Equine experts to develop plan for endurance

Experts have joined together in an Endurance Strategic Planning Group to help ensure the Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse is followed.

The planning group, which comprises vets, riders, trainers and event organisers, intends to develop a strategic plan for endurance over the next decade, until 2023.

Under the supervision of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) and national federations, the group will define a manageable global rate of growth for equine sport.

Its mission statement is to increase levels of participation, encourage a greater number of events and improve standards, as well as providing recommendations to the FEI General Assembly.

Andrew Finding, board member of the European Equestrian Federation and chief executive officer of the British Equestrian Federation, will chair the group.

"Our most important objective is to find solutions and help ensure the sport and everyone connected with it follows, at all times, the FEI's Clean Sport policy and the Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse," said Mr Finding.

"We must look forward and work positively together."

FEI secretary general, Ingmar De Vos, added: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Endurance Strategic Planning Group for accepting to review and build a promising future for the FEI's fastest growing discipline."

The group's first conference call will take place this month, and their first meeting in person will be held in Dubai at the beginning of October.