by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 7, 2025
Right after the FEI General Assembly voted to revise some restrictions included in the blood rule for show jumping, the reaction started rolling in.
The changes approved at the gathering in Hong Kong on Friday authorize issuance of warnings for the presence of blood on a horse in some instances, as opposed to just straight-out elimination. It was so controversial that it was voted on separately at the meeting from the discipline’s general rules revision, and received a “no” from some very powerful national federations. A petition to preserve the “no blood” rule was signed by 65,581 people.
The tally on the general rules at the meeting was 73 in favor, three against and three abstentions. But on the controversial changes, called Article 259, there was a much greater margin against: 56 countries voted yes, 20 voted no and two abstained.
FEI Secretary-General Sabrina Ibañez conceded, “We acknowledge that the approval was not unanimous and have taken note of the request from several national federations for a more harmonized approach to the topic across disciplines and we are committed to looking into this.
“We will take a structured, evidence‑based approach grounded in thorough consultation and driven by data. Our ongoing projects at the FEI will play a key role in supporting accurate data recording, and we will continue to advance safety and welfare through evidence‑based measures that are both rigorous and robust to further demonstrate our unwavering support to horse welfare.”
Yet Jim Eyre, chief executive of British Equestrian, said: “We support the FEI’s commitment to equine welfare, but based on the evidence and expert opinion, we could not support this rule. The vote was far from unanimous, and we welcome the FEI’s pledge to ongoing review and dialogue.
“If horses are to have a future in sport, we must demonstrate unwavering respect for their welfare. That means clear, ethical rules that put the horse first. We remain committed to working with the FEI and fellow federations to ensure fairness, clarity, and the highest standards of care in equestrian sport.”
British Showjumping Chief Executive Iain Graham said, “As leaders in equestrian sport, our duty is clear: protect our athletes, human and equine, and put horse welfare at the heart of every decision.
“While we recognize the riders’ concerns and welcome elements like enhanced veterinary checks and tougher penalties for repeat offenses, removing automatic elimination for visible blood is a step backwards. It risks eroding public trust and undermines the very progress these changes aim to achieve.
“We’re also disappointed that the FEI chose not to advance the use of padded batons over traditional whips in international jumping — a missed opportunity for meaningful reform.
“British Showjumping will not be changing our national rules in response (to the change on the blood provision). We remain committed to evidence-based decisions and stand firmly behind the British Equestrian Charter for the Horse, built on empathy, care, respect, consideration, ethics and learning.”
Explaining why the German Equestrian Federation (FN) was against the revision, its president, Dr. Martin Richenhagen, said “the welfare of the horse is at the heart of all action. This rule change does not fit with this principle.”
It is the horse welfare aspect that also prompted a post-vote statement of regret from the international think tank, Equestrian Action Group, which had called for standardized blood rules for all disciplines and a differentiation of the causes of any bleeding, with stronger penalties when the bleeding can be attributed to the action of the rider.
The EAG expressed concern “about the future of social acceptance of our activities (social license to operate) and regrets that a majority of the national federation delegates have clearly failed to take into account the interests of horses and equestrian sports.”
The International Jumping Riders Club had sought the changes. That organization explained it has never advocated for lesser sanctions for blood, and believes the new rule is actually stricter, with more serious consequences.
IJRC regrets that critics have read Article 259 in isolation, instead of in conjunction with the complementary rules that mandate disqualification for spur marks (even when blood is not visible) and for abuse of the horse that can be referred to the FEI Tribunal for more serious sanctions.
“From the outset, the IJRC sought a more proportionate response; a micro lesion on one horse resulted in the elimination of the entire Brazilian team from the Paris Olympic Games last year, which we believe was excessive, on the other hand an elimination after a round with faults has nearly no consequences.
“As a result of the new rule,” IJRC stated, “careless riding or blood (even if minimal) caused by tack or equipment repeatedly by the same athlete will be sanctioned more strongly than it was in the existing rules.”
- Before, blood cases were not followed up by a vet check; now a fitness to compete assessment is mandatory.
- Before, the decision whether to eliminate or not was subjective; now the sanction system is objective.
- Before, elimination only happened after the class and the horse could continue in the Event and the rider did not incur any suspension (except in serious cases of abuse of horse). Now for cases where the blood is rider induced/caused by tack or equipment there is a Jumping Recorded Warning, with a second one within 12 months resulting in an immediate one-month suspension and a 1,000 Swiss Franc fine.
Explaining the alterations to the jumping rule, the FEI notes the blood rule used prior to the revision lacked differentiation between horse abuse, accidental injuries and minor lesions, leading to inconsistencies in penalties.The rule does not apply to dressage, and it’s easy to understand why EAG called for standardized rules in all the equestrian disciplines.
