Copenhagen (DEN), 17 November 2009 – The FEI condemns all training methods and practices that are contrary to horse welfare. The welfare of the horse has always been and will always be at the core of every aspect of the Federation’s work as the international governing body for equestrian sport.
During its meeting in Copenhagen (DEN) on 15 November, the FEI Bureau had extensive discussion on the issue of hyperflexion. The FEI Bureau insists that, with immediate effect, stewards in all disciplines use the disciplinary measures available to them, such as verbal warnings and yellow warning cards *, to prevent any infringement of FEI rules.
The FEI is now engaged with World Horse Welfare, a leading international equestrian organisation, in addition to continued consultation with riders, trainers, officials and veterinarians to thoroughly research the issues. The further education of stewards will also continue to ensure that welfare issues at FEI events are dealt with promptly and professionally.
The FEI acknowledges and welcomes public opinion and will continue to ensure that the welfare of the horse, which has been central to this debate, will remain its absolute priority.
* If a rider receives two yellow warning cards within one year, he or she is automatically suspended for a period of two months immediately following the event at which the second yellow warning card was received.
Media Contact:
Malina Gueorguiev
FEI Communications
malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 33
Associated posts/article:
http://horsesinthesouth.com/blog/index.php/2009/11/09/fei-launches-investigation-into-odense-dressage-warm-up-fei-position-on-hyperflexion/
http://horsesinthesouth.com/blog/index.php/2009/10/28/dr-gerd-heuschmann-author-of-tug-of-war-dvd-if-horses-could-speak-lecture-clinic/
http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=8791
YouTube video showing extreme hyperflexion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hIXGiV4N4k
More associated YouTube videos:
In showjumping: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7o-Ref-owE&NR=1
A happy athlete: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgI66FjZ_x8
Roll kur explained: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UwqyMCr_7c
S.O.S. Rollkur: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GQ7n6UFVok
S.O.S. Rollkur II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8D7q4UWNIU
Dr. Heuschmann, If Horses Could Speak: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TahYWzsCdQM
Tags: Equine Protection, FEI, Horse Care, Horse Training, Hyperflexion, World Horse Welfare
November 17, 2009