There should be a maximum of 20 jumping faults for a show jumping round in the sport of Equestrian. Either 5 rails or 4 rails + 1 refusal will result in elimination, time faults will not be factored in. There is already disqualification for too much time being taken. There is also a rule of 2 refusals and you are out.  It is time that a maximum number of rails also means elimination. There is a recent precedent for this as it was not long ago the refusal rule was reduced from three to two. This was done primarily for rider safety. Now it is time for a rule change for horse safety. There are two pressing needs for this change;

1) The health and welfare of the horse. If these many faults are incurred, it is possible the horse has sustained an injury or is not prepared or appropriate to compete at this level on the given day.

2) Public perception. In today's society, negative imagery can lead to things being shut down. For example, the Equestrian portion of Modern Pentathlon has been eliminated and will never return. An Olympic sport that has been in place for over 100 years was abolished due to a 2-minute incident in 2021. It will never return, not ever. Things happen very quickly in this age and all Equestrians must show responsibility to their sport and to the horses. This involves ALL horse lovers.