Proposed solutions that would secure the future of the European equine industry through safe and expedited horse movement between EU Member States and Britain following the UK’s departure from the EU, have been sent to Michel Barnier, the European Commission’s Head of Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom (UKTF) and to Lord Frost, the British Prime Minister's Europe Adviser and Chief Negotiator of Task Force Europe.

The proposals, which cover equilibrium in equine health status between the EU and Britain, digital passports to facilitate seamless international transport of guaranteed high-health status horses and zero tariffs for cross-border movement, are outlined in a comprehensive 14-page dossier produced by the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) Task Force for Brexit and EU Animal Health Law, a collaboration of the key European Sport Horse and Thoroughbred horse racing and breeding industries.

The six-member task force was formed earlier this year by the IHSC, constituted jointly by the global governing bodies for equestrian sport and racing, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) in 2013.

The IHSC, together with the International Thoroughbred Breeders’ Federation, European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders Associations and the European Equestrian Federation, has proposed simple and workable solutions that will ensure horse welfare and safeguard both European and British interests.

High health horses in Britain have the same health status as those in EU Member States and the task force is requesting that a trade agreement between the EU and Britain should reflect this fact.

Zero tariffs are already in place, and the task force is requesting that they be maintained, with the scheme being extended to geldings. Currently only stallions and mares are eligible for tariff-free cross-border transport.

Digital passports would provide EU Competent Authorities with full traceability and sanitary guarantees, offering immediate, 24/7 access to secure fail-safe identification and ownership information, as well as real-time monitoring of a horse’s movements.

The high health status of each horse can be instantly validated through access to up-to-date vaccination and medical records, allowing for a higher level of monitoring and prevention of potential disease outbreaks in line with the biosecurity requirements of the EU Animal Health Law, thus facilitating speedy transit for these horses. The digital equine passports can also be adopted for use between EU Member States and A-listed 3^rd countries.

If approved, the e-Passport would have no financial implications for the EU as costs around final development, implementation and running of the system will be met by the equine industry.

Using a two-pronged approach, the task force is seeking to have its proposals captured in the text of both the Trade Agreement and in the EU Animal Health Law, which comes into force on 21 April 2021.

Should a trade agreement with Britain not be reached, the task force is asking the EU to declare an equilibrium of health status for A-listed 3^rd countries. The proposals also include regional agreements on the bio-secure traceable movement of high health horses signed between neighbouring EU Member States. A Tripartite Agreement previously existed between France, Britain and Ireland, and there is currently an agreement between France and the Benelux countries.

“The equine industry is of crucial importance to the economic, social, sporting and cultural fabric of both the European Union and the United Kingdom, and as representatives from all sectors of that industry, we believe that there are simple solutions that can guarantee a secure future for the European equine industry”, IHSC President Ingmar De Vos said.

“It is one of the most important animal breeding and production sectors in Europe, larger and with greater economic impact and employment than a number of other European agricultural sectors, with a net worth of over €52 billion per annum, providing 210,000 direct and more than 500,000 indirect jobs.

“Our goal is to reach an agreement that will allow for a continuation of the historical expedited movement of horses for breeding, sale and competition between EU Member States and Britain. While there are some sectors currently under discussion that seem to remain difficult in the negotiations, we believe that there are simple solutions within the equine industry that can be readily included in a Free Trade Agreement. Indeed, they are also workable even in a no deal scenario.

“We are asking the negotiators on both sides of the table to take our proposals on board and incorporate them into the texts of the Trade Agreement, if there is one, and the EU to include them in the incoming EU Animal Health Law, which comes into effect next April.

“Without agreement on this, we estimate that the industry in Europe could shrink by as much as a third, with a potential €17 billion reduction in economic contribution, and the potential loss of 250,000 jobs in a marketplace already threatened with critical unemployment levels and a significant reduction in foreign direct investment in the European Union as the economic focus shifts to North America and Asia. So failure is not an option!”