Remember that the USA’s dressage team member Marcus Orlob was eliminated from the Grand Prix at the Paris Olympics partway through his test. A judge spotted a superficial scratch on the white hind leg of his mount, Jane, who had nicked herself when spooking from a horse that was exiting the arena in the wrong direction as she entered. When the leg was wiped off, the blood disappeared and did not reappear, but Orlob’s chance was over without having a veterinarian weigh in on the judge’s decision.
The FEI maintains that for jumping, the revised Equine Assessment Rule ensures a fair and proportionate penalty system while maintaining horse welfare as a top priority. It aligns the Jumping Rules with ethical sportsmanship and public perception while upholding the principles of equine welfare and fairness, the organization states.
Putting the blood issues in perspective, Todd Hinde, the FEI’s director of show jumping, noted there were 340,000 starts in FEI show jumping this year, with 101 blood-related eliminations, most of which were due to blood on the flanks (which may not be caused by spurs), representing 0.029 percent of all starts. Of these, only four athletes were eliminated twice during that period. He highlighted that this significantly reduced number of cases reflects the impact of the rules on spurs, which clarified what is permitted and what is not.
There include new mandatory fitness-to-compete checks by the Ground Jury, in consultation with the veterinary delegate, in all cases of blood as well as:
- Horses now are only permitted to continue competing if they have passed a fit-to-compete decision following the veterinary check for blood.
- Clearer rules for FEI officials, removing the “minor” categorization of some blood, which is a judgment call, and ensuring greater consistency and objectivity.
- Increased transparency and accountability for athletes, with all Jumping Recorded Warnings published by the FEI.
- Automatic notification to National Federations of all Jumping Recorded Warnings concerning their athletes, enabling them to better monitor cases and decide whether to impose additional welfare checks or measures.
The rules that are still in place and remain unchanged are:
- mandatory disqualification for excessive use of spurs.
- the Abuse of Horse provisions.
- the possibility of opening separate disciplinary proceedings to impose additional sanctions.
New FEI rules involving welfare aren’t just for those competing internationally. They will be coming soon to a show near you. National Federations have been requested to incorporate provisions on Abuse of Horses and Safeguarding Policy against Harassment and Abuse that are generally consistent with the FEI provisions into their own rules and regulations by January 1, 2027.
The Equine Assessment Rule aims to harmonize penalties with the principles of fairness and horse welfare by allowing veterinarians to assess severity: veterinary delegates will evaluate lesions before penalties are enforced to ensure proportionality.
A Three-Strike System means gradual consequences will be applied based on the frequency and severity of violations. Proportionality will offer a standard, so a small superficial mark does not get penalized as severely as a significant lesion or an abuse-related injury.
Violations will be tracked across an athlete’s career to ensure accountability.
Here is Article 259:
259.1. Any blood on the Horse caused by tack or equipment or any Athlete induced blood detected during a competition (from warm up until completion of any post-Competition controls/testing) will result in the following consequences for the Person Responsible, issued by the President of the Ground Jury:
First Offense: Jumping Recorded Warning
Second Offense: Jumping Recorded Warning
Should the same Person Responsible receive two or more Jumping Recorded Warnings at the same or any other event within 12 months of the delivery of the first Jumping Recorded Warning, the Person Responsible shall be issued a fine of CHF 1,000 (Swiss Francs/ $1,242 U.S.) and be automatically suspended for a period of one month.
259.2 In other cases of blood on the horse detected during a competition (for example where a horse appears to have bitten its tongue or lip or in cases where a horse is bleeding from the nose), the officials may authorize the rinsing or wiping of the blood and allow the Athlete/Horse Combination to continue the competition, provided the horse is deemed fit to compete in accordance with Article 259.3. The athlete will not receive a Jumping Recorded Warning if this article applies.
259.3. In all cases of blood on the horse under JRs Art 259, the horse may only be permitted to continue in a competition or participate in any subsequent competition(s) at the event if the ground jury, in consultation with the veterinary delegate, has deemed the horse to be fit to compete.
The U.S. Equestrian Federation this year passed a blood rule of its own, scheduled to go into effect Dec. 1. It states that blood caused by the rider/handler or equipment requires the horse to be eliminated from the relevant class. 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.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 6, 2025
Going beyond equine microchips for horse ID, Equipass addresses the need for accurate health records, regulatory compliance and improved disease control with a streamlined approach. Its first phase will roll out beginning Jan. 26, 2026, according to the FEI (the international equestrian federation),.
It is designed to handle documentation and facilitate smooth international movement of horses, reducing administrative complexities while strengthening biosecurity across borders. The FEI views Equipass as a complement to horses’ physical passports by providing a single platform for a horse’s identification, medical history, vaccination records, location and travel documentation.
The system enables owners, athletes, grooms, veterinarians, officials and authorities to access all essential data in one app. The idea is to make it easier and faster to manage multiple horses, track vaccinations and handle cross-border travel, while keeping the information secure and readily available.
