Further to several queries relating to the Veterinary examination at the Cross Country finishing area, mostly related to the short format competition, please find below the explanation of the article.

The Eventing Committee wishes to clarify the procedures for the veterinary examination at the Cross Country finish area. Doubtful cases need to be referred to the Ground Jury and Veterinary Delegate in case of evidence of possible abuse of horse that the veterinarian might observe after the finish of Cross Country. This would include for example, an exhausted horse &/or a horse with blood in the mouth or on flanks by  the misuse of spurs whilst a simple unsoundness would not be part of these cases.

It is clear, that, at any time during the Competition, the Ground Jury, in consultation with the Veterinary Delegate, has the right and the duty to eliminate any Horse which, in his opinion, is lame or unfit to continue.
In the short format competition, unsoundness after the finish of Cross Country test is not a sufficient reason for elimination. Any case of abuse of horse or dangerous riding or serious infringement according to the rules  will be sanctioned also after the finish of the Cross Country test.