A LIVELY discussion on sanctions surrounding the blood on the flank rule (214.3.30) took centre stage on day one of the FEI Sports Forum 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The International Jumping Riders’ Club (IJRC) had requested to discuss the rule in Monday’s afternoon session, which was dedicated to revisions of the FEI jumping rules. Moderated by former Irish international show jumper and chair of the FEI Athletes’ Committee, Jessica Kürten, taking part in the discussion was FEI jumping director Todd Hinde, chair of the FEI Jumping committee Stephan Ellenbruch along with key representatives from across the jumping community: IJRC President François Mathy Jr, Swedish chef d’équipe Henrik Ankarcrona; FEI Judge Level 4 and FEI Steward Level 4 Cesar Hirsch, who was chief steward at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and organiser of Jumping Amsterdam Irene Verheul.