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: • how the controversial vote came about – and why each nation only has one vote • what scenarios could arise at future competitions • what new responsibilities now lie with judges and veterinarians • why they view the rule change critically and what effects they expect 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. Connect with Sabrina: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabrinahidiroglou/ Website: https://www.sabrinahidiroglou.com/

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. She began working with all types of healers and avidly studied performance psychology to implement it in her own life. 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: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpernillanathan/ Website: https://www.drpernillanathan.com/

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. Bérénice is also the only French-speaking Balance Through Movement Method trainer and Lazaris Nerve Release Practitioner. 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. Connect with Bérénice: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bereniceroussel_ecurieroquedor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005477957894 Website: https://berenicerousselequestrian.my.canva.site/

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 Website: https://equilibriumbiomechanics.mykajabi.com/