UAE endurance suspension lifted by FEI

The suspension of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from FEI endurance events has been lifted.

Agreement

A legally-binding agreement has been drawn up between the FEI Bureau and the Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF). It guarantees that horse welfare will be “fully respected” and FEI Rules will be “stringently enforced” at all endurance events held in the UAE.

The agreement covers a number of issues, including protocols to avoid equine fatalities, anti-doping regulations, prohibiting the substitution of horses and many more.

“We are very pleased that theFEIBureau has unanimously agreed to lift the suspension based on the considerable actions and solutions we have put in place together”, EEF Secretary General Taleb Dhaher Al Mheiri said.

“We will continue to work with them to ensure all their requirements are applied in endurance racing across the UAE. As the governing body of equestrian sports in the UAE we take our responsibility seriously. It is our goal to pursue excellence while promoting the growth of the sport and safeguarding the welfare of equine and human athletes.”

Welfare

The EEF was provisionally suspended by the FEI Bureau in March this year, following an investigation by the FEI into major horse welfare issues.

They appealed the ban in April, but this was turned down. The UAE then lodged an appeal.