We would like to provide the equestrian community with a further update on the situation and the measures that have been taken by the FEI, in consultation with respective National Federations and Organising Committees, following the confirmed cases of EHV-1 in Mainland Europe in the latter part of February. See initial Update sent and published on 22 February here.
 
Oliva (ESP)
The Organising Committee (OC) in Oliva has set up a strong organisation and continues to tightly collaborate with the authorities, the National Federation and FEI. The Spring MET III Tour (Spring MET III, 7-26 March) has now been cancelled and the OC has put in place meetings in order to keep all athletes informed on the most recent developments.

The venue is operating under the auspices of the Regional Veterinary Authority which in turn is monitored by the Federal Veterinary Authority, MAPA. In addition, an FEI Treating Veterinarian has been appointed as responsible for the venue, he is leading the work onsite and reporting back to the Regional Veterinary Authority.

To date, there are nine horses at the University Equine Hospital in Valencia (CEU) for close monitoring, eight of which have displayed neurological signs. As a preventive measure and to ensure enough treating space, the FEI has ordered 12 temporary boxes to be set up at the hospital grounds in case more horses are brought in. 

At the venue in Oliva, there are currently 103 horses remaining, which have been divided into different groups depending on their health status. The temperature of all horses at the venue is taken two to three times daily, and in the latest report from 1 March, no horse presented fever or any clinical signs.

MAPA, supported by FEI Veterinary Department, have decided to extend the initial safety measures in order to avoid a further spread of virus from the venue. In order to leave the venue, horses now have to present a first negative sample, followed by a second sample which will be taken 14 days later and a third on day 15. All three samples need to be negative in order for a horse to be released.
 
In order to then be “un-blocked” in the FEI Database and return to competition, the horses have to fulfil certain health requirements. The mandatory biosecurity measures provide two options – either 21 days isolation with a nasopharyngeal sample taken earliest on Day 21 or alternatively a minimum isolation of 14 days with a first nasopharyngeal sample taken earliest on Day 7 and a second sample taken another seven days later at the earliest. All samples must be analysed by PCR and return negative. The measures also include taking twice-daily rectal temperatures.
 
Release from isolation can only take place on the advice of a veterinarian and in order to be “un-blocked” and have access to FEI Events, the horses will need to comply with all the return to competition protocols and have the restriction lifted by the FEI Veterinary Department.
 
Lier (BEL)
The Belgian National Head Veterinarian has inspected the cleaning, disinfection and sealing of the venue and given the green light to reopen the venue for competitions.
 
As a reminder, the affected horse and each of the 25 in-contact horses from the event are prevented from attending any FEI events until they have fulfilled certain health requirements which are imposed in order to minimise any potential transmission of the virus, to both their own horses and the wider horse population.
 
Current status of the spread of EHV-1
Seven horses departed from Oliva prior to the first confirmed EHV-1 case, one travelled to Valencia (ESP), four to Vejer de la Frontera (ESP) and two to Doha (QAT). They were immediately isolated on request of the FEI and are currently applying the FEI Return to Competition protocols while in isolation. To date, none of the horses have been reported to present fever or clinical signs.
 
*Two out of six horses returning from Oliva to Limburg (NED) have tested positive for EHV-1 and have been placed in quarantine where they are being closely monitored.
 
Unrelated to Oliva, in Vilamoura (POR), two horses with fever were placed in isolation, however their test results for EHV-1 were negative.
 
Keeping our horses safe
We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the importance of the FEI’s Horse Health Requirements, and the necessity to fulfil the Horse Health Requirements via the FEI HorseApp to ensure the maximum safety for all horses competing at international events.
 
The Horse Health Requirements put in place by the FEI and in accordance with Art. 1027 and 1029 of the FEI 2023 Veterinary Regulations, since 1 January 2022, are a crucial preventative biosecurity tool, and it is of utmost importance that these requirements are consistently applied by all.
 
All information in relation to the Horse Health Requirements is available on the dedicated Horse Health Requirements hub. Should you have any questions regarding this matter, don’t hesitate to contact the FEI Veterinary Department

*corrected/updated on 6 March 2023. 

The FEI Tribunal has issued a Consent Award in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.

In this case, the horse Meadowvale Cruise (FEI ID 106CQ68/USA), tested positive for the Banned Substance Testosterone following samples taken at the Bolivarian Games-S - Bogotá (COL), 24.06. – 05.07.2022.