“This is the first platform of its kind to integrate horse identification, health records, vaccination tracking, travel documentation and microchip scanning in a single, unified system, for lifetime traceability,” FEI Director of Technology Operations Gaspard Dufour said.
Thermal microchip scanning enables simultaneous verification of horse’s identity, location and body temperature. That is an innovation in equestrian sport. Dufour points out the potential for automated biosecurity monitoring and real-time welfare oversight.
“This project is a perfect example of technical expertise meeting the real-world demands of the equestrian industry, all in the service of improving the welfare of horses worldwide. With multi-device access and real-time updates, Equipass is both practical and scalable. This is a tool that we believe will make a genuine difference for everyone who works with horses,” according to Dufour.
By the end of 2027, or in early 2028, Equipass will expand to involve horses at the national level, if national federations are interested. The third phase, for which no potential start date was given, will open the system to studbooks and other potential partners.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 8, 2025
The world number one dressage rider Justin Verboomen of Belgium received the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award at the FEI General Assembly Friday for his training and competition success with the lovely Zonik Plus.
As the rider from Belgium pointed out, it’s amazing to think that “exactly one year ago, I was only dreaming of us taking part in our first international show together. I never imagined how far this journey would take us. Mechelen was unforgettable especially because it was the last show my mother saw, and that memory makes every moment since even more meaningful.”
Raised in a family of riding instructors, Justin’s lifelong connection with horses has shaped a grounded and classical approach to his craft. From the time Justin met Zonik Plus as a two-and-a-half year-old in Portugal, their partnership has grown through patience, trust, and quiet determination, forming the foundation for their success at the highest levels of the sport.
The FEI Awards Gala 2025 presented by Longines In Hong Kong. Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete 2025 – Justin Verboomen (BEL). Photograph taken by Liz Gregg. Copyright of Liz Gregg / FEI.
Their achievements during the 2025 season brought Belgium unprecedented international recognition, including the nation’s first-ever FEI Dressage Nations Cup™ victory and an individual triumph at CHIO Aachen. Beyond the results, Justin has demonstrated consistency, composure, and deep respect for his horses, embodying the qualities celebrated by the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award.
“Winning the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award wasn’t something I expected; I just wanted to share the connection I feel with Zonik, to let people see his spirit and our story.
“To feel that others were moved, too, is incredibly touching. I’m endlessly grateful to have met a horse like him. He’s not just a partner in sport, but truly part of my family. This award isn’t just ours; it belongs to everyone who believed in us and felt our emotion through the arena.”
The Longines Rising Star Award went to Irish show jumper Tom Wachman.
At just 20, Tom is already making his mark on the international stage. A three-time European Champion, he has won team gold in the Pony (2019), Junior (2023), and Young Rider (2024) categories, and helped Ireland secure team silver at the FEI Jumping European Championship for Young Riders, Juniors & Children 2025 in Riesenbeck. This year has been particularly remarkable for Tom. He realized his childhood dream of representing Ireland at multiple CSIO5* events, contributing to team victories.
From his early days on the Irish pony circuit to the highest levels of international competition, his journey is a testament to talent, dedication, and remarkable consistency.
“I’ve been lucky to work with great horses and an incredible team behind me,” Tom.
“From the very start, I’ve had the support of amazing grooms, coaches, and everyone in the yard, and that makes all the difference. It’s been an amazing year — a lucky year with great horses, strong partnerships, and opportunities I’ve dreamed of since I was a child. Awards like this are just the icing on the cake. They recognize not just individual results, but the effort of everyone involved, and hopefully, they inspire young people to stay focused, work hard, and enjoy the journey as much as I have.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 7, 2025
There will never be an opportunity like this again in the foreseeable future.
Be part of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles by volunteering. The program, presented by Delta Air Lines, offers an opportunity for everyone to take a role. The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics was amazing, and its successor 44 years later promises to be equally as memorable. Show jumping, dressage and eventing all will be held at Santa Anita racetrack, which also hosted the 1984 Games, except for cross country, which will be on site this time. You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer.
Community volunteer slots are available now. Games volunteer spots will be available beginning next year. To register, click here. While you’re on the site, check out job opportunities connected with the Games.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 2, 2025
From his first round over the jumps to his last ride in front of the judges, JJ Torano dominated the finals of the ASPCA Maclay equitation championship at the National Horse Show in Kentucky on Sunday.
The 15-year-old ranked first after all 176 contenders had completed the initial round, stayed on top in the flat phase and was the best of 24 in the second round as well, ending up with a final score 93.46. He was the only rider whose final score broke into the 90s.
After a 7 a.m. start and nearly 11 hours of competition, the judges wisely saw no need for further testing when JJ completed a classic second-round performance on Favorite Edition Z, otherwise known as Eddie.
JJ Torano led all the way in the Maclay. (National Horse Show Photo)
JJ called the mount he has ridden for three years “a very proven horse. He’s been foot-perfect from the start. I can’t say enough about him. He can shine in those tests where they ask the big questions. I’m lucky to be sitting on him in a class like this.”