European Task Force for Brexit and EU Animal Health Law

Chaired by FEI Veterinary Director, Dr Göran Akerström, the European Task Force for Brexit and EU Animal Health Law also includes Simon Cooper, Vice Chairman International Stud Book Committee and Director of the General Stud Book (Weatherbys); Paul-Marie Gadot, Veterinary Advisor to France Galop and the IFHA; Des Leadon, European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders' Associations Veterinary Committee Chairman; Brian Kavanagh, Horse Racing Ireland Chief Executive, IFHA Vice Chairman and European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation Chairman; and Ronan Murphy, European Equestrian Federation EU Committee member.

International Horse Sports Confederation

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), world governing body for horse sport, and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), joined forces in 2013 to create the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC), the first formal vehicle for co-operation between the world’s leading governing bodies for equestrian sport. The key mission of the IHSC is to encourage cooperation and the exchange of information on all matters of mutual interest between the IFHA and the FEI, as well as representing the collective interests of the horse industry with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and other international bodies.

The FEI Driving World Championships, due to be held behind closed doors in Valkenswaard (NED) from 7-11 October, have been cancelled due to increased case numbers of Covid-19 in the Netherlands. The decision to cancel the Championships, which were for four-in-hand horse teams, was made by the City of Valkenswaard today.

“It is devastating that the FEI Driving World Championships at Valkenswaard have had to be cancelled at the last minute, as everyone involved has put in so much effort to try and make them happen”, FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said, “but sadly the new Government restrictions in the Netherlands make it impossible for the Championships to go ahead next week.

“The start list for the Championships was looking very strong in such a challenging year for our sport, with 13 nations lined up to take part, including eight with full teams, but it is clear that health considerations have to take priority.

“We have done everything possible to hold these Championships, including looking at a possible alternative venue in Germany, and we are very grateful for the proposal we received, but regrettably it is simply not feasible given the short timeframe, ongoing concerns around Covid-19 and restrictions imposed by the authorities.”

The United States of America, which won gold on home ground at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 in Tryon (USA), was not going to be defending its team title as they had just one driver heading for Valkenswaard, but Australia’s Boyd Exell, who took the individual title on the final day in North Carolina two years ago, was aiming to defend his crown.

Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands and Poland were all due to send teams to the Championships, while Austria, Romania, Switzerland, Uruguay and the USA were the five nations sending individuals.

The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in a case involving two Prohibited Substances.

The case involves the horse Leslie O’Nil (FEI ID 105PA88/FRA), ridden by Ludovic Saroul (FEI ID 10014413/FRA). Samples taken from the horse at the CEI2* 120 in Al Ula (KSA) on 2 February 2019 tested positive for the Banned Substances Mephentermine and Oxetacaine.

In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal accepted the agreement reached between the FEI and the athlete. The FEI Tribunal took note that the FEI accepted that the athlete bore no significant fault or negligence for the rule violation, as he was able to establish how the Prohibited Substances entered the horse’s system.

As a result, the period of ineligibility was set at 18 months, starting from the date of the FEI Tribunal Final Decision (10 September 2020). The provisional suspension (effective from 11 March 2019) was credited against the full suspension, meaning that the athlete was ineligible until 10 September 2020.

The results of the athlete and horse at the event were disqualified and the athlete was ordered to pay a fine of CHF 1,500. Each of the parties will bear its own legal costs.

The FEI Tribunal Final Decision can be found here.

The parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the Final Decision.

Notes to Editors:

FEI Equine Prohibited Substances

The FEI Prohibited Substances List is divided into two sections: Controlled Medication and Banned Substances. Controlled Medication substances are those that are regularly used to treat horses, but which must have been cleared from the horse’s system by the time of competition. Banned (doping) Substances should never be found in the body of the horse and are prohibited at all times.

In the case of an adverse analytical finding (AAF) for a Banned Substance, the Person Responsible (PR) is automatically provisionally suspended from the date of notification (with the exception of certain cases involving a Prohibited Substance which is also a Specified Substance). The horse is provisionally suspended for two months.