The athlete, Hector Florentino Roca (FEI ID 10009161/DOM), admitted the rule violation and accepted the consequences. In its final decision the FEI Tribunal disqualified the horse from the event and imposed an eighteen-month ineligibility period on the athlete; the provisional suspension he already served shall be credited against the imposed ineligibility period. He was also fined CHF 5,000 and asked to cover the costs of the B sample, CHF 1,000.

The full Decision is available here.

Separately, the FEI has announced new adverse analytical findings (AAF) involving equine prohibited substances. The cases involve a *Banned Substance and a Controlled Medication Substance under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs).
In these two Jumping cases, the athletes have not been provisionally suspended. The horses have been provisionally suspended for two months from the date of notification.

Case 2022/BS10:
Horse: Blanch (107VD44/LTU)
Person Responsible: Nerijus Sipaila (10044738/LTU)
Event: CSIYH1*- Kunkiai (LTU), 25-28.08.2022,
Prohibited Substance(s): Morphine, Oripavine
Date of notification: 22 December 2022

Case 2022/BS04:
Horse: Cindy NSO (107XY33/LTU)
Person Responsible: Vilte Kasiulyte (10129107/LTU)
Event: CSIYH1*- Vazgaikiemis (LTU), 01-04.09.22,
Prohibited Substance(s): Morphine, Oripavine
Date of notification: 22 December 2022

Details on these cases can be found here.

Notes to Editors:
FEI Clean Sport - human athletes
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).
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.

FEI Equine Prohibited Substances
The FEI Prohibited Substances List is divided into two sections: Controlled Medication and *Banned Substances. Controlled Medication substances are medications 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.
Information on all substances is available on the searchable FEI Equine Prohibited Substances Database.

The FEI has welcomed today’s announcement by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board that Para Equestrian has been included in the Paralympic Programme for Los Angeles 2028.   

The result of an extensive review process which started in January 2022, Para Dressage will feature alongside 21 other sports confirmed by the IPC Governing Board when Los Angeles hosts the Paralympic Games in five years. The inclusion of an additional sport, put forward by the LA 2028 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, is still under consideration with Para Climbing and Para Surfing strong contenders. A decision is expected to be made by the end of 2023.

The Paralympic Games will be held from 15 to 27 August 2028, following the Olympic Games which are scheduled to take place from 14 to 30 July. While 2028 will mark the third time that the Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles after the 1932 and 1984 editions, it will be the first time the city will host the Paralympic Games.

Para Dressage is the only equestrian discipline included in the Paralympic Games, where it has been a regular fixture since 1996. Conducted under the same basic rules as able-bodied Dressage, male and female Para Dressage athletes compete as equals and are classified according to the level of their impairment.

People with similar functional abilities and profiles are grouped into five competition Grades (I to V). The horse has to perform at a walk in Grade I, the trot is added to Grades II and III, and the canter in Grades IV and V.

Each horse and rider combination is required to follow a prescribed pattern of movement, with the only exception being the Freestyle which is specifically choreographed for each horse and is performed to music. Success in equestrian sport is not based solely on technical ability, but also depends on the strength of the emotional bond that exists between the horse and human athlete.

“We are ever so proud to have Para Dressage included in the Paralympic Programme for 2028,” FEI Secretary General and President of the Association for Paralympic Sports (APSO) Sabrina Ibáñez said.

“With its long-standing equestrian tradition, the USA has developed over the years as a country with sustained equestrian excellence on the international stage. And Los Angeles, with its stunning sports backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains and its state-of-the art competition and training facilities, is the perfect venue for the Paralympic Games.

“But Los Angeles is also a city with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion which is also high on the agenda for our International Federation. Equestrian has always been an accessible sport, and the para community know full-well the immense power of the horse for people with disabilities.

“The Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020 marked a turning point for our sport with higher than ever scores being reached and an increase in the degree of difficulty of tests. That there was not one single riding school horse present in Tokyo, was itself testimony to the growth and development of the sport.

“We hope that Para Dressage will reach even greater heights in Los Angeles and that the people coming to see Para Dressage in action will leave with some understanding of the passion that drives our sport.”

The FEI was one of the first international sports governing bodies to govern and regulate global para sport alongside its able-bodied disciplines when Para Dressage joined its ranks in 2006. The Para Equestrian Committee was created in 2006 when the governance of Para Equestrian passed from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to the FEI. At the same time, the FEI also created the Athletes’ Committee for all FEI disciplines (able-bodied and para), with 14-time Paralympic gold medalist Lee Pearson becoming its first Chair.

