The new FEI Horse Condition Task Force met Monday to discuss horse welfare issues, particularly the subject of blood on competition horses, for which rules differ according to discipline.
“There was broad consensus across the stakeholders that Horse Welfare sits at the center of the rules under discussion and that, while complex in some circumstances, current existing rules regarding serious cases of abuse are strong,” noted a statement from the FEI.
Participants included a broad range of representatives from across the international equestrian community, among them the FEI Board, technical committees, regional groups, the veterinary and athletes’ committees and national federations, among others. They are seeking a more harmonized approach to horse condition protocols, regulations and sanctions across all FEI disciplines.
FEI President Ingmar de Vos said he was encouraged “by the constructive approach in the lead-up to this meeting and confident that we are on the right path towards developing a sustainable, harmonized framework that serves both our horses and our sport.
“By working together in this way, we demonstrate that the FEI is capable of addressing complex issues through dialogue and consensus. That unity will further strengthen our sport and reinforce its place within the Olympic Movement.”
Let’s see what they come up with next…