Plan for endurance sport wins support
Delegates at a round table session in Switzerland have unanimously agreed that efforts will be made to reduce injuries and the use of banned substances in endurance riding, an equestrian sport based on long-distance races.
The session was held on July 24 at the headquarters of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Delegates included representatives from Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) and the FEI Endurance Committee.
Whilst it was agreed that the current rules are effective when properly implemented, delegates were united in the decision to reduce the number of horses suffering injuries and testing positive for prohibited substances.
A recommended plan of action has been sent to the FEI Bureau to consider, which proposes that a strategic planning group should be established, who will develop a plan for the future of the sport and ensure welfare requirements are met.
Short-term suggestions include the reinforcement of the duties of FEI officials, increased testing for banned substances in all regions and a Global Endurance Injuries Project, to begin as soon as possible.
Closing the session, Andrew Finding, member of the EEF board, said: "Today we have had a full and frank discussion about the challenges for Endurance. The outcome of today’s meeting is that we have unanimous agreement over the tasks to be completed.
"I have been impressed by the courage, commitment and determination of all delegates to move forward positively throughout today’s meeting."
The FEI Bureau have been asked to approve the proposals at its teleconference meeting on August 12. If approved, the strategic planning group will present their plan outline at the General Assembly.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