Specified Substances

The FEI introduced the concept of Specified Substances in 2016. Specified Substances should not in any way be considered less important or less dangerous than other Prohibited Substances (i.e. whether Banned or Controlled). Rather, they are simply substances which are more likely to have been ingested by horses for a purpose other than the enhancement of sport performance, for example, through a contaminated food substance. Positive cases involving Specified Substances can be handled with a greater degree of flexibility within the structure of the FEI Regulations.

Information on all substances is available on the searchable FEI Equine Prohibited Substances Database.

The FEI Board has suspended the National Federation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following a detailed investigation into the circumstances around two National Endurance Events (CEN) in January and February 2020 - the Sheikh Mohammed Cup and The President's Cup – that should have been held as International Endurance Events (CEIs) as the number of foreign athletes far exceeded the quota permitted for National Events.

Under Article 101 of the FEI General Regulations, National Events must be limited to no more than four National Federations (NF) and/or more than 15 foreign Athletes aside from “Athletes living outside their country of nationality” (Article 119.6 of the FEI General Regulations). However, in this particular case, the investigation led by Bird & Bird LLP, found that a total of 93 foreign Athletes from 24 different NFs participated in the 2020 Sheikh Mohammed Cup and total of 88 foreign Athletes from 21 different NFs participated in the 2020 President's Cup.

The FEI Board met via videoconference on 16 September to hear presentations from Bird & Bird and the UAE NF legal representatives. Legal counsel from both parties responded to questions from the FEI Board prior to the Board Members reaching their in-principle decision, which has been formally notified to the UAE NF on 24 September 2020.

The Board concluded that the UAE NF had violated the FEI Rules, in particular, Articles 101, 109.2 and 100.7.2 of the FEI General Regulations and Article 2.8 of the FEI Statutes (see Notes to Editors below). In the case of the Sheikh Mohammed Cup, the violations were deemed intentional, and in the case of the President’s Cup, the violations were considered at the very least negligent. The Board also concluded that the reason for re-classifying the events as CENs was to avoid the application of the new FEI Endurance Rules that were scheduled to take effect as of 1 January 2020.

Given the serious nature of the rule violations, the FEI Board unanimously agreed that a significant sanction was required and in accordance with Article 8.3 of the FEI Statutes, the UAE NF will be suspended with effect from 24 September 2020 as follows:

• A full suspension of the UAE NF (all activities across all FEI disciplines) until 31 December 2020
• A suspension of the UAE NF’s activities in relation to the discipline of Endurance until 31 March 2021
   

The suspension also affects any events (including national Events) in the UAE, which become “Unsanctioned Events” during the suspension period and any FEI Athlete, Horse or Official participating will be liable to a period of ineligibility of up to six months in accordance with Articles 113.4 and 155.7 of the FEI General Regulations.

The Board also imposed a financial sanction on the Organisers, requiring them to pay a percentage of the prize money – 50% for the Sheikh Mohammed Cup and 10% for The President’s Cup - as well as the organising dues that would have been payable to the FEI had the Events been held as CEIs. The Board also decided that the UAE NF must pay the FEI’s legal fees. The suspensions imposed on the UAE NF will remain in place until all financial sanctions have been paid in full to the FEI, as per Article 164.5 of the FEI General Regulations.

“The decision to suspend the UAE National Federation was not taken lightly, but it reflects our commitment to good governance, integrity and horse welfare”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“Regrettably we were forced to suspend the UAE Federation in 2015 following an investigation into Endurance horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI Rules and Regulations. It is extremely disheartening that we are tackling similar issues in 2020 and that we have had to revert to the suspension of the National Federation. However, the UAE National Federation’s clear intent to avoid the application of the new Rules at the biggest events in their calendar was reflected in their actions around these two events and, as a community, we cannot allow individual NFs to apply the rules only as and when it suits them.

“It is my sincere hope that this suspension will drive change within the Federation and give rise to a new era for Endurance in the UAE equestrian community.”

