Insider
The FEI’s initial steps to ensure a “good life” for horses within sport have been welcomed, but there are concerns that “the voice for the horse” is missing
Edited by Eleanor Jones Share your news story Call 0330 390 6386 Email eleanor.jones@futurenet.com @ jones_eleanor_
THE FEI has set out its much-anticipated action plan to ensure “a good life” for equines – but questions remain on whether “the voice of the horse” is being heard.
The first session of the 2024 FEI Sports Forum (29-30 April) was dedicated to discussing the final report of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission (EEWC), “A good life for horses: a vision for ensuring the future involvement of horses in sport”, presented at the general assembly in November (news, 30 November), and the FEI’s proposed strategy.
FEI president Ingmar de Vos described the session as “the most critical topic” of the forum, and stressed the importance of all in the industry working together to tackle welfare concerns.
“There will be quick wins, but there will also be things that will take more time for which we will have to undertake scientific research,” he said, adding that instead of writing to the FEI with concerns, stakeholders should “ look at what you can do yourself ”.
TIME FOR ACTION
“It’s a shared responsibility and it’s time for action, at every level. A year ago some top athletes told me that the problem is at the lower level, but the cases we have had recently show very clearly it’s not only the lower level.
“We are as strong as the weakest link, it takes a year to build up a reputation and a minute to destroy it.”
FEI veterinary director Göran Äkerström said the strategy is about “acknowledging and respecting the natural needs of horses within the context of international equestrian sport.”
He added that we should no longer be referring to horses as “partners”, and explained: “Partners indicate equal standing, which is not really true. We are their guardians.”
The FEI presented its proposed action plan, a 62-point welfare strategy based on the five domains model (nutrition, environment, health, behaviour, and mental state), aimed at targeting the EEWCs six priority areas: training and riding and tack and equipment; recognising physical and emotional stress; accountability, enforcement and knowledge; the other 23 hours; competitive drive; and masking health problems. The strategy sets out actions already in place, future ideas, and ways the FEI can collaborate with national federations (NFs) and stakeholders.
Among the man
