FEI commission launches welfare proposals survey
The survey is open until Thursday, 22 June 2023.
The International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI’s) Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission (EEWBC) is seeking the views of equestrian stakeholders as it launches a new survey on the welfare recommendations it made earlier this year.
The 24 recommendations were presented at the FEI Sports Forum 2023 in April, setting out ways to safeguard equine welfare and maintain public support at a time when concerns about the involvement of horses in sport have become more prominent.
Those wishing to fill in the survey, which can be completed online, have until Thursday, 22 June 2023. The results will be used to inform the work of the commission.
The EEWBC was launched in June 2022 to independently consider welfare concerns that could have an impact on the social acceptance of equine sport. Its recommendations include ensuring that the horse’s interests are always placed before those of the human or sport and a zero-tolerance approach to any practice that compromises equine welfare and safety both during and outside competition.
EEWBC chair Professor Natalie Waran said: “We were delighted with the extremely positive response to our recommendations made at April’s Sports Forum. The equestrian community understood that we can only demonstrate how seriously we take the responsibility of involving horses in sport with top-to-bottom engagement across the equestrian community, and a desire to act in the best interests of the horse.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
