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Plan to reform endurance riding in UAE
horse
FEI Bureau will vote on the lifting of UAE's suspension once satisfied horse welfare will be ensured and FEI rules and regulations enforced.
FEI welcomes proposals following horse welfare concerns

Proposals to reform endurance riding in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following serious horse welfare concerns have been welcomed by FEI, the international governing body for equestrian sports.

While the proposals are "a very good start", more work still needs to be done before the FEI Bureau can consider lifting the UAE's suspension.

FEI enforced a provisional suspension in March this year following an investigation into serious horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI rules and regulations.

Commenting on the proposals for reform, FEI president Ingmar De Vos said: "We welcome the proposed agreement of the UAE and see it as a very positive development that they are working to come to a solution."

A 10-page document proposing reforms was submitted by the Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF) last week (5 June).

Proposals include:
  • Creating an EEF endurance committee of enquiry to oversee the application of the rules
  • Involving the national Olympic and anti-doping committees
  • Training and educating athletes, trainers, owners and officials
  • Possible banning of organisers for non-compliance with the rules
  • Ensuring EEF national rules comply with FEI rules and regulations
  • Working more closely with FEI, including welcoming FEI observers to EEF national events
  • Cooperating with the inquiry into duplication of results at a number of UAE events
It is accepted in the EEF's proposals that any breach of the above could result in the suspension being reinstated and the 2016 FEI World Endurance Championships being withdrawn.

The UAE has also implemented new legislation that prohibits the trade or use of banned substances in horse racing and other sports.

After discussing these proposals in detail, the FEI Bureau agreed to work with the EEF to finalise the agreement, including seeking more concrete information on the proposals.

When the bureau is satisfied that horse welfare will be ensured, FEI rules and regulations will be enforced and pending issues have been dealt with, it will vote on the lifting of the suspension.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.