International Equestrian Federation

The equestrian sport is performed in union with an outstanding ambassador of nature and the animal world: the horse. This factor makes it one of the most interested in the conservation of a sound environment and the FEI must focus the attention of all horsemen on the dangers which threaten that environment in a world more and more governed by technology and short-sighted economic interests.
In order to help contribute towards the long-term preservation of the environment, the FEI strongly recommends the Equestrian family (FEI, NFs, Organisers, Riders, Owners, Breeders, etc.) to follow the guidelines listed below:
1. The FEI code of conduct towards the welfare of the horse must be strictly adhered to.
2. Young riders must be taught to consider the sport in the context of a deeper and more concerned understanding of the animal world and to place the achievement of horsemanship above that of mastering the technicalities of the various equestrian disciplines.
3. NFs should be encouraged to offer assistance to other national equestrian organizations within their countries, such as pony clubs or associations for equestrian tourism. They may also play a role in teaching young people to appreciate the beauties of nature, the love of the horse and respect for the environment.
4. NFs should give priority to encouraging sports activity in underprivileged social circles. They should take active steps to support initiatives along these lines and to promote the examples set by such initiatives.
5. Those NFs of countries less developed in the Olympic equestrian disciplines but with a long-standing tradition of horse breeding and local horse events, should be helped to foster their traditional approach to the sports with horses as a means of maintaining the presence of the horse and its natural environment in their countries.
6. The protection of the environment must always prevail over the technical requirements of the various disciplines when organizing events and in particular in the following cases:
a) Harmonious integration: Equestrian facilities should be built or converted so as to ensure their harmonious integration into the local context, whether natural or man-made, and in accordance with considerate planning of land use. The infrastructure should enable the use of durable and safe construction materials, the economical use of water and energy resources, and efficient waste management. Use of renewable resources and energy supplies should be a priority. Any building or conversion work will have to take into account the principles of environmental protection and ideally be the subject of a prior environmental impact study.
b) Preservation of countryside: Equestrian events such as Driving, Endurance and Eventing (cross country phase) must be so arranged as to ensure the protection of conservation areas, the countryside, the cultural heritage and natural resources as a whole. They will also have to be sited in such a way as to minimize the environmental impact of the infrastructure associated with them, such as housing, traffic arteries, communications, electricity supplies, water and food supplies and waste disposal and processing
c) Energy preservation: Reduce energy consumption where it is used excessively and promote the use of new technologies, equipment, facilities and practices which encourage the use of renewable energy sources and energy savings, as well as encourage access to renewable and nonpolluting energy sources for areas without such power supplies.
d) Non-polluting or recycled materials: the FEI urges NFs, organizers and riders to use sports equipment produced from non-polluting or recycled materials and manufactured in ways which economize on raw materials and energy. So far as possible, it will be necessary to encourage the use of traditional local materials for sports equipment and structures.
7. The allocation by the FEI of championships and events should always take into consideration their environmental impact and evaluate the soundness of the projects proposed by the bidding organizers
8. All stables should respect environmentally sound practices when handling stable waste including all measures to avoid soil and water pollution.
9. Training in indoor, such as Show Jumping, Dressage and Vaulting, must always, between competitions, provide periods of relaxation for the horse in a natural environment.
10. Whenever riding in the countryside, riders should not litter and prevent fire hazards. They should endeavor to inform others against littering, against illegal waste deposits and against the spreading of fires.
11. While using natural trails for competition or exercise, riders and equestrian organizations should promote understanding and good relations with other users, such as walkers and bikers, and should always respect animals and plants by keeping their horses under control.
12. Since the horse is an important element of the natural environment, the FEI and the NFs should promote all common programs with horse breeders which may promote breeding activities and encourage the protection of their environment.
13. The FEI has intensified its efforts to combat athlete’s doping by adhering to the World Anti-Doping Code and the implementation of the Code with the FEI Anti- Doping Rules for Riders. At local level, clubs and coaches should take on special responsibilities in this health promotion drive.
Approved by FEI General Assembly, 1-2 May 2006, Kuala Lumpur (MAS)
SOURCE: http://www.horsesport.org/
LINK :
International Equestrian Federation (FEI)

Welfare of the horse

7 Nov 2009
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)