Welfare of the horse

If you are an athlete or anyone involved in caring for a horse, the important document you need to consult is the FEI’s Equine Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct outlines the basic objectives of all those with a part to play in horsesport.

From its early days, the FEI has provided the framework in which international equestrian competitions must be run. An important part of this framework is the concept that horses deserve protection against overuse or abuse. Secondary to this principle is that the sport must always be one that is acceptable to the public, the media and the sponsors. Safeguarding the welfare of the horse is key to everything.

Welfare is also about understanding better the environmental and other scientific factors around the care of the horse in and out of competition. With that in mind the FEI regularly undertakes some Research and Development Projects. Take time to explore some of the more recent ones.

In recent years the number of FEI events has increased, as well as the number of national competitions, and many horses compete in both. There are also an increasing number of events in both the southern hemisphere and in winter indoor shows. Not only the number of competition days, but also the transport to and from events must be considered. It is important therefore that there are natural 'resting'  periods to allow horses to recover from a demanding sports career. Of course medication must be used when a horse requires it to help recover from an injury or an illness, just like a human athlete. But to use medication to allow a horse to compete when it is not fit to compete is wrong. The FEI approach to doping and controlled medication is not just to upload fair play, but also to prevent horses competing when they are unfit. The FEI advocates that instead of accelerating the horse’s recovery by medication with the next event in mind, it is better to provide a rest period (perhaps also accompanied by any necessary veterinary treatments), allowing mental and physical improvement away from the competition site.

If you have any further welfare enquiries, please contact us (veterinary@fei.org)

FURTHER INFORMATION ON WELFARE ISSUES:

Report on the FEI Veterinary and Dressage Committee's Workshop on the Use of Over Bending (Rollkur) in FEI Competitions, Lausanne (SUI), 31 January 2006 (updated 05.03.2006)