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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of the above could result in the suspension being reinstated and the 2016 FEI World Endurance Championships being withdrawn.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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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here. 

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.