Over the years, there has been more integration of Para Equestrian sport into the FEI Governance and World Championship structures, which has raised the profile of Para Sport alongside the FEI’s other disciplines.

At the 2020 FEI General Assembly, the Chair of the FEI Para Equestrian Committee became a voting member on the FEI Board, ensuring that Para Sports has a place at the top table’s discussions alongside able-bodied disciplines.

Other governance related initiatives included in the FEI’s host bidding requirements, require world and continental championships for para athletes and able-bodied athletes to be held at the same venue. A handbook is currently being created by the FEI to assist Organising Committees with accessibility planning at equestrian Events.

The FEI Solidarity and Para Dressage Departments have worked together to create the FEI Para Dressage World Challenge series, a development programme in place since 1 January 2023. The Series aims to give athletes, who are unable to participate in international events due to financial or geographical reasons, the opportunity to compete in events in their own country. These competitions are in place to help National Federations develop Para Dressage, and close the gap between National and first level international competitions.

While these top-down initiatives have been important to the development of Para Equestrian within the FEI’s structures, it has also had a positive impact on the general attitudes towards disability and inclusion within the equestrian community more generally.

The FEI’s online Para Sport magazine – The Para Equestrian Digest – launched in February 2022 was created for Para Equestrian athletes and the people connected to the sport so they can share, in their own words, their personal experiences and disability stories. The Digest puts the spotlight on an athlete or project in Para Equestrian sport with the aim of increasing visibility for the sport and improving disability awareness and inclusion.

Spain’s Marco Fuste, known for his bountiful charisma and extensive experience in the equestrian sporting sphere, including his tenure as FEI Jumping Director since 1 February 2021, passed away on 5 January 2023 from heart complications. He was 60 years of age.  

Highly regarded by the equestrian family, Fuste had a wealth of experience in the equestrian world which he gained through the many roles he embraced: from athlete to event organiser, chef d’équipe as well as hands-on governance administrator both in and out of the equestrian sphere.  

During his time at the FEI, Fuste oversaw the full revision of the FEI Jumping Rules, the successful delivery of the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games due to Covid-19, the delivery of FEI World Championships, World Cup and Nations Cup Finals among thousands of events around the world. He prioritised consultation, was always reachable and worked closely with the FEI Jumping Committee and Chair Stephan Ellenbruch (GER) to ensure the different stakeholders within the community understood the decisions, the reasoning and the decision-making process.   

“The FEI and the greater equestrian community have lost a true friend, loyal equestrian, mentor and aficionado,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.  

“Marco always gave it his all – he was not one for half measures or taking the easy option – and everyone respected him for his tenacity, his integrity and his good business sense.

“Marco was true to his convictions and was always true to himself. He was passionate about the sport and about the people, rational beyond measure and simply a wonderful human being. His generosity and thoughtfulness, as well as his wise insights and remarkable ability to recall and recount countless anecdotes, made him memorable and colourful at every encounter.

“Marco said that to be appointed FEI Jumping Director was his dream job, and for us, he was our dream candidate – passionate, experienced, knowledgeable, genuine, caring, determined and driven to do the right thing for the sport and for the people in the sport.

“We will miss him dearly at the FEI, and I know the entire community is also mourning his loss and everything he stood for.”

On behalf of the FEI Family, which held Marco in the greatest esteem, the FEI extends its deepest condolences to his wife Isa, his daughter Ainoa, his father, extended family, the Spanish equestrian community and everyone around the world who had the chance to get to know and spend time with him. May he rest in peace.

About Marco Fuste
Before joining the FEI and among many career highlights, Fuste was Director of Jumping for the Spanish Equestrian Federation and chef d’equipe of the Spanish Jumping team from 2006 to 2021. During this time, he also served as a member of the FEI Jumping Committee from 2011 to 2015, and a member of the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) Jumping and Nations Cup working groups. Prior to this, he had also worked at both the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games and the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2002 in Jerez (ESP), and was a recipient of the Gold Medal of the Real Federación Hípica Española in 2009, the Federation’s highest distinction.

In the lead up and alongside his equestrian career - borne from a lifelong love of horses – Fuste earnt his stripes exploring and working in a number of different sports. This started in 1986 with the position of Event Manager at the Spanish sports events company Organización y Gestión Deportiva S.A, before a nine-year stint with the World League of American Football, NFL Europe and NFL Europe League. He would go on to explore the tennis world, becoming General Manager at the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation, a tenure which coincided with Spain recording its first Davis Cup victory. 