The UAE National Federation was notified of the decision by the FEI on 24 September 2020 and has 21 days to appeal the decision to the FEI Tribunal.

Notes to Editors:
Please refer to the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Rules & Regulations

Article 2.8 of the FEI Statutes states:
It is a condition of membership that National Federations comply with, and are bound by the FEI Rules and Regulations including but not limited to the Statutes, General Regulations, Sport Rules (which include the FEI Human and Equine Anti-Doping Rules) and any Decision issued by the authorised bodies of the FEI in relation to the conduct of international equestrian Events, all of which shall also bind Organising Committees, Officials, Horse Owners, Persons Responsible, Athletes, team officials and other individuals and bodies involved in FEI Events.

In addition, by virtue of accepting an accreditation to an FEI Event, such person agrees to be bound by the FEI Rules and Regulations. National Federations are granted an exclusive license to use, modify, print and distribute as appropriate the documents referred to in this Article, which are FEI property, for the purpose of regulating Equestrian Sport within their national territory.

Article 100.7.2 of the FEI General Regulations states:
To ensure that all clubs and societies affiliated to NFs and all OCs abide by the GRs and Sport Rules when organising International Events or Competitions.

Article 101.1 of the FEI General Regulations states:
A National Event (CN) is limited to national Athletes who shall take part according to the regulations of their NF. Foreign Athletes may only take part, subject to the appropriate laws if applicable, as specified under paragraphs 2 and 3 below or under Article 119.

Article 101.3 of the FEI General Regulations states:
3.1 Not counting "Athletes Living Outside their Country of Nationality" (Article 119.6), a CN with more than 4 NFs and/or more than fifteen (15) foreign Athletes is allowed if it would be within the requirements of a CIM. If a CN under such conditions takes place, there will be no ranking or qualification points earned.
3.2 Any other CN with more than four (4) NFs and/or more than fifteen (15) foreign Athletes (not counting "Athletes Living Outside their Country of Nationality" as per Article 119.6) is not allowed [the Foreign Athlete Quota]. If a CN under such conditions takes place, there will be no ranking or qualification points earned. Furthermore, after consultation with the NF, the OC can be subject to further sanctions and eventually to a fine in an amount commensurate with the violation and taking into account the circumstances of the violation and possibly up to the total prize-money paid out at such Event, if any.

Article 109.2 of the FEI General Regulations states:
International Competitions may never be held under national rules.

Articles 113.4 of the FEI General Regulations states:
An Athlete and/or Horse, even if registered with the FEI, is not eligible to participate in an International Event or National Event (and so may not be invited by an OC to such Event or entered by an NF in such Event) if that Athlete and/or Horse has participated, in the six (6) months prior to the first day of the International Event or National Event in question, in an Unsanctioned Event.

Articles 155.7 of the FEI General Regulations states:
An Official is not eligible to participate in an International Event or National Event (and so may not be invited or nominated to participate in such event) if he/she has participated, in the six (6) months prior to the first day of the International Event or National Event in question, in an Unsanctioned Event.

All FEI Rules & Regulations can be found here.

FEI Board

The FEI Board is made up of the President, Ingmar De Vos (BEL); Vice President and Chair of the FEI Regional Group VIII, Jack C. Huang (TPE); Vice President and Chair Group IV, Mark Samuel (CAN); Chair of Group VII, Sami Al Duhami (KSA); Chair of Group V, Carmen Barrera (ESA); Chair of Group IX, Mary Binks (KEN); Chair of the Jumping Committee, Stephan Ellenbruch (GER); Chair of the Driving Committee, Karoly Fugli (HUN); Chair of Group VI, Luiz Roberto Giugni (BRA); Chair of the Athletes’ Committee, Maria Gretzer (SWE); Chair of the Veterinary Committee, Jenny Hall (GBR); Chair of the Dressage Committee, Frank Kemperman (NED); Chair of the Audit & Compliance Committee, Brian Mangan (IRL); Chair of the Eventing Committee, David O’Connor (USA); Vice President EEF Group Armagan Özgörkey (TUR); President EEF Group, Theo Ploegmakers (NED); Chair of Group EEA, Marina Sechina (RUS) and Chair of the Endurance Committee, currently filled by Dr Sarah Coombs (GBR), Chair of the Endurance Temporary Committee.

