World Horse Welfare Welcomes FEI Suspension of UAE Federation

Today World Horse Welfare, international charity and independent welfare advisor to the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), welcomed the suspension of the National Federation of the United Arab Emirates following a catalogue of significant horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI Rules and Regulations in the discipline of endurance.

World Horse Welfare Chief Executive Roly Owers said:

“In many ways this is a sad day. However the FEI’s drastic move to suspend the UAE federation is a reflection of the seriousness of the situation within endurance. While we are disappointed that it has come to this, this action had to be taken for the welfare of the horses and the integrity of the sport.

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“The focus is now on the UAE to undergo a fundamental change in attitude towards equine welfare in order to compete without compromising the safety of the horse. World Horse Welfare is ready and willing to assist in any way we can to help the UAE Federation achieve this transformation.

“We hope that this action will be the end of a dark period in international endurance and demonstrate to all that the FEI Welfare Code of Conduct must be at the heart of international equestrian sport.”
World Horse Welfare has worked with the FEI and other stakeholders to help improve horse welfare within some parts of endurance, most recently playing a constructive role in the Endurance Strategic Planning Group which introduced more robust rules in 2014. The charity also helped to draft the FEI’s Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse.