Introduction

It is the partnership between the athlete and the horse that makes horsesport so unique. The health and welfare of horses is the paramount responsibility of all those involved in horsesport. Veterinary health professionals who support equestrianism worldwide have a wide variety of key responsibilities, from the maintenance of the health and welfare of the horse, through to  being a Veterinary Official who ensures that rules and regulations are followed and that fair play is assured. The primary responsibility  for the horse in equestrian sport must always lie with the person who  cares for it on a day-to-day basis, but veterinary advisers and officials also play a very important role. All  must comply with the FEI Equine Welfare Code of Conduct.

This area of the FEI site is designed to give advice relevant to competing in FEI events, to answer specific questions, and direct athletes and veterinarians towards the relevant information they need to ensure that the welfare of the horse is kept, as it should be, at the heart of horse sport.  The site will change and grow over time and the FEI is currently seeking to improve the approach to many areas. So visit it regularly for the latest updates.

PLEASE NOTE THAT AFTER THE 5TH APRIL 2010, VARIOUS VETERINARY REGULATION REQUIREMENTS HAVE CHANGED. PLEASE SEE THE VETERINARY UPDATES AND VETERINARY REGULATION AND EDUCATION FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

Here you will find information of use to all involved in horse sports:

• Press Releases with recent related press information.

• Veterinary Updates where you will find various veterinary updates including various guidance notes.

• Clean Sport to safeguard a clean sport and a level playing field for all, including the horse, through ensuring fair play and explanation of the controls on the substances that may or may not be present in  a horse during competition.

• Welfare of the Horse and the FEI Code of Conduct.

• Vaccinations & Health Requirements are the health requirements needed to compete under FEI rules.

• International Movement & Transport outlines the importance of the safe movement and transport of horses internationally.

• Identification & Passports is about the importance of FEI passports and the methods required to uniquely identify horses.

• Research and Development is the continual commitment of the FEI to investigate environmental and other areas of science that can benefit the horse.

• Doping and Controlled Medication is about all the substances allowed and not allowed in a horse during competition and the controls the FEI has in place. Note the approach to this area will change on 5th April 2010.

• The FEI List of Detection Times contains the names of certain common medications that have the last detection times established in routine samples that might be taken. That is when they cease to be detected after they have been administered according to the dosage quoted in the List of Detection Times. See the advice about adding an additional withdrawal time.

• FEI Veterinary Regulations & Education is where you will find all the regulations relating to veterinary matters within the FEI and about FEI Veterinarian officials.