The Equestrian Connection

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has changed the so-called Blood Rule in show jumping – sparking debate throughout the equestrian world. This rule concerns how to handle situations in competitions where blood is detected on a participating horse before, during, or after a test.

From the date the new regulation comes into force on January 1, 2026, horses will still be able to participate in the competition under certain circumstances despite visible blood, for example in a second round of a Grand Prix or a jump-off.

What does this mean for equestrian sport? Why did the FEI General Assembly reach this voting result? And why do many experts see it as a step backward for animal welfare?

In this episode, we explore these and other questions together with two insiders who both hold positions within the FEI: veterinarian Dr. Michael Köhler and judge Joachim Geilfus.

They explain:

An episode for anyone who wants to understand what happens behind the scenes of international sport – and what the decision means for horses, riders and trust in the sport.

*Important to note: This podcast episode was originally recorded in German for the wehorse podcast. We used translation software to dub the episode for our English podcast, The Equestrian Connection.

Sabrina Hidiroglou is a Grand Prix Dressage rider and yoga teacher, helping equestrians get supple, calm, and confident - in and out of the saddle.

Sabrina’s love for horses began early, and by age 8, she was taking regular dressage lessons, drawn to the precision and partnership of the sport. In 2008, Zinté F came into her life—a fiery young KWPN stallion who became her partner through every phase of her career.

Around that same time, Sabrina discovered yoga. What started as a way to improve her position and confidence in the saddle quickly became a tool for navigating pressure, building strength, and staying grounded—on and off the horse.

Sabrina became a certified yoga teacher in 2014 and began integrating yoga into her life as both a rider and coach. That same year, she and Zinté reached the FEI Prix St. Georges level, and now, they have competed at the Grand Prix.

In 2019, Sabrina launched Yoga for Riders to support other equestrians and make it accessible for riders worldwide.

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Pernilla Nathan is a Sports Performance Consultant using neuropsychology and heart science to help equestrian clients get results quickly and effectively.

Pernilla obtained her Master's in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2006 and continued to receive her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2010. Her expertise were in the areas of Trauma disorders, anxiety disorders, multi-cultural diversity issues, well-being, neuropsychological testing and academic testing, as well as humanistic and existential psychology.

After years of working as a clinician as well as navigating a divorce, Pernilla re-evaluated her life and pivoted from psychologist to creative entrepreneurship and pioneered a new healing model in integrating peak performance psychology into her work.

That is when she bought her first horse, a dream that had seemed unattainable until then. And at that moment, she began using her voice to provide others with a blueprint to expand their potentiality as well. By using her platform and skills to empower others to connect with their greatest selves, she is an agent of change.

Connect with Pernilla:

Bérénice Roussel is a professional rider, holding a Diplôme d'État de la Jeunesse, de l'Éducation Populaire et du Sport, a specialized state-recognized diploma in France for becoming an expert equestrian coach or trainer, offered at the IFCE's training center at the Cadre Noir in Saumur. The training focuses on developing high-level coaching skills, including training design, athlete development, and secure, competent training methods for competitive equestrian sports.

Today we’ll be discussing her journey with Classical Dressage, the link between anatomy, biomechanics, nervous system and the spirit of the horse, and her experience learning in another country and language.

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Katherine Lowry is a Biomechanics Clinician and Founder of EQUILibrium Biomechanics.

After suffering two traumatic spinal injuries and struggling with stress and anxiety around continuing to lose control of her body, Katherine Lowry decided to take back her power in her life and heal her body from the inside out. Now, she uses the same powerful techniques to help others find inner balance and through that balance, peace.

Katherine’s method for developing rider bodies is aligned with the Balance Through Movement Method, an equine development program to protect and heal the body.

Connect with Katherine:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EQUILibriumLLC

Sara is a certified professional in Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy (EMFT), and the only person in Italy certified in Level 1 Neuro Fascial Conditioning™ and Rib Entrapment Syndrome Therapy™.

She is also certified as an EQ Practitioner in emotional intelligence and self-awareness, and is studying to become an NLP Practitioner. Sara’s desire to combine self-awareness techniques with working with horses stems from the desire to seek clear and profound communication with the animal and find balance together.

On this episode, we chat about EMFT, neuro-fascial conditioning, rip entrapment, how bridle fit can affect the horse’s fascial nerves and skull, and more.

Connect with Sara:

Website: https://www.saequine.it/

Audrie Anthony’s passion for horses and competition began at only eight years old in her hometown of Miami, FL. Audrie discovered her drive to work with dangerous horses early on as she saw a lack of compassion and understanding for these horses. Even before her 20th birthday, Audrie had taken dozens of free or unrideable horses into the competition ring. She competed these horses in the Little Wood, WEF, USEF, USDF and US Nationals & Regionals, winning High Points, Year End championships, Regional and Nationals titles.

Audrie found developing her own breeding program as a way to give every foal a chance that many of her unruly competition horses never had. After studying pedigrees, genetics, and equine markets, Audrie developed a system of genetically selecting stallions and mares for producing an elite athlete that is sane, sound and talented, while also being ahead of the sales and competition markets.

Audrie is currently competing as an Adult Amateur and breeding Hanoverian Warmbloods, while finishing her PhD at Purdue University.

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Sarah-Katrin Bourdeaux lives near Munich, Germany. After completing a degree in art history and archeology, she first worked in event management before moving into freelance marketing. The idea for her first book, “Do Puddles Eat Ponies,” came after years of writing a blog about her two horses and their experiences with day-to-day training, dressage, and horse shows. Blending humor, creativity, and an eye for detail makes her writing unique and authentic, and adored by fans all over the world.

Sarah also shares her knowledge as a self-publisher with other aspiring authors in her online courses, which you can find on her website.

Connect with Sarah:

This is a replay of our classic episode, originally recorded and aired in early 2023.

Alizée Froment is a former international Grand Prix rider turned show performer, now known for her artistic and beautiful performances, bitless riding, and horse-first philosophy.

Alizée has six courses with us on the wehorse platform, with everything ranging from bitless riding to liberty training to flying lead changes.

On this episode, we chat about having individual programs for each horse, the benefit of bareback pads, pre-and-post-ride care routines, transitioning to bitless, mastering the basic of groundwork and liberty training, and more!

You can connect with Alizée at:

Elisse Miki is the founder of Equilibria Therapeutics, a multi-disciplinary therapist, educator, and one of the leading voices in the field of equine craniosacral therapy.

Elisse holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, is a Registered Massage Therapist, and has advanced training in osteopathic manual therapy, with over 20 years of experience working with both human and equine bodies. Through her business, Equilibria Therapeutics, she offers not only hands-on sessions for horses but also certification programs, continuing education, and mentorship for equine professionals and bodyworkers.

In this episode, we explore what craniosacral therapy actually is, why assessment matters before diving into treatment, and the many ways the horse’s body holds and tells their story.

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