Omaha, Neb.—March 30

New Zealand’s Wendi Williamson was eliminated after the Grand Prix at the 2017 FEI World Cup Dressage Final after blood was found in Dejavu MH during the mandatory post-competition equipment check by the FEI Steward.

The presence of blood on the horse results in automatic elimination under Article 430 of the FEI Dressage Rules: “If the FEI Steward discovers fresh blood in the Horse’s mouth or in the area of the spurs during the equipment check at the end of the test (Art. 430.10), he informs the Judge at C, who will eliminate the Horse and the Athlete. If there is blood on the Horse, an FEI Veterinarian is to be called to decide if the Horse is fit to continue in the following competiton(s) in the event.”

Because of the elimination, Williamson will not compete in the freestyle on Saturday as she needed a score over 60 percent to proceed.

“Elimination under this rule does not imply that there was any intent to injure the horse, but it is so important that the rules are enforced in order to ensure that horse welfare is protected,” said Katrina Wuest, the judge at C. “It’s a real shame as the horse and rider had come such a long way to compete here, but the rule is in place to protect or horses, and there can be no gray areas when it comes to horse welfare.”