FEI president Ingmar de Vos of Belgium (Photo: FEI)
ADVERTISEMENT
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) in Lausanne has suspended the United Emirates (UAE) Equestrian Federation and will not allow any international horse sport events to be held there until crucial pledges are made that will ensure the elimination of alleged horse welfare issues and non-compliance with rules and regulations in the discipline of endurance riding.
In recent years, controversy has simmered over allegations about the manner in which endurance competitions are run within the Emirates. Investigations began during the latter stages of Princess Haya’s presidency. Now that her successor Ingmar De Vos has taken over, these investigations have intensified.
Last week, the full FEI bureau chaired by De Vos unanimously took what he termed a “drastic measure to deal with an unacceptable situation”.
ADVERTISEMENT
This is the first time that such a suspension has been imposed. As De Vos explained: “The decision to suspend a national federation is not something that is taken lightly and we only should do this if no other remedy is found. Where the welfare of horses is concerned, the FEI has to show leadership and solve problems without any concessions.”
The decision will have far-reaching implications not only for the hundreds of UAE endurance riders, who cannot compete abroad, but also for foreign competitors who would normally gain World Equestrian Games qualifying points at UAE events.
As matters now stand, no international competitions can be held within the Emirates until the suspension is lifted. Their federation has 30 days to appeal the ruling. It may well be that imposing the suspension will prove easier than finding a solution that will bring the Emirates back into the fold.
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) in Lausanne has suspended the United Emirates (UAE) Equestrian Federation and will not allow any international horse sport events to be held there until crucial pledges are made that will ensure the elimination of alleged horse welfare issues and non-compliance with rules and regulations in the discipline of endurance riding.
In recent years, controversy has simmered over allegations about the manner in which endurance competitions are run within the Emirates. Investigations began during the latter stages of Princess Haya’s presidency. Now that her successor Ingmar De Vos has taken over, these investigations have intensified.
Last week, the full FEI bureau chaired by De Vos unanimously took what he termed a “drastic measure to deal with an unacceptable situation”.
This is the first time that such a suspension has been imposed. As De Vos explained: “The decision to suspend a national federation is not something that is taken lightly and we only should do this if no other remedy is found. Where the welfare of horses is concerned, the FEI has to show leadership and solve problems without any concessions.”
The decision will have far-reaching implications not only for the hundreds of UAE endurance riders, who cannot compete abroad, but also for foreign competitors who would normally gain World Equestrian Games qualifying points at UAE events.
As matters now stand, no international competitions can be held within the Emirates until the suspension is lifted. Their federation has 30 days to appeal the ruling. It may well be that imposing the suspension will prove easier than finding a solution that will bring the Emirates back into the fold.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS