UAE re-suspended due to horse welfare concerns
In March 2015, the FEI suspended the UAE following an investigation into major horse welfare issues.
Endurance racing in the UAE has been suspended again due to concerns about horse welfare.
The Telegraph reports that four upcoming race-rides were notified to the Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF) as “postponed” last Tuesday (2 February) 'with no reason initially offered.'
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) say that the EEF has until February 11 to solve its “serious issues”. Until then, all rides are called off - including three at Sheikh Mohammed’s venue, Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC).
In March 2015, the FEI suspended the UAE following an investigation into major horse welfare issues. Endurance horses race over 80km-160km in a single day over punishing, fast sand tracks.
Although the EEF was threatened with further extension if matters did not improve this current winter season, not much has changed. Seven horses have been officially confirmed dead, one of which broke his leg when he was chased into a perimeter fence by a TV car.
Concerns were raised again on Saturday when footage of horses being beaten over the finish line of a 120 km ride went viral.
The shocking film led to calls on social media for the UAE to be re-suspended immediately, and for the DIEC to be stripped of the right to host the world championship in December.
FEI endurance director Dr Manuel de Mello flew into Abu Dhabi last Wednesday for an emergency meeting with the EFF.
He told the Telegraph: “Following meetings between the FEI and the Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF), the EEF has postponed four endurance events so that agreement can be reached on proposed measures to urgently address a number of serious issues in endurance in the region.”
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.
