What must a steward do if they find fresh blood on a horse?

At the gear check at the end of the test:

• Fresh blood in the horse's mouth or in the area of the spurs: the steward (or the steward's approved representative) informs the Judge at C, who eliminates the horse and the athlete.
• Fresh blood anywhere else on the horse's body: the steward informs the Judge at C. The horse is not automatically eliminated, but the Judge at C may eliminate it.

A veterinarian may inspect the horse after elimination to decide whether it is fit to continue in another test, and informs the Organising Committee in writing before that test. The veterinarian's opinion is final.

Any form of protective skin covering on the horse, such as plaster, tape, a belly band covering or a towel, whether or not the skin is broken, is strictly forbidden at an event and entails elimination if used.

Source: EA National Dressage Rules 1 January 2026, rules 1.4 and 4.4.