In the course of a round table discussion with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), a decision was taken to form an independent commission of experts to address and resolve the serious doping and animal welfare problems in endurance sport. The Swiss Equestrian Federation does not agree with the FEI proposal concerning the composition of this commission, however. It insists on the appointment of independent experts able to develop effective improvement measures for endurance sport.
At the end of July, a round table discussion on the subject of endurance sport was held in Lausanne at the invitation of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). In the course of this meeting, it was decided, among other things, to appoint a commission of experts. Its terms of reference are to analyse the problems in endurance sport and to submit proposals for resolving them by January 31, 2014.
The Swiss Equestrian Federation does not agree with the composition of the commission of experts as proposed by the FEI or with the goals formulated by the bureau. The commission is to consist mainly of representatives who are closely affiliated to the FEI and who have, in some cases, long occupied leading positions in international endurance sport. As a consequence, the Swiss Equestrian Federation feels that the independence of this commission is not guaranteed; moreover, it feels that the analysis of the situation and the necessary immediate measures discussed at the round table meeting are not expressed with sufficient clarity in the commission’s mandate.
The Swiss Equestrian Federation was asked by the FEI to delegate its Secretary General Sandra Wiedmer as a representative in the commission. The Swiss Equestrian Federation rejects this representation for the above-mentioned reasons, however.
The Swiss Equestrian Federation demands a neutral, external and thus independent chairperson of the commission, together with a representative cross-section of judges, veterinary surgeons, athletes and acknowledged equine experts, including from other disciplines. In the opinion of the Swiss Equestrian Federation, this would lend the process greater legitimacy and credibility. Regardless of the future composition of the commission, the Swiss Equestrian Federation will continue its efforts to ensure the future of endurance sport.
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