The International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) Taskforce for Brexit and European Union (EU) Animal Health Law has formulated a digital passport solution to ensure the efficient cross-border movement of sport, racing and breeding horses from 2021.

The proposed solution would allow for the free movement of horses between Great Britain and Europe following the end of the Brexit transition period in December 2020 and would also meet the requirements of the new EU Animal Health Law Legislation, which comes into force at the beginning of next year.

The digital passport system would simplify the movement of horses by providing authorities of EU countries with fail-safe information on the horse’s identity, as well as real-time monitoring of its movement and ownership information. These passports would also contain up-to-date vaccination and medical records, allowing for a higher level of monitoring and prevention of potential disease outbreaks.

The digital passports would be available and operational from the beginning of 2021, although paper passports would continue to be issued as is currently required by the EU. Ultimately, if the system is approved by EU Member States, it could be used as an alternative to paper passports.

It is hoped that the solution, based on existing EU legislation and agreements, will gain strong support from the main stakeholders in the European horse industry. If adopted, it would ensure a level of identification, biosecurity and disease detection that goes beyond the scope of what is currently contained in the new EU Animal Health Law legislation.

The IHSC Task Force is the result of a unique collaboration that has brought together the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the European Equestrian Federation (EEF), the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) as well as the International Thoroughbred Breeders Federation (ITBF), the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders Association (EFTBA).

“This is an unprecedented show of solidarity for the horse industry in Europe,” FEI Veterinary Director and Chair of the IHSC Task Force Dr Göran Akerström said.

“Great Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, the difficulties in implementing the new Animal Health Law legislation, as well as the problems created by the global pandemic stand to adversely impact a regional industry which generates an annual revenue in excess of €50 billion and provides employment for more than 500,000 people.

“Any obstacles to the cross-border movement of horses and associated personnel would result in huge economic losses to Britain, Ireland and France, as well as other EU Member States such as Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Italy.

“It is imperative that we put in place systems and processes to ensure the efficient and safe cross-border movement of horses and this digital passport would play a key role in that.”

The Task Force has met every week since May to work on solutions that will ensure the unhindered movement of horses with guaranteed high health status, as well as the temporary movement of essential, skilled people such as grooms, trainers, riders, jockeys and veterinarians across EU borders.  

The long term aim is to create a Europe wide network of databases which registers a horse’s identity, allows for an equine to be easily located and identified, and ensures the secure movement of horses anywhere in Europe.

About IHSC Taskforce for Brexit and EU Animal Health Law

The Taskforce for Brexit and EU Animal Health Law comprises representatives from the key European Sport Horse and Race Horse industries. It was formed by the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) - constituted jointly by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA).

Its purpose is to work with Governments and key individuals to devise and present solutions which would facilitate movement of Sport Horses and Thoroughbreds (competition, training and breeding animals) across the EU and including between the EU and the United Kingdom post Brexit and the implementation of the EU Animal Health Law.

The FEI will make close to CHF 3 million available in development funding through FEI Solidarity, including just over CHF 1 million through the newly created FEI Covid-19 Relief Fund for National Federations that have been severely impacted by the ongoing pandemic.

The new Relief Fund was approved by the FEI Board at its online meeting on 10 September. Allocation of funds to over 40 National Federation projects in 23 countries and other development initiatives go forward for approval at the FEI General Assembly 2020, which will be hosted online in November.

A total of 105 of the 137 National Federations have been identified as eligible for support from the Covid-19 Relief Fund, which will provide targeted financial assistance to boost grass roots equestrian activities at riding clubs and schools, particularly the care and upkeep of horses.

