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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th February 2016
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UAE re-suspended due to horse welfare concerns
In March 2015, the FEI suspended the UAE following an investigation into major horse welfare issues.
EEF has until February 11 to solve its “serious 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.”

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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.