FEI’s Equine Commission Delivers Equestrian Wellbeing with Final ‘Future Proofing’ Recommendations

The equestrian community has encountered numerous critics over the years. Factors ranging from eliteness to animal cruelty have proved to be major concerns for the oversight. The FEI Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission (EEWB), which is an international governing body for the sport, makes its presence to curb issues on such.

The organization has previously addressed and outlined regulations in relation to the use of horses in the sport. This time around, the committee has stepped ahead to tackle a hitch much wider, encompassing a common ground of the issues. From perception and prioritization, EEWB has put forth recommendations to ensure equestrian sports’ future sustainability.

The equestrian organization states intention

EEWB’s center-stage agenda for the recent meet was to ensure the future of equestrian sports by strengthening social acceptance. “Social acceptability isn’t something you can market your way out of,” is a remark Dr. Natalie Waran, the head of the committee began with. Waran further went on to present a report with recommendations encompassing six areas of focus. According to the press release, the report was to serve as a ,“blueprint for future-proofing equestrian sports.” 

As per Chronicles of Horse, the committee seems to have ensured the right procedure to pass the 30-suggestion report. For, managing a widespread sport is no simple feat. Available scientific literature, extensive public and equestrian survey information, and stakeholder feedback all are revealed to be the sources of the final report. Waran’s further address stated that the recommendations were to ensure that ‘equestrian sports can remain free to operate, self-regulated, [and] continue to enjoy public acceptance’.

Equine welfare and ethics frame the core of public perception of the sport. And the committee in alliance with the stance presented the recommendations revolving around the same.

Recommendations and response

The 30-recommendation report treads through the need for committees, valid approaches, and an emphasis on welfare. “A Good Life For Horses,” is suggested to be the vision statement in care of social license. 2nd one iterates to prioritize equine welfare and ethics in FEI policy development. A recommendation to introduce an internal body to advocate the welfare interests of horses takes the next stop. Awareness of equipment in use, and regular professional visits to keep horses’ health in check also made it to the list further.

Also Read: Animal Welfare Reclaims Its Stakes in Equestrian World With a Proposition Tilting the Onus on Riders

This isn’t the first time EEWB is implementing regulations concerning welfare. The organization’s previous efforts have proven to have yielded a positive response. According to reports almost 64 percent of the 6000 equestrians surveyed have noted initiatives to work their intention. About 71% of respondents averaged ‘6’ from 1 to 10 in believing that EEWB’s regulations were making a difference. Though a long path awaits ahead, the sport seems to be walking with the right support.