The Fédération Equestre Internationale has implemented new rules for show jumping competitions in an attempt to eliminate the practice of hypersensitization. Various substances can be applied to horses’ legs to increase sensitivity in them so that it becomes painful to hit a jump pole. The theory is that this makes horses lift their limbs higher to avoid the pain.
Every horse competing in a CSI, CSIO and championship from now on will have all four of its legs scanned for heat with an infrared camera – known as thermography – and will be examined by two vets after the first horse inspection or after the first competition.
Additionally, spot checks (thermography plus clinical examination) will be carried out in the stables.If a horse shows an abnormal reaction, it will be banned from competing.
The rule change comes after a 3-year study, supported by the FEI and performed at the University of California, Davis, showed that thermography can be used to diagnose hypersensitivity by detecting abnormal temperatures in horses’ lower limbs.
Abigail Boatwright is a freelance writer and photographer based in Texas, and is the editor of Horse Illustrated’s sister publication, Western Life Today.
Read along for a look at each horse competing in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. In…
Thanks to a rail down by overnight leader Tom McEwen (GBR) on the 13-year-old German…
In a day of heat, then rain, followed by blazing sun, the sun indeed shone…
Tom McEwen of Great Britain had a big day under beautiful skies at the Kentucky…
Read along for a look at each horse competing in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. In 2021, 17,779 Thoroughbred foals in…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
Imagine an entire month dedicated to celebrating adoptable horses: For the past four years, the month of May has been…
Horses in the guest ranch industry come from varied breeds and backgrounds. Learn more about them. The scenery may be…
Thanks to a rail down by overnight leader Tom McEwen (GBR) on the 13-year-old German Warmblood gelding JL Dublin, a…
In a day of heat, then rain, followed by blazing sun, the sun indeed shone brightest on the British riders…