Jimmy Torano and Favorite Edition Z on their way to victory in the Maclay.
The routes set by Paul Jewell and Nancy Wallis, with input from judges Susie Schoellkopf, Jimmy Toon, Robin Swinderman Mitchell and Tony Sgarlata, tested accuracy and adjustability, but also allowed the riders who mastered the technical questions to demonstrate their style.
“My goal this year was really to make it a rider’s test, where they want to find the track and find the path,” Paul explained.
“If they find the path, keep the pace, they’re going to be fine.”
In her comments about the winner, judge Robin said, “He was extremely smooth throughout all the rounds, very solid in his flatwork.”
Judge Jimmy noted, “JJ is quite clever in keeping everything so even, and he’s so strong. He’s solid. There’s not much else you can say about him. He’s quite the man.”
JJ is the son of Jimmy and Danielle Torano, both show ring stars. He is coached by his father and the North Run team of Missy Clark, John Brennan and Maggie Gampfer.
JJ Torano with sponsor Cindi Perez, 2024 Maclay winner Taylor Cawley, Danielle and Jimmy Torano, Missy Clark, John Brennan and Maggie Gampfer.
The teen warmed up for his class by winning Saturday night’s 1.35 meter jumper competition with Good Mood Semilly, then taking third on Vitus K in the featured $100,000 1.45-meter grand prix behind big names Alessandra Volpi (Glamour) and Sloane Coles (Ninja JW van de Moerhoeve.)
So it’s no surprise what JJ, who won the Dover Saddlery/USEF Medal Finals last year, is looking forward to in the coming season.
“I have a couple of young horses, new horses I want to step up and keep going and build a relationship,” the Floridian said.
“So I’m excited for that. Maybe jump some bigger classes now that I’m old enough.”
JJ expressed gratitude for all the help he received.
“Obviously it’s been a great week. I rode a lot of different types of horses. I think almost every one of them was owned by a different person. So, first I’d like to thank the owners, my parents for all they do, and my trainers, Missy, John, and Maggie. It’s really a team behind me that can really make the success happen for me,”
It was the third time in a row that a child of a professional equestrians had taken the Maclay. Last year, I asked Jimmy Torano why the pro trainers’ kids are so good, and wondered if it was genetic.
He told me it’s because the youngsters are “around it every day, they’re living it, they’re breathing it.”
And they have the chance to ride so many different horses, Jimmy added.
The reserve champion, Parker Peacock, moved up from eleventh place to come close to the big prize.,Parker, a North Carolinian who rode Montverdi, is trained by Ken and Emily Smith. Her final score was 89.03.
Runner-up Parker Peacock. (National Horse Show Photo)
Third place went to the first person to venture out on course, Madison Ramsey, who also won the silver cup known as the Trailblazer Trophy for that achievement. The Florida resident, who is trained by Jen and Frank Madden and the Capital Hill team, as well as Bobby Braswell, rode Mac III after rising from sixth place. Her final score was 88.40.
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 1, 2025
Kristin Wasemiller-Knutson and Vashti, the combination that won the Open Grand Prix Freestyle at the U.S. Dressage Finals in 2021, did it again on Saturday night during the show at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio.
“I could not have been happier with my ride; I didn’t care what the score was,” said Kristin, who rode to a Bugs Bunny operetta she edited herself, as well as well as designing the complex floorplan. Her efforts earned a mark of 72.25 percent.
“I wanted to use that music, and it took me years to try to get it the way I wanted it,” revealed Kristin. who was the runner-up in the Grand Prix on Saturday.
Vashti, who is by the pinto Friesian Sporthorse Nic, also sire of Jim Koford’s famous ride Adiah HP, was bred by Sherry Koella. She was at Finals to witness the cherished 17-year-old mare’s victory. Sherry likes to breed for color, and when Vashti turned out to be a bay and then became an orphan, Kristin and her mother, Dede Wasemiller took her in.
Kristin Wasemiller-Knutson and Vashti. (Susan J. Stickle Photo)
“We have been second several times in this class, so it was our goal to come back and win it,” added Kristin, who trains mostly with her mother and is based four miles away from her farm in Oklahoma City.
Jennifer Roth, who had 11 rides at the show, was the reserve after making a last-minute decision to contest the class when another competitor scratched. She and Barbara Lightner’s 12-year-old Lusitano, Imperador DR, earned 71.258 percent.
“I wasn’t even supposed to be in this class,” she explained. “The horse is an absolute machine and Kathy Rizzoni made him such a fun, upbeat freestyle. I was up there just dancing and singing, and when I hit that last line of ones, I thought, ‘Okay, I’ve done 15, let’s see how many more I can fit in.’ He was right there for me. That’s probably the most fun I’ve ever had doing dressage.”
Roth partially attributed her great performance to help from long-time coach Sharon Ridge and warm-up help from Jim Koford, and partly to her brand new tailcoat bought on the day.
