FEI Statement on Horse Welfare

November 17, 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 / she is automatically suspended for a period of two months immediately following the event at which the second yellow warning card was received.

Tags: FEI Bureau, FEI Statement on Horse Welfare, the issue of hyperflexion, World Horse Welfare

FEI CLEAN SPORT COMMISSION

The FEI Clean Sport Commission is chaired by Prof Arne Ljungqvist (SWE), IOC member and Vice President of WADA. It was established in November 2008 at the General Assembly and has been tasked to continue the work initiated by the FEI Anti-Doping & Medication Taskforce and recommend a practical course of action aimed at establishing the best possible system to prevent the use of prohibited substances or methods in or on competition horses because of their potential to enhance performance in competition or their masking potential, while ensuring horse welfare at all times.

In order for the Commission to carry out its tasks four focus groups have been established with specific Terms of References. The Working Groups (WGs) include members of the Commission as well as experts in the field representing different stakeholders.

- Laboratory Working Group: was asked to examine issues related to analysis of FEI samples and how these complied with FEI policy.

- Legal Working Group: was tasked at looking at the current Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules and how they might be amended, and the evidentiary issues.

- List Working Group: reviewed issues related to the Equine Prohibitive List and associated Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) matters, and how substances should generally be categorized.

- Communications & Education Working Group: was asked to establish a work plan which would help get the message out to the audiences concerned.

The Clean Sport Commission met in Lausanne (SUI) on the on 6 March 2009 and reviewed the recommendations and deliverables of each Working Group. A consensus was reached. The Commission’s recommendations were presented to the FEI Bureau and have been approved in principle. This document will shortly become public.

 The Clean Sport Commission is composed of : 

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FEI APPOINTS GENERAL COUNSEL - 18 May 09

FEI CLEAN SPORT COMMISSION – 6 March 09

FEI CLEAN SPORT COMMISSION : FOCUS GROUPS HOLD MEETINGS IN LAUSANNE – 5 February 09

FEI CLEAN SPORT COMMISSION MOVES AHEAD – 17 December 08

CREATION OF FEI CLEAN SPORT COMMISSION – 20 November 08 

STEVENS COMMISSION

The FEI formed an ethics panel – the Stevens Commission – to assess and further investigate practices among members of the German equestrian team.

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Tags: FEI Anti-Doping & Medication Taskforce, FEI Clean Sport Commission, the Stevens Commission, WADA, Working Groups

Exquis World Dressage Masters 2010 Schedule Announced

Moorlands Totilas ridden by Edward Gal in the victory gallop at Exquis World Dressage Masters in Hickstead, England in 2009.

Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009 – The 2010 schedule of the Exquis World Dressage Masters, the globe’s richest line up of competitions each with €100,000 (US$149,850) in prize money, was announced Monday.

A WDM Rider Ranking award of €25,000 (US$37,000) is also offered by Nürnberger Versicherungsgruppe at WDM in Munich in 2010. Munich will also be the venue for a WDM gala celebration.

The 2010 schedule of confirmed competitions of the Exquis World Dressage Masters, founded by Exquis and also sponsored by Moorland Stables and Moorland Investments and Nürnberger Versicherungsgruppe, is:

* Feb. 4-6 – Palm Beach, Florida, USA

* May 13-16 – Munich, Germany

* July 29-Aug. 1, Hickstead, England
Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=9020

Tags: dressage, equestrian competitions, equestrian disciplines, World Dressage Masters