The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in a human anti-doping case.  

This case involves an adverse analytical finding for the prohibited substance listed in Class S.6.B Specified Stimulants, of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List 2022.

A sample taken from the Swiss athlete Felix Vogg (FEI ID 10010431) on 1 July 2022 during the CCIO4*-S in Aachen (GER) returned positive for a Specified Stimulant. The athlete was notified of the violation of the FEI’s Anti-Doping Rules for Human Athletes (ADRHA) on 27 July 2022. He was not provisionally suspended by the FEI, as the substance in the Athlete’s Sample is a Specified Substance.

In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal decided to suspend the athlete for a period of two months, starting from the date of the FEI Tribunal Final Decision (20 December 2022). Additionally, the athlete was disqualified from all results obtained at the event, fined CHF 3,000 and asked to pay costs of CHF 1,500.

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

The full text of the FEI Tribunal’s Final Decision is available here.

 

Notes to Editors:

FEI Clean Sport - human athletes

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).

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.

The FEI Tribunal has issued a Consent Award in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.

In this case, the horse Elijah Solam (FEI ID 107JS65/BRN), tested positive for the Banned Substance Stanozolol following samples taken at the CEI1* 100 Fontainebleau (FRA) on 14 October, 2022.

The trainer, Jameel Ebrahim Ramadhan (FEI ID 10103145/BRN), admitted the rule violation and accepted the consequences. In its final decision the FEI Tribunal disqualified the horse from the event and imposed an 18-month ineligibility period on the trainer; the provisional suspension he already served shall be credited against the imposed ineligibility period. He was also fined CHF 5,000 and asked to pay costs of CHF 1,000.

The full Decision is available here.

 

Notes to Editors:

FEI Clean Sport - human athletes

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).

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.

FEI Equine Prohibited Substances

The FEI Prohibited Substances List is divided into two sections: Controlled Medication and *Banned Substances. Controlled Medication substances are medications 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.

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

The FEI Tribunal has issued a Consent Award in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.

In this case, the horse Elijah Solam (FEI ID 107JS65/BRN), tested positive for the Banned Substance Stanozolol following samples taken at the CEI1* 100 Fontainebleau (FRA) on 14 October, 2022.

The athlete, Khalifa Mubarak Salem Sabt (FEI ID 10093534/BRN), admitted the rule violation and accepted the consequences. In its final decision the FEI Tribunal disqualified the horse from the event and imposed an 18-month ineligibility period on the athlete; the provisional suspension he already served shall be credited against the imposed ineligibility period. He was also fined CHF 5,000 and asked to pay costs of CHF 1,000.

The full Decision is available here.

Notes to Editors:

FEI Clean Sport - human athletes

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).

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.

FEI Equine Prohibited Substances

The FEI Prohibited Substances List is divided into two sections: Controlled Medication and *Banned Substances. Controlled Medication substances are medications 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.

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

Belgium’s Ingmar De Vos has been re-elected with an overwhelming majority by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) member National Federations to serve a third and final term as FEI President. The Presidential election was held during today’s FEI Hybrid General Assembly held in Cape Town (RSA) and virtually, allowing National Federations unable to attend in-person to vote online in real time. Standing unopposed for a second time, the 59-year-old received widespread support for his last four-year term, which will run until 2026.

“I am deeply honoured to have your trust and confidence to lead the FEI for one more term,” Ingmar De Vos said in his address to the annual equestrian Assembly.

“Over the past eight years, I have had the privilege to witness the power of unity at work in our community, and it is this solidarity that brought us through some incredibly challenging times. We have moved forward together because we all put aside our differences for the wider benefit of our sport and community. We have come out stronger than ever as a result and I know that this foundation will serve us well for the future.

“And the future is very much on my mind as I now embark on my final term in office. I am determined to leave a strong legacy that my successor and the community can continue to build on in the years to come.

“While we have achieved a great deal together, it is clear that we also need to make some further changes to guarantee the continuity and wellbeing of our organisation. This will require some difficult choices, and on some points we will probably disagree but if history is any indication, I know that the decisions we make together for our sport and organisation will always be grounded in our commonly held values of horse welfare and integrity.”   

De Vos, the 13th FEI President since the International Federation was founded in 1921 and only the fourth to become an IOC Member, was also the first male President succeeding three female heads of the organisation when he was first elected to the position in 2014 in Baku (AZE).

