictly adhere to these protocols to avoid fines or exclusion. The focus here is entirely on preventing injury to the horse.
The sports world has reacted with mixed feelings to the stricter supervision, but the general consensus is that the welfare of the horse must always come first. In the coming months, it will become clear whether these measures lead to a lasting change in how riders treat their horses during competitions.
Sources: Equnews Belgium
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