New blood rule - warning for Philipp Weishaupt in Doha

The FEI has published the list of the most recent warnings (“yellow cards”) in show jumping. This is nothing new, it has been around for a long time. What is new, however, is FEI Jumping Rule 259, which reads as follows:

“Any bleeding caused by tack, equipment or athletes (riders, editor’s note) will result in a first and second warning, with repeated offenses within 12 months resulting in a fine and a one-month ban. In all cases, the horse must undergo a veterinary examination and be declared fit to compete, with the welfare of the animal remaining the top priority. The panel of judges also reserves the right to disqualify for excessive use of the whip or spurs and separate proceedings for horse abuse may still be initiated.”

The new rules came into force on January 1 and the first tournaments have already taken place. In the latest list of warnings issued after the second tournament weekend of the year, there are already 15 warnings, all of which were issued at tournaments in the United Arab Emirates, in Doha and in Abu Dhabi. 11 of these 15 riders come from the Arab region, two from Italy, one from Brazil and one from Germany. Only the one from Germany, Philipp Weishaupt, is known in this country. He was given a warning on January 9 at the CSI3* in Doha due to “signs of injury on the horse”. He therefore cannot afford another warning if he does not want to risk a one-month ban and a fine.