FEI CODE OF CONDUCT - full version

The welfare of our equestrian partners is of paramount importance to the FEI. The FEI Code of Conduct outlines the basic objectives of the FEI to all those participating in equestrian sport. All athletes, Veterinarians, grooms and other support personal must be aware of, and adhere to this essential document. 

The FEI provides 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 improving our understanding of environmental and other scientific factors around the care of the horse, both in and out of competition. With that in mind, the FEI has a strong relationship with World Horse Welfare, regularly consulting them on welfare matters. In addition the FEI is involved in the undertaking of some Research and Development Projects. 

In recent years the number of FEI events has increased, as well as the number of national competitions, with many horses competing 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 career in sports. Naturally, in the case of injury or illness horses must be treated as necessary, just like a human athlete. However, using medication as a tool to allow a horse to compete when it is not fit to do so is innately wrong. The FEI approach to Clean Sport and Doping and Controlled Medication is not just to uphold fair play, but  to prevent horses competing when they are unfit to do so. 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)