The FEI is standing firm on its position and will continue to focus efforts on introducing strong measures in Endurance in the UAE, working with the EEF

12 February 2016, UAE ~ On 13 February, as 200 riders prepare to head out on the CEI 3*160km The President of the UAE Endurance Cup outside of Abu Dhabi, the FEI will be there to watch.

The FEI Will Be In Attendance

The CEI 3* 160km HH The President of UAE Endurance Cup will take place tomorrow (13 February) in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, as originally included in the FEI Calendar. A number of new measures will be implemented at the Event, such as presentation times and heart rate reduction. FEI Endurance Director Manuel Bandeira de Mello will be present at the event.

The FEI has received from the Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF) their proposed list of measures to be implemented at CEIs, and importantly at CENs, for the remainder of the current season.

As explained on 5 February (see below), the EEF proactively postponed four Endurance events to urgently address a number of serious issues in Endurance and have since come up with appropriate measures to prevent future incidents. The EEF have taken bold decisions to protect the welfare of the horse, and we will continue to work together to ensure progress.

The measures received include, but are not limited to, heart rate reduction, recovery time, resting periods between loops, cars and crewing. The proposal also includes further measures for the UAE’s upcoming season, such as a new registration and qualifications system for trainers as well as a grooms’ registration programme.

An important meeting will take place on Saturday (13 February) between the FEI and EEF, when the exact details on the measures will be finalized and communicated via a press release.

The EEF are fully aware of what it is in the balance. The FEI is working with the EEF to overcome these challenges and is confident that agreed upon measures will have a deep impact on the sport in the region long-term.

The FEI is pleased with the manner in which the EEF have swiftly addressed the issues. The actions proposed also go beyond the discussions held between both parties, and the FEI looks forward to finalising the exact details with the EEF.

The FEI will continue to keep its National Federations and equestrian community stakeholders aware of the current situation.

~ FEI