“The pandemic has had a devastating impact globally, and a major adverse effect on the equestrian world in general but some countries, especially those that had fewer economic resources to begin with, have been hit particularly hard,” FEI President and Chair of the FEI Solidarity Committee Ingmar De Vos said.

“The Covid-19 Relief Fund will provide a financial injection aimed at maintaining equestrian activities in these countries and we hope that it will allow these communities to withstand the current economic difficulties created by the pandemic.

“The FEI has had to undertake cost saving measures across the board, but without impacting essential services to our community. While this has meant the cancellation or postponement of what we have identified as ‘non-essential’ projects, that has not affected FEI Solidarity, which makes funds available so that we can provide support to those most in need, particularly in the Covid-19 era.

“We want our community to know that we are constantly listening and monitoring their needs and that we are committed to assisting them during this difficult time.”

The FEI Covid-19 Relief Fund was initially presented by the FEI President to the FEI Solidarity Committee during its annual meeting in early September and will be funded by the FEI Solidarity reserves that have been built up in recent years.

During their meeting, the Committee also agreed to make available emergency funding for Lebanon to assist the country’s recovery from the devastating explosion in Beirut at the beginning of August. The funds will be provided to the National Federation of Lebanon to provide vital support to ensure horse welfare.

The FEI Solidarity Committee also awarded the first FEI Gender Equality Grant to the National Federation of Costa Rica, following a bid process open to all National Federations, to support the organisation of courses promoting female participation and development at all levels of the sport in Latin America.

The grant of CHF 20,000 was created to promote and encourage gender equality in equestrian sport around the world and will be awarded annually to one National Federation project or programme with the aim of promoting gender equality on or off the field of play. This includes, but is not limited to, programmes relating to governance and administration, the growth of athlete participation or the development of skills for coaches, officials, grooms and farriers.

“We’re fully committed to providing our members with the tools and resources that will help to develop our sport, and promote the values which are at the heart of our community. Gender equality is inherent in our competition structure and we are dedicated to ensure that this is replicated at all levels of management throughout the industry”, Ingmar De Vos said.

“Now, more than ever, we need to stay positive and take concrete action that will assure our long term future. We’re at a crunch point and it is important for us to work together to ensure our collective well-being in the future.”

About FEI Solidarity

Launched in 2011 by former FEI President HRH Princess Haya, FEI Solidarity promotes and develops equestrian culture and sport worldwide in a sustainable and structured way, working directly with the FEI’s member National Federations and recognised Continental Associations by providing the tools, the knowledge and the infrastructure required to develop the sport and nurture talent from grassroots to the world stage. 

FEI Solidarity support is focussed on four key pillars of activity (National Federation, Athlete, Coach and Values) with specific programmes  available in each of the pillars in order to best target and fulfil specific development needs. For more information visit the FEI Solidarity Hub on InsideFEI.org.

About Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) www.fei.org

The FEI is the world governing body for horse sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and was founded in 1921. Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic movement since the 1912 Games in Stockholm.

The FEI is the sole controlling authority for all international events in the Olympic sports of Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, as well as Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining.

The FEI became one of the first international sports governing bodies to govern and regulate global para sport alongside its seven able-bodied disciplines when Para Dressage joined its ranks in 2006. The FEI now governs all international competitions for Para Dressage and Para Driving.

The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decisions in two cases involving Prohibited Substances.

The first case involves the horse Captain Future 3 (FEI ID 104OK61/AUT), ridden by Felix Koller (FEI ID 10067976/AUT). Samples taken from the horse at the CSIO5*- NC EUD1 in St. Gallen (SUI), 30 May to 2 June 2019, tested positive for the Banned Substance Diisopropylamine.

In its Final Decision dated 18 August 2020, the FEI Tribunal accepted the agreement reached between the FEI and the athlete. It was found that the team veterinarian most likely injected the horse at the event. The FEI Tribunal took note that the FEI accepted that the athlete bore No Significant Fault or Negligence for the rule violation. Therefore, the standard two-year applicable period of ineligibility was reduced to one year, with the provisional suspension (effective from 7 August 2019) credited against the full suspension, meaning that the athlete was ineligible until 6 August 2020. The results of the athlete and horse at the event were disqualified and the athlete was ordered to pay a fine of CHF 1,500. Each of the parties will bear its own legal costs.

