Document type: article published in Cheval mag
Author: Adèle Vaupré
Preview: The Board of Directors of the FEI [Fédération Équestre Internationale] Board of Directors has unanimously approved an Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan and established a dedicated fund of one million Swiss francs (approximately €1,030,000) to launch the plan. The plan is based on the recommendations outlined in the Final Report of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission (EEWC). It comprises six priority areas of focus.
1- Training, riding, tack and equipment; (making correct and non-violent use of equipment suited to each horse, avoiding methods that damage the horse's physical and mental health)
2- Recognized physical and emotional stress; (being able to recognize stress-related behaviors)
3- Accountability, enforcement and knowledge; (failure to act by officials when faced with inappropriate behavior or situations detrimental to equine welfare, or failure to take account of scientific studies)
4- The other 23 hours; (meeting the horse's fundamental needs)
5- Competitive drive/ horse as a number/object; (putting the horse's interest before sporting performance or financial gain)
6- Not fit to compete/masking health problems (doping, administration of treatments/medicines designed to mask discomfort).
"An important day for horse welfare"
In addition to these six areas, the FEI has also listed additional actions that address the EEWC's recommendations. "This is an important day for horse welfare and for the FEI," said FEI President Ingmar De Vos. The Board took its responsibilities [seriously] and devoted time to discuss the detailed Action Plan. Significant actions have been outlined, which will benefit horse welfare and will have a powerful impact on the sport as a whole. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our national federations, stakeholders and equestrian community members for their feedback during and after the dedicated Sports Forum session, which has greatly assisted the FEI in producing a tangible Action Plan." The action plan will be finalized with the suggestions made by the Board of Directors and will be published shortly. Implementation will begin immediately in order to propose changes that safeguard horse welfare at the FEI 2024 General Assembly.
