This is what I sent to the FEI
As I’m sure you are aware, we in the United States Equestrian Community are having a fairly widespread conversation regarding the results of the Land Rover CCI**** in Kentucky this past weekend that also decided our national championship.
The horse of the third place finisher (and now our national champion), American Marilyn Little, was deemed to have bit her own mouth prior to running Saturday’s cross country. As per the current FEI rules regarding cuts in the mouth, the competitor summoned the ground jury and consulted with veterinarians, it was decided that the cut was the result of a bite, and not related to equipment or rider error, and the rider and horse were allowed to proceed on cross country.
From that point, the blood is clearly visible in the horse’s mouth on course, throughout the course.
The horse’s mouth is wiped after finishing, and another veterinarian inspection clears the horse again, but then, the veterinarians were aware the horse’s mouth was cut and bleeding prior to running cross country, so a secondary inspection clearing an issue they had already deemed acceptable seems a bit circular.
I think the issue I am having is that we have a zero tolerance for blood from spur rubs. Initially I was reluctant to get behind that change, but upon reflection I have to agree that everything must be done not only to ensure horse welfare, but also to protect the public image of the sport throughout the world. I worked for a Brazilian rider. I know Stephan Barcha and have spent significant time around him at shows in Europe. He is lovely and kind and let’s be frank, like five feet tall. It was shocking when he caused a minuscule spur rub during the Olympics in Rio. But he did, and was subsequently disqualified. It happens. It does not in any way diminish these riders. They are brilliant and accomplished. But the horses and the legacy of the sport must always come first.
We do not tolerate a minuscule spot of blood from a spur rub. It demonstrates our love and desire to protect our partners.
While I was at the 2015 European Championships, Edward Gal’s horse bit his mouth. Gal pulled the horse up immediately and asked to be excused. Because we are horsemen. There is no reason whatsoever to compete a horse with a cut and bleeding mouth, regardless of the venue or the prize.
The incidents of horses biting their own mouths are incredibly rare. It is so rare that in a lifetime of sport, mostly spent around FEI riders and horses, the only incident I have personally witnessed it Gal’s 2015 incident. The image of the foam turning pink on Gal’s horse’s mouth was striking and unsettling, probably more so because it is so uncommon. And watching Marilyn Little run cross country in Kentucky, the bloody foaming mouth was no less unsettling.
If an athlete is hurt, in whatever capacity, they have the option to withdraw. Horses do not have that option. If a horse is injured prior to competition, and is ascertained to be cut and bleeding at the mouth, it is on us as horsemen to withdraw. We are their stewards and their friends; the more stoic and talented an animal, the more we must not allow ourselves to take advantage of that heart.
If a horse is bleeding at the mouth on course, in any FEI discipline, it must and should be rung out and eliminated. It protects the horse and it protects a sport already too often under fire.
If a horse has a cut and bleeding mouth prior to competition, it should not be competing that day.
The image of a horse dripping blood from its mouth is not one that protects and preserves the sport.
Asking an animal to proceed or continue while bleeding at the mouth, regardless of the cause, is selfish, if not cruel.
I would ask you to consider a rule change that makes bleeding from the mouth an immediate disqualification, and give your ground jury the ability to enforce this rule. This demonstrates a commitment not only to ensure the welfare of the horse, but also to preserving the integrity and perception of the sport.
When Jur Vrieling was asked about his decision not to take a whip on course after his disqualification in Rio he said “Today I did not take a whip. I just didn’t want to. It’s not going to fix it if he stops. He’s my best friend, and I want to keep him like that.”
We shouldn’t have to have a rule that says we don’t compete or continue to compete when our friends are cut and bleeding in the mouth, but clearly we have to, because every rider is not Jur Vrieling.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