Widely sought after for his sports administration experience, De Vos is an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, as well as a member of three IOC Commissions (Legal Affairs, Gender Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Commission, and Los Angeles 2028 Coordination Commission), member of the Council of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), and member of the Executive Committee and Foundation Board of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).   

Under De Vos’ leadership, the FEI as an organisation has earned a strong standing in the Olympic community for its sustainability initiatives, advancing animal welfare, championing gender diversity, equality and inclusion, as well as promoting youth sport. De Vos has also led the equestrian community in critical discussions over key changes to the Olympic formats to bring the sport more in line with the aims and ambitions of Olympic agenda 2020+5.

Since taking office in 2014, he has also introduced several changes to the governance structures of the international body. The FEI has consistently appeared in the top five organisations in the ASOIF International Federation governance review, and took first place in the ranking in 2022.

At the FEI Sports Forum 2022, De Vos also delivered on a promise to fully integrate Grooms into the FEI Family with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the FEI and the International Grooms Association.

More recently, De Vos announced the creation of an independent Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission to develop a practical framework to address current and future concerns related to the use of horses in sport.

“Sustainability and the modernisation of equestrian sport with welfare at its heart are my key objectives for the next four years,” De Vos said.

“If we are to remain relevant as a sport, then we need to have an organisation that is well equipped to adapt to the challenges that come our way. Open and honest dialogue has been the reason we have been able to shape the future of equestrian together since 1921. I look forward to more of the same over the next four years.”

Dutch: Belg Ingmar De Vos herkozen voor derde en laatste termijn als voorzitter van de Internationale Paardensportfederatie (FEI)

French: Le Belge Ingmar De Vos est réélu pour un troisième et dernier mandat en tant que Président de la FEI

Spanish: El belga Ingmar De Vos, reelegido para un tercer y último mandato como Presidente de la FEI

More about Ingmar De Vos

A Belgian native, Ingmar De Vos was born on 5 August 1963. He holds degrees in political science, and international and European law, and started his career as an advisor to the Belgian Senate. He joined the Belgian Equestrian Federation as managing director in 1990, and held the additional role of Secretary General from 1997 to 2011. De Vos is the only Belgian holding the position of President among the International Federations governing summer and winter Olympic Sports.

During his time at the Belgian National Federation, Ingmar De Vos was chef de mission for the Belgian team at all six FEI World Equestrian Games™ between 1990 and 2010 and at three Olympic Games – Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. He is a member of the Belgian Olympic Academy. He was co-founder of the European Equestrian Federation in 2010 and was also Secretary General from 2010 until 2011, when he joined the FEI.

After three years as FEI Secretary General, Ingmar De Vos was elected as FEI President in December 2014 at the FEI General Assembly in Baku, Azerbaijan. Under the FEI Statutes, a President can serve up to three four-year terms.

The world renowned Butheeb International Endurance Village (BIEV) is set to host the FEI Endurance World Championship 2022, following a decision made by the FEI Board during its meeting in Cape Town (RSA) today.

The BIEV venue, which was strongly recommended by the FEI Endurance Committee, is situated approximately one hour from Abu Dhabi’s city centre will be the venue for the rescheduled World Championship. In September 2022, the FEI terminated the Host Agreement with Isola della Scala in Verona (ITA) that was originally scheduled to host the biennial event from 19 to 23 October 2022. This decision also included the provision to reopen the bid process in order to find a new host for the Championship.

With October to March being the winter season in Abu Dhabi and the period for outdoor and equestrian events, the World Championship will now take place from 20 to 26 February 2023, with the ride itself scheduled for Saturday, 25 February.

“We are very pleased with the decision to award the FEI Endurance World Championship 2022 to Butheeb,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“The FEI Board was impressed with the world-class permanent infrastructure and facilities offered by the BIEV and the proven ability of the Organisers to guarantee all the logistical organisation for our human and equine athletes in a short period of time.

“The safety and security of human and equine athletes is the FEI’s top priority, and the Organiser’s track record of commitment to horse welfare was a key factor in the decision to award this Championship to Butheeb.

“We are confident that the Organisers will give our athletes a Championship to remember and that the venue will deliver on all its promises.”

Since 2004, around 147 FEI and 153 National Endurance events have been held at the BIEV which will host the FEI Endurance World Championship for the first time ever.

