The Board of US Equestrian approved amendments to two rules at its Aug. 26 board meeting dealing with blood on horses, hunter Channel II points, and mileage.

GR 843: Blood Rule

After additional adjustments and discussion following the mid-year board meeting, a change to GR 843 regarding blood on horses in competition has been passed.

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.

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.

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.

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