“It must be good luck; I’m never taking it off,” laughed Roth, who has been riding the Lusitano only since the spring of 2025. “I was given the ride to just play around, and here we are. Jim’s been convincing me that it’s okay to be fancy. I tend to go with the safe seven, and he’s helping me figure out that I can go for more. It’s pretty cool.”
Josefine Parada, who was jetting off on her honeymoon Sunday morning, filled third place with a 71.125 percent ride on her own 14-year-old Floriscount gelding, Floyd.
Heather Mason has a record to be envied at the U.S. Dressage Finals, enjoying victory after victory at the show.
That hasn’t changed with a switch in venues, from the Kentucky Horse Park. It’s not just that she’s winning in the saddle; her students also are winning. And she had 28 entries to ride or train at the show presented by Adequan.
Her four-year-old Rock It P on Saturday won the First Level Open Freestyle with 77.241 percent, with a boost from a plus-80 percent mark from the judge at C. Heather’s music was from the mystery movie Enola Holmes, put together by Kevin Whitney.
The 17.3 hand (and still growing) Rock It (Grand Galaxy Win X Everdale) made a comeback from his Friday Training Level test, where he was distracted by the camera person.
Heather Mason and Rock It P at home. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
“Today he put on his bravery and was fantastic. It’s a very difficult floor plan, with bold movements and combinations because he’s an honest horse, which is lucky, because being so big it would be a problem if he wasn’t. I bought him as a foal, and he was only supposed to make 16.2 hands,” said Heather, who is based in Lebanon, N.J.
Heather’s total wins at the show mounted to four by the end of Saturday’s action. She was the first to go in the Intermediate I Open Freestyle Championship on Manuskript SCF and her 73.325 percent mark on the eight-year-old Jazz gelding was good enough for the title. Then she rode Rock It P again to take the First Level Open Championship with 73.194 percent.
Next for Rock It is a rest and maybe some jumping over the winter until serious work resumes in the spring.
Heather Mason and Rock It P rock their winning freestyle. (Susan J. Stickle Photo)
“I have to let Rock It’s body catch up; everything comes so easy for him, and he’s not stressed about the work but he’s still physically immature. He’s definitely a super horse, and I look forward to many years with him,” Heather said.
A Lusitano stallion was named Grand Prix champion for rider Jorge Arauz Friday night, topping a field of 14. Jorge and the “sweetheart” of a horse, London Do Vouga, earned 65.036 percent. The stallion is an inexperienced 11-year-old that just started competing at the highest level during the summer. It was only his third show at Grand Prix.
“It has been an amazing journey with this horse,” said Jorge, who works for Dulce Borjas at her Los Encinos Equestrian Hacienda in Magnolia, Texas.
“He came to us from Brazil three or four years ago as a kind of average horse schooling Second Level for Dulce to ride,” said Jorge.
A a native of Nicaragua, Jorge now rides for the U.S. He soon realized that London Do Vouga had the quality and talent for the upper levels, and in a few short years, he learned all the Grand Prix work. The stallion’s owner also earned her U.S. Dressage Federation silver medal on the horse 18 months ago.
Grand Prix winner Jorge Arauz and London Do Vouga. (Susan J. Stickle Photo)
“Honestly, we were very happy and humble to be here,” explained Jorge.
“We are new in this, so we had no big expectations, but we tried our best and the test went really well, his best so far. Obviously, there’s always room for improvement, but from his breed, the piaffe/passage are strong exercises for him. He’s a sweetheart.”
Jorge has trained with Rafael Soto, as well as riders from the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.
“Hopefully, we will get him to some CDIs next season in Florida,” he added, “and we would like to get him qualified for the USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship at WEC Ocala in May.”
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 28, 2025
There were several hot-button topics during the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s rule change webinar Monday, with more than 200 people on line during the three-and-a-half hour session. But one of the most intense reactions was to a proposal involving a 60-day provisional suspension not only for the trainer of a horse testing positive for “certain designated (prohibited) drugs,” but also the owner and riders.
A hearing would be available subsequent to the provisional suspension and time served during the temporary hiatus would be credited against any suspension imposed. These measures are intended “to reinforce accountability and deter violations, while ensuring due process and the continued confidence of all stakeholders in the fairness of the sport,” according to the language of the proposal.
USHJA President Britt McCormick explained, “these drugs they are talking about making an automatic suspension are substances that should never be in a horse. These are Class III and IV drugs, not your everyday NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) and not Robaxin. This is not a gotcha…if somebody does this, it’s found in the animal, you’re done for 60 days and I don’t see how anybody can argue with that.”
Including riders and owners in the suspension is designed to prevent suspended trainers from carrying on business as usual, even if they can’t come to the showgrounds;.
“This is one of those things we have to have a `no tolerance’ for, or else we’re never going to get past it,” added Britt, noting the new hair testing is part of the protocol on these forbidden drugs.