The second case involves the horse Gelo Delle Schiave (FEI ID 104RW65/ITA), ridden by Pierluigi Sangiorgi (FEI ID 10025969/ITA). Samples taken from the horse at the CDI-W in Lipica (SLO), 24-26 May 2019, tested positive for the Banned Substance Aripiprazole.

The FEI Tribunal, in its Final Decision dated 26 August 2020, ruled that the athlete bore No Fault or Negligence for the Rule violation, as he was able to establish that the Prohibited Substance entered the horse’s system through the ingestion of straw bedding that was contaminated through urination by the support personnel. The standard two-year applicable period of ineligibility was therefore eliminated. The results of the athlete and horse at the event were disqualified. Each party will bear its own legal costs.

The Final Tribunal Decisions can be found here.

The parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the Final Decisions.

Notes to Editors:

FEI Equine Prohibited Substances

The FEI Prohibited Substances List is divided into two sections: Controlled Medication and *Banned Substances. Controlled Medication substances are those that are regularly used to treat horses, but which must have been cleared from the horse’s system by the time of competition. Banned (doping) Substances should never be found in the body of the horse and are prohibited at all times.

In the case of an adverse analytical finding (AAF) for a Banned Substance, the Person Responsible (PR) is automatically provisionally suspended from the date of notification (with the exception of certain cases involving a Prohibited Substance which is also a **Specified Substance). The horse is provisionally suspended for two months.

**Specified Substances

The FEI introduced the concept of Specified Substances in 2016. Specified Substances should not in any way be considered less important or less dangerous than other Prohibited Substances (i.e. whether Banned or Controlled). Rather, they are simply substances which are more likely to have been ingested by horses for a purpose other than the enhancement of sport performance, for example, through a contaminated food substance. Positive cases involving Specified Substances can be handled with a greater degree of flexibility within the structure of the FEI Regulations.

Information on all substances is available on the searchable FEI Equine Prohibited Substances Database.

The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final 2020 in Barcelona (ESP) has been cancelled. The cancellation is a joint-decision taken by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), Spanish National Federation (Real Federación Hípica Española) and the Foundation and Board of the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona (RCPB), longtime host of the FEI Nations Cup™ Final. The Barcelona Final was scheduled to be held from 2-4 October.

“We have looked at every scenario, including potentially running the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final behind closed doors without spectators, but the combination of the situation in Catalonia and the ongoing international travel restrictions has meant that we have unfortunately been forced to jointly agree that regrettably this year’s Final cannot go ahead in Barcelona, the risks are simply too great”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“When we announced changes to the rules for the Final back in April, we were cautiously optimistic that even if the series fell victim to the pandemic, we would be able to save the Final in Barcelona, but sadly that has proved impossible.

“Of course this is devastating news for everyone involved, not least the athletes that were hoping to compete at the Final, to our hosts in Barcelona and of course to our Top Partner Longines, but health and safety have to be our top priorities. While we are all very disappointed now, we very much look forward to returning to Barcelona for the Final in 2021.”

“This difficult decision is very disappointing for our Club and our members and everyone involved”, RCPB Foundation President Emilio Zegrí said. “The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final is an annual highlight for us, the city of Barcelona and all the national and international spectators who fill the stands year after year, but it was important that we took this decision now, knowing that a last-minute cancellation would have meant significant costs for the National Federations having made travel plans for their athletes and horses. However, we want to transmit a positive message of hope. We will redouble our efforts so that the 2021 Final can be celebrated as an outstanding edition.”

The rule changes for the 2020 Final announced earlier this year when the pandemic first started to impact the FEI Calendar, meant that 22 nations would have been invited to compete at the Final in Barcelona (2-4 October): 10 from Europe, three from North America, two from South America, two from the Middle East, two from Asia/Australasia, one apiece from Africa and Eurasia, plus the host nation Spain.

