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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 30th April 2014
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"Far reaching" changes to endurance rules revealed
race horse
Changes have been made to endurance event rules to improve the welfare of horses.
Amended regulations will ensure protection of the welfare of horses in equine events

New regulations were announced yesterday by the FEI to ensure improved protection of the welfare of horses taking part in endurance events.

The new rules will include the introduction of athlete penalties for equine injuries, extended rest periods and increased accountability and responsibility of officials.

These decisions received the full support of delegates present at the endurance round table on the second day of the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne (SUI).

John McEwan, FEI first vice president and chair of the FEI Veterinary Committee said: “The welfare of the horse is not just a veterinary issue, it's an issue for all those who work in the sport.”

As well as these new rules, a new FEI Endurance Codex has been produced which defines responsibility, accountability and sanctions for those in breach of the codex, to cover endurance officials, endurance athletes and registered trainers. This has also received support from the Endurance Committee.

These amendments will undergo a final review when they are circulated to National Federations, prior to going before the FEI Bureau at its in-person meeting on June 9 to 10 for approval and immediate implementation.

A debate session followed the proposal of these amendments. Delegates made a call for information about injuries at national events to be included in the Global Endurance Injuries Study (GEIS), and this received support from Dr Tim Parkin of Glasgow University, who was commissioned by the FEI to set up the study.

Dr Parkin said: “The FEI has done a great job of demonstrating what can be done with data that is currently available from FEI events and it is clearly going in the right direction.

“Adding in data from national events is only going to improve that situation. The new regulations have an impact that is really beneficial to the welfare of the horse.”

To join the continuing debate on all topics discussed at the FEI Sports Forum 2014, visit the online discussion platform here.

 

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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here. 

Click here for more...
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WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.