“We have to get behind the rules that will allow us to punish those people that are putting substances into the animals that should never be there, and it’s just that simple.”
However, a rumor that an euthanasia drug was being used to calm show horses turned out to be a lie that caused “a knee-jerk reaction” in drafting the rule, as one person on the call noted.
Meanwhile, the 60-day suspension concept is far from acceptable for some members.
Spencer Chapin, a horse show judge, spoke against it.
“This is such a group condemnation, and with no process. No one will ever catch-ride for anybody else again. You can’t make rules that are so arbitrary to say `60 days’ and the whole group is indicted,” he observed.
“Some kid is going to miss riding for 60 days and they had nothing to do with it. I don’t understand how process ceases to be important in enforcing rules.”
In many cases, comments made online about the rule were even more vehement in opposition. It was pointed out that catch riders do not usually know how the horse they are showing was prepared, and owners often are not present or involved with preparations.
Another concept that drew criticism was the “collapse rule.”
Britt explained it is designed “to give the Federation the ability to help a horse that has fallen for no apparent reason and that the animal receives the care it needs immediately.”
It calls for having the horse leave the showgrounds for seven days, which was seen by commenters as impractical in many instances, such as if a stable’s personnel were 500 miles from home and did not know a place where the horse could be taken in the area of the show.
“Even if the language is not perfect, the intention is correct,” said Britt.
He believes the rule is designed to put a burden on the owner.
“You want the owner to know the horse collapsed…and get it to the appropriate veterinary location. How many of these do we see a year? Maybe two?”
Vanessa Brown said if her horse collapses, “I don’t want the horse taken out of my care,” noting the people who know the animal can recognize abnormal signs, which is important to insure it gets the best care.
“This shows so little faith and paints us as criminals and animal abusers. Honestly, I’m sick of being treated like that. It’s a very small percentage that are very bad actors, and the rest of the membership is being painted this way. It’s not just hurtful, it leaves a terrible taste in our mouth,” she emphasized.
There have been concerns about horses being over-jumped and over-shown, so tables have been drafted to define the possibility of limits on the number of times ponies, hunters, jumpers and equitation mounts can compete at a show.
Other topics included a discussion about allowing mules in hunter classes, and bitless bridles in hunter classes as well (though not necessarily on the mules!)
But here’s the context on the mules, and it makes sense:
“Since 2004, mules have proven themselves in multiple USEF disciplines—dressage, endurance, combined driving, and most recently, jumpers in 2022. Hunters are the natural next step. Dressage set a precedent for successful subjective scoring of mules and horses in the same classes, allowing judges to apply the same standards without any additional training. Research shows that mules competing under horse-specific medication rules have no competitive advantage. Mules are already subject to the USEF Equine Drug and Medication Guidelines in all other USEF disciplines that permit them.
“USEF’s restriction on hunter mules limits access to the sport at unrecognized and local levels of competition, so allowing some level of participation within USEF will encourage growth within the sport, especially in the grassroots where mules would most likely compete. Identifying restrictions at the upper levels will then protect and preserve the historical tradition of show hunters valued by traditionalists.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that there has been large member support for the inclusion of mules in hunter competition, and it is notable that the USEF affiliate approved a similar proposal in the past. USEF’s restrictions on mules limits access at the unrecognized shows and lower levels so allowing mules in these classes and competitions will encourage sport growth among the grassroots.
Hunters celebrate and focus on a strong partnership between equid and rider, good training, and form over fences. Mules are very capable over fences and have proven their versatility, stamina, and athleticism in many sports. These characteristics make mules well-suited to the hunter discipline, and it’s time for USEF to welcome them into a broader base of USEF membership and supporters. USEF has an opportunity to create more accessibility for mule owners and encourage participation, fun, and the spirit that lives within many people within the equestrian industry.”
To see all the proposals, click on this link. Comments may be made with USHJA until Oct. 31. The rule changes will be discussed at the USHJA’s annual meeting in December, and then go to the USEF for action at its mid-year meeting in June 2026.
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 31, 2025
Two New Jersey riders, who often have been winners at the U.S. Dressage Finals, continued their success as the competition moved its full schedule to a new venue, the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio.
Since the competition there this week is in several indoor arenas, participants were able to avoid the cold and rain that are prevalent in November in Ohio and neighboring Kentucky, where the competition presented by Adequan was held previously.
Lauren Chumley of Pittstown and Leeloo Dallas won the Intermediate II Open Championship with 68.48 percent to top a class of 14 starters. The combination won the Prix St. Georges title at the 2023 Finals and the Intermediate I Freestyle last year, so there has been a measurable metric of their progression.
“This is Leeloo’s first year at I-2, and I’ve had some really good and some not-so-great rides,” said Lauren about her efforts with the nine-year-old mare (Gaspard De La Nuit DG X Negro).
