USEF Further Defines Blood Rule with Option to "Rinse or Wipe"

Dressage

U.S.A.

The United States equestrian federation (USEF) has made additional adjustments and discussion following the mid-year board meeting and passed the change to GR 843 regarding blood on horses in competition.

Animal Welfare

The rule is intended to protect horse welfare while acknowledging that a variety of situations may result in the presence of blood on a horse. According to the updated rule, blood caused by the rider/handler or equipment requires the horse to be eliminated from the relevant class.

The new rule language also states that the presence of blood on horses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by a licensed judge or ground jury.

Wipe or Rinse

USEF recognizes that horses may sometimes bite their tongue or lips in the normal course of work. If minor blood is spotted in a horse's mouth, the new rule allows the licensed judge or ground jury to rinse or wipe the horse’s mouth and permits the horse to continue if there is no further evidence of blood. If bleeding continues, the horse will be eliminated.

If a horse is eliminated during a class that is a qualifier for a championship or another class, they may compete in the championship if the bleeding issue is resolved. If a horse is eliminated in the work-off, a championship, or in a jump-off due to blood, they will be eliminated from that phase of the class and placed based on the score they had at the start of the work-off or jump-off round.

Discipline Specific

Each breed and discipline has its own chapter of USEF rules, separate from the General rules. If breed or discipline rules contain stricter language regarding blood in competition, or have additional requirements and provisions beyond this general rule, the more restrictive elements of the breed or discipline’s rules will take precedence.

The General rule will take effect Dec. 1, 2025.

For Dressage

In the case of the blood rule, for example, the rule for Dressage requires that the presence of blood anywhere on the horse for any reason results in elimination; that will continue to apply for Dressage participants.

Please see this list of Frequently Asked Questions about the new general blood rule.