The investment will not only improve the quality of life for horses, but will also raise the standards of equestrian sport globally.
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has taken a significant step towards improving equine welfare with the approval of a new Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan. This plan, adopted during the FEI Council meeting held on 4-5 June, includes a fund of one million euros to support various key areas.
The Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan, based on the recommendations of the Ethics and Equine Welfare Commission (EEWC), covers six priority areas:
- Training, Driving, Spinning, and Equipment: Improving practices and equipment to reduce physical stress.
- Physical and emotional stress: interventions to minimize the impact of stress on horses.
- Responsibility, Application and Knowledge: Promoting responsibility among caregivers and riders, and increasing equine welfare training.
- The other 23 Hours: focus on horse welfare outside of competitions.
- The horse as a number/object: promote the recognition of horses as sentient beings and not mere objects of competition.
- Not fit to compete/hide health problems: Strategies to identify and manage health problems that can be hidden.
Importance for veterinarians
For veterinarians, this plan represents a crucial step forward in improving the health and welfare of horses in sport. The implementation of evidence-based practices and the allocation of funds for scientific research will allow the development of new strategies and treatments that will benefit both horses and their caregivers.
“Horse welfare is our priority,” said FEI President Ingmar de Vos. “This new action plan reflects our commitment and responsibility towards horses competing in competitions. The actions outlined will have a significant impact on equestrian sport.”
Next steps
The action plan will be finalised with input from the Council and published shortly. Implementation will begin immediately, with the aim of presenting initial rule amendments at the FEI General Assembly in 2024. This ongoing approach ensures that the benefits of the plan will extend into the years to come.
The new FEI Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan is a crucial initiative for all professionals in the equestrian veterinary field. Investing in equine welfare will not only improve the quality of life for horses, but will also raise the standards of equestrian sport globally.
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