“She’s never naughty, but she’s green at this. She’s only been doing this level for, like, 30 seconds. She was good in the test, but she was amazing in the warm-up, so that was a feeling of what’s to come. I can’t wait until I can have it all in the ring.”
Lauren has trained Leeloo Dallas up the levels herself since buying her sight-unseen as a foal from her breeder Racheal McKinney in Arizona. Initially, she couldn’t afford her, but when her price was reduced, she was able to cobble together the funds.
“When she arrived, I realized I’d never asked how big she was,” Lauren recalled.
“She’s a hair under 16.1 hands now, which is actually fine as I’m not that tall.”
Lauren is “endlessly grateful” to her coach, Michael Bragdell, who finished fourth in the same class.
Lauren Chumley and Leeloo Dallas. (Susan J. Stickle photo)
The venue earned high praise from Lauren.
“The decorations are incredible, and they’ve created a super atmosphere here. I’m just wondering what the pumpkin budget is as I think I’ve seen about 3,000 of them,” she laughed.
“I love that everything is indoors because it’s been pouring with rain. Plus, the footing is phenomenal.”
Since coming to prominence with Finals wins, Leeloo Dallas has attracted some hefty offers from potential purchasers.
“I’m not wealthy and this money would change my life, but I don’t care; she’s not for sale,” Lauren emphasized.
She called her test, “a perfect end to Leeloo’s first season at I-2. She put in a solid albeit green test and really tried her little potato heart out for me today and it was good enough for the neck ribbon. Thank you, my little Perfect Princess Potato Muffin, you make this life worth the extraordinary continued struggle.”
Lauren also won the Intermediate I freestyle on Belafonte with a score of 68.242 percent.
Heather Mason of Lebanon, N.J.,who has earned many titles at this year-end championship over the years, rode to another on the eight-year-old Manuskript SCF. She earned the Prix St. Georges Open honors with 70.392 percent.
Manuskript, who along with another horse was the youngest in the class, had the only score over 70 percent. Manuskript (Jazz X Krack C).
Heather also coached a multiple winner, Christina Morin-Graham. In the Intermediate II Adult Amateur Championship, Christina’s 66.961 percent performance on her 15-year-old Oldenburg mare, Mondlicht, was just what she needed for her first Finals win, with the reserve champion finishing nearly five percentage points less.
Christina, who has eight championship class rides, bought Mondlicht five years ago from Germany and was advised that she would not make a Grand Prix horse.
“They said she was too hot for the one-tempis and wouldn’t be able to do the piaffe/passage,” explained Christina, who topped the same class at the Region 8 Championships on her mare (Sarkozy X Ravallo).
“I was happy to have her as a Small Tour horse, but over the years, we’ve done a lot of growing together, and here we are doing Big Tour,” she pointed out proudly.
Christina Morin-Graham and Mondlicht. (Susan J. Stickle Photo)
A week before leaving on the nine-hour journey to WEC from her home in Malvern, Pa., Mondlicht pulled a shoe and had a slightly swollen leg. Christina, who works full-time as a partner in a private equity firm, decided to give her a full week off, only schooling the day before the championship test.
“I got on yesterday, and she felt super,” noted Christina.
“She loves getting ridden; she loves work. I adore her, though she’s definitely an alpha mare and very opinionated. You have to get her on your side and then she really gives you her best.”
The very busy Christina had another win on Friday in the Intermediate I Adult Amateur class on Ici de la Vigne, with a score of 66.912 percent. In the Amateur Grand Prix that day, she also was tops with DSP Dauphin on 68.696 percent and was second with Mondicht (66.920).
In the Third Level Open Championship, Coloradan Taryn Anderson, was first to go in the Third Level Open Championship, and her 71.625 percent on seven-year-old Figardo proved unbeatable.
Figardo, owned by Taryn’s mother, Tammy, gave Taryn “a magical ride” to win with the day’s highest Finals score.
“He warmed up kind of tight in this big atmosphere, so I didn’t know what to expect. I went in the ring, and he was just so lovely,” said Taryn.
“Everything I asked him to do, he was right there, and his back was soft. He gives me a magical feeling, and it was a magical ride. I could think about each movement, and it felt like ‘Ta-da!’”
Figardo (Fürst Wilhelm X Fürst Piccolo) was found by Anderson’s friend Jenny Wetterau as a four-year-old, and she has produced him through the grades with help from her Colorado-based trainer Petra Warlimont and Florida-based trainers George Williams and Lars Petersen.
“He’s super special to me because he was only walk, trot, canter when I got him. I put all the movements on him, and he’s the first one that I feel I’ve brought along and been successful with it. I’ve had horses before, but we made mistakes, and I learned a lot. Now, I feel like I’m starting to understand how to make a grand prix horse,” she said.
Coupled with his athletic ability, Figardo’s unflappable nature has helped him flourish.
“We have our own farm, and I take him out in the field. I can hack him by himself and train him on the hills,” she continued.
