(WDM Press release) Upon review of the process and after consultation with the FEI, it has been confirmed that the current rules regarding the elimination process were followed to the letter.
Before she left the official equipment check area ringside, the rider was informed by the FEI Chief Steward that the Judge at C had made the decision based on Article 428.8 and Article 430.7.6 that the horse must be eliminated due to the evidence of fresh blood.
On behalf of Wellington Classic Dressage and the official Ground Jury of the WDM/Palm Beach.
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The organizers of the 2013 WDM Palm Beach received complaints that the official procedures for elimination had not been followed for Tina Konyot's case. The reason for elimination was that a bleeding spur mark on the horse was detected which results in elimination from the Grand Prix.
The grounds for elimination were FEI rule (Article 427.8) dealing with “Checking of Saddlery” that states: “A Steward must be appointed to check the saddlery of each Horse immediately after it leaves the arena. Any discrepancy will be reported to the Judge at C and result in immediate Elimination if confirmed.”
The blood rule states: “Bleeding: If the Judge at C suspects fresh blood anywhere on the horse during the test, he will stop the horse to check for blood. If the horse shows fresh blood, it will be eliminated. The elimination is final. If the Judge through examination clarifies that the horse has no fresh blood, the horse may resume and finish its test. If the horse is eliminated pursuant to the above, or if the horse is injured during the test and starts bleeding after finishing the test, it should be examined by an FEI Veterinarian prior to the next Competition to determine if it is fit to continue in the Event the following day(s). The decision of the FEI Veterinarian is not subject to appeal.”
Related Links
New Blood Rule Approved at 2012 FEI General Asssembly
FEI Guidelines: Regulatory Explanation for Eliminating Horses with Blood