The FEI Board gave its unanimous backing to an Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan and established a dedicated Equine Welfare Fund of CHF 1 million ($1.1m / €1.0m) to launch the plan.
Areas of focus
The action plan is based on the recommendations outlined in the final report of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission (EEWC) and comprises six priority areas of focus.
These include Training, Riding, Tack and Equipment; Recognised Physical and Emotional Stress; Accountability, Enforcement and Knowledge; The Other 23 Hours; Competitive Drive/Horse as a Number/Object; and Not Fit to Compete/Masking Health Problems.
“This is an important day for horse welfare and the FEI,” said FEI President, Ingmar De Vos.
“The board took its responsibility and devoted time to discuss the detailed action plan with keen interest. Significant actions have been outlined, which will benefit horse welfare and will have a powerful impact on the sport as a whole.”
