Owning a horse has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Being a proud horse owner, I understand the love, care, and attention that each horse requires from its owner. This deep personal connection with horses has led me to a cause that I hold dearly: ensuring their well-being and safety in competitive environments.

The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) blood rule has been a cornerstone policy, ensuring that horses with visible signs of blood do not compete in events. The current rule is crucial because it prioritizes the health and welfare of our equine athletes by preventing them from competing when they're hurt or unfit, thereby avoiding unnecessary pain or further injury.

Recent proposals suggest that the FEI may consider altering or loosening this rule. If implemented, these changes could allow horses showing signs of bleeding to continue participating in competitions. This not only jeopardizes the safety and health of the horses but also sets a troubling precedent for their welfare, sending a message that performance is more important than the animal's physical well-being.

According to a study by the Animal Welfare Institute, when animals show signs of bleeding, it is often indicative of a more serious underlying condition that requires immediate attention. Allowing bleeding horses to compete ignores these warning signals, exacerbating the risk of long-term damage or chronic health issues.

In a world that increasingly values animal rights and ethical treatment, rolling back protections like the blood rule is a step in the wrong direction. Horses rely on us to be their advocates, as they don't have a voice of their own in these matters.

I urge the FEI to maintain their strong stance on horse welfare and to keep the existing blood rule intact. Let's come together as a community of horse lovers, equestrians, and supporters of ethical treatment to ensure our horses receive the care and respect they rightfully deserve.

Please sign this petition to show your support and to ensure the FEI maintains its commitment to equine health and safety. Together, we can make a difference for these magnificent animals.