“He’s a happy-go-lucky guy.”
She also praised the new venue.
“I love it,” she said. “I haven’t been to Finals for years, but I remember getting drenched in the rain. When I heard Finals was going to be at WEC, I really wanted to come. I’m very much impressed; the decorations and the shopping are awesome, and the footing is perfect.”
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 31, 2025
It wasn’t a personal best, but Belgium’s Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus kept a narrow margin over Becky Moody and Jagerbomb from Great Britain to take the dressage freestyle at the Equita Lyon show in France on Friday. The class is a qualifier for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final, which will be held in Ft. Worth next April.
Justin didn’t match the score from his European Championships individual gold medal ride, earning 87.075 percent highlighted by an artistic score of 92 percent, with his 9-year-old Rheinlander stallion flowing effortlessly to gentle background music. The picture was marred only by mistakes in the tempi changes (he was scored as low as a 5 for the changes every stride), but the rest was buoyed by individual marks of 10 for choreography, music and a textbook canter pirouette right.
Freestyle winner Justin Verboomen on Zonik Plus at Lyon, France, and runner-up Becky Moody on Jagerbomb.
Modest and soft-spoken as always, Justin said the feeling was amazing in his Thursday Grand Prix, where he set a personal best for that test.
“Today he was maybe a little bit tired and I did some mistakes, but he was still really good” said Justin after his freestyle.
“Step by step, I think it will improve and improve and improve,” Justin suggested, noting he wasn’t “really used to” an atmosphere like the packed house he encountered in Lyon.
As he continues to develop his horse, who he purchased in Portugal when the colt was two-and-a-half, Justin said, “The only thing I want is really to improve the suppleness and his confidence in the ring.”
Becky’s ride on her 11-year-old homebred gelding was presented to a medley of Beatles tunes, most appropriate considering her country of origin. The judges thought so too; Becky and her Dutchbred mount got three marks of 10 for music and its interpretation.
“I was smiling all the time,” Becky said about her test.
“The crowd here was amazing. I’m so lucky to ride Jagerbomb, I always enjoy riding him. He is very consistent, has an incredible temperament and is very trainable. He makes my life easy, but you can always have a good or bad day. In the Grand Prix, I was a bit frustrated with myself, not with Bomb. Today everything felt super.”
Third place went to another Belgian rider, Larissa Pauluis, with Flambeau, on 79.560 percent.
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Oct 24, 2025
Lu Thomas, a pillar of horse sport in Northern California, has passed away after years spent battling cancer. She was 79.
Equally successful in the jumpers and the hunters, she and her husband, Graeme (Butch) Thomas, were a formidable training combination. Their best-known students included Gail Greenough, world show jumping champion in 1986, top trainer Carleton Brooks and Karl Cook, now a pillar of the U.S. team.
Butch and Lu Thomas
The couple’s son, Guy, rode in the FEI World Cup finals, as they both did, and also competed on the New Zealand Olympic team (Butch is a native of New Zealand.) In September, Guy won the Morningstar Sport Horses Grand Prix in Sacramento, with both his parents present.
In 2018, Lu and Butch, received the Sacramento International Horse Show Lifetime Achievement Award; three years before that, they earned the USHJA’s Lifeetime Achievement Award. They always worked as a team..
Lu and Butch Thomas receiving their Lifetime Achievement Award. (McCool Photo)
Jimmy Lee, president of the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame, called Lu “an extremely talented rider.
“She showed many top horses at the highest level of competition. Lu was not only a brilliant hunter rider, but she did it with style and class. She was a very special person in and outside of the ring who set a great example of how it should be done, particularly for the youth in our sport to emulate.”
This week, Lu’s husband, offered a tribute to her:
“After four days of Lu’s passing, I’m finally game enough to give my insight on our lives together. She was the kindest, easiest woman a guy could live with- we’ve been married 54 years and 10 months, and I don’t remember ever having an argument. We must’ve had, but they were too small to remember.
“Not only a fantastic wife and my best friend, but a brilliant rider. She made every horse better. She could ride a hunter better than anyone in the country, but so humble she never thought she was any good. When I quit riding the jumpers, she said, “Can I try them?” She then became Rookie of the Year at age 59. She won many Grand Prixs and went to Geneva World Cup Finals.
“Lu spent her life worrying about others. She looked after her son, Guy, incredibly. And she always said to me – “I have three sons: Ilan Ferder, Mark Laskin and Guy. I have two daughters: Callie Layland and Natalie Dean.” She never stopped looking after them. She never made an enemy, she gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. If someone said something rude about her, she’d say, “They didn’t mean it.”
Lu loved animals- she’d be out in the stall bandaging Cody at 9pm because she wanted to be sure it was done properly. She’d say “They’re good to me, I’ve got to be good to them.”
From dogs, to horses, to humans- she enriched the lives of everyone she knew. From the bottom of her heart, Lu cared.”