The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) announced in April that, due to the global pandemic, the launch of the Longines EEF Series had been postponed to 2021. As a result, there will be no promotion and relegation this year, meaning that Division 1 will start with the same 10 teams for the 2021 season - Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden.

The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in a human anti-doping case involving an adverse analytical finding for the prohibited substance Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, and Amfetamine. Both are non-specified substances that are prohibited in competition under the 2018 WADA Prohibited List.

Samples taken from the athlete Jan-Philipp Weichert (FEI ID 10072662/GER) on 10 June 2018 during the German National Championships, CSI2* in Balve (GER) returned positive for the two substances.

The FEI Tribunal approved the agreement between the FEI and the athlete on 13 July 2020.

The Athlete admitted the violation and the FEI Tribunal accepted that the violation was not intentional, since the substances were consumed in a context unrelated to sport, the standard four-year ineligibility period was reduced to two years. The athlete has already served the ineligibility period, which started on 2 July 2018 and ended on 1 July 2020.

All results recorded by the athlete from the date of the event were disqualified. The athlete was also ordered to pay a fine of CHF 1,500. Each party will pay their own legal costs.

The Final Tribunal Decision can be found here.

The parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the Decision.

Notes to Editors:

FEI Anti-Doping Rules for Human Athletes (ADRHA)

The FEI is part of the collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport led by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The aim of this movement is to protect fair competition as well as athlete health and welfare.

WADA’s Prohibited List identifies the substances and methods prohibited in- and out-of-competition, and in particular sports. The substances and methods on the List are classified by different categories (e.g., steroids, stimulants, gene doping).

The List comes into effect on 1 January of each year.

As a WADA Code Signatory, the FEI runs a testing programme for human athletes based on WADA’s List of Prohibited List of Substances and Methods and on the Code-compliant FEI Anti-Doping Rules for Human Athletes (ADRHA).

For further information, please consult the Clean Sport section of the FEI website here and the FAQ on the WADA website.

The FEI and ClipMyHorse.TV (CMH.TV) have entered into an agreement that is set to change the future landscape of the global governing body’s live streaming services to millions of equestrian fans worldwide. CMH.TV is one of the world’s leading providers of live streams for equestrian sports.

“We are very excited with this new venture which is the result of open and productive conversations with the founder of ClipMyHorse.TV Mr Klaus Plönzke,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“This is the first time the FEI will have an equity stake in a company which will allow us to actively contribute to shaping the narrative around the coverage of equestrian events.

“By bringing together our collective strengths, we can work towards the development of one combined live streaming service that provides high quality event coverage and a broader range of content to fans.”  

FEI.TV has traditionally live-streamed all major FEI Series and Championships, with an extensive range of replays, special features and historic events coverage available live and on-demand. Subscribers can now view coverage of international, national and local equestrian events, with commentary provided in English as well as local languages. They will also have access to the largest archive of equestrian video content and an extensive database of information on athletes and horses.

“ClipMyHorse.TV’s comprehensive platform and their extensive experience with production and streaming services within this sector will allow for an improved viewing experience for FEI.TV customers, while the look and feel of FEI.TV will, at least for the moment, stay the same,” FEI Commercial Director Ralph Straus said.

“The depth of the combined offering is unique and will provide equestrian fans access to a wide range of events all under one roof, from top international events to local competitions, together with online equestrian magazines, documentaries and other relevant programming.”

Currently the FEI.TV online television platform is providing coverage of past events and special equestrian features free of charge to everyone while live sport is on hold.

“The market for OTT and streaming services has grown substantially and we have seen an exponential rise in online viewing,” CEO of CMH.TV Markus Detering explained.

“We created the CMH.TV platform in 2007 with the express aim of making horse sport events across the world accessible to fans and followers everywhere and at any time.

“By pooling our resources with the FEI, we will be able to offer equestrian fans a more in-depth and enriching experience that will make the sport even more attractive and to a wider global audience.”