The venue has earned global recognition for its modern and well-equipped clinic that has digital x-ray, ultrasonography and other diagnostic services, highly qualified veterinary staff and laboratory technicians. Located close to the Central Vet Gates and the Holding Area, the clinic includes examination areas, stables for in-patient treatment as well as observation and administrative areas.

The track, which passes through a forestry reserve, is designed to naturally regulate pace and to challenge the skill of the riders. The BIEV is known for producing technical rides that prioritise horse welfare.

Under the guidance and support of the late former deputy UAE Prime Minister H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Butheeb Protocol Initiative was implemented in BIEV and other venues around the world to ensure that the welfare of the horses and horsemanship prevail. Another initiative guided by the vision of Sheikh Sultan is the Butheeb Academy, which trains young Endurance athletes by teaching proper riding techniques and the basics of horsemanship.

For the FEI Endurance World Championship 2022, the BIEV will offer prize money to all finishers including a prize category for Best Condition. The total prize money for teams, individuals, horses in best condition and all finishers is AED 2,000,000 (approximately USD 545,000).

Also agreed at the FEI Board meeting today was the allocation of the Mexican qualifier of the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ 2022 to a new venue, San Miguel De Allende from 26 to 30 April 2023.

The FEI Tribunal issued a Consent Award in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance and a Controlled Medication.

In this case, the horse Azibo de Moran (FEI ID 107UB68/ESP), tested positive for the Banned Substance Reserpine and the Controlled Medication Altrenogest, following samples taken at the CDIYH, Segovia (ESP) 07-10 July 2022.

The athlete, Maria De Las Mercedes Gonzalez Abad (FEI ID 10139475)/ESP), admitted the rule violation and accepted the consequences. In its final decision the FEI Tribunal disqualified the horse from the event and imposed an 18-month ineligibility period on the athlete; the provisional suspension she already served shall be credited against the imposed ineligibility period. She was also fined CHF 500.

The full Decision is available here.

In the second case the FEI Tribunal issued its Final Decision in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.

The horse Fine Cut Gold (FEI ID 106HE48/CAN), ridden by Alex Shampoe (FEI ID 10143173/USA) and trained by Valerie Kanavy (FEI ID 10014017/USA) tested positive for the Banned Substance Capsaicin, following samples taken at the CEIYJ3* 160, Shamong NJ (USA), on 2 October 2021. 

The trainer admitted unknowingly using a roll on cream containing Capsaicin. She explained that she usually uses the tube form of this cream, which does not contain any prohibited substances.   

In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal imposed an ineligibility period of 12-months on both the athlete and the trainer starting from the date of the Final Decision. The provisional suspension of each, which came into effect on 3 November 2021, has been credited against the ineligibility period, meaning both are eligible to compete and officiate again as of 3 November 2022. In addition, the athlete was fined CHF 1,500 and asked to pay costs of CHF 750. The trainer was fined CHF 3,000 and asked to pay costs of CHF 1,500.

The full Decision is available here. 

The FEI Tribunal issued a second Final Decision, this time in a case involving the violation of a suspension.

Mr Hicham Gharib (FEI ID 10033790/SYR) was imposed a one-year suspension by the FEI Tribunal for Incorrect Behaviour in relation to Abuse of Horse. The suspension came into effect on 2 February 2002 and lasts until 1 February 2023.

It was brought to the FEI’s attention that Mr Gharib might not be complying with the terms of his suspension. Following an investigation the FEI decided to open new disciplinary proceedings against him based on his alleged violation which, among others include having taken part in events under a false name.

The FEI Tribunal ruled that Mr Gharib had violated his suspension. Consequently, will be suspended for an additional period of one year, meaning that he will be ineligible until 31 January 2024. He was also fined CHF 5,000 and asked to pay the costs of CHF 2,000.  

The full Decision is available here.

 

Separately, the FEI has announced new adverse analytical findings (AAF) involving equine Prohibited Substances. The cases involve *Banned Substance under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs).

In the following Endurance case, the athlete has been provisionally suspended until the FEI Tribunal renders its decision. The horse has been provisionally suspended for two months from the date of notification.

Case: 2022/BS07

Horse: Eryn (FEI ID 105SX59/SUI)

Person Responsible: Melania Vanina (FEI ID 10160936/SUI)

Event: CEI1*100 - Oberstammheim (SUI) 20 August 2022

Date of sample collection: 20 August 2022

Prohibited Substance(s): Flufenamic acid

Date of notification: 26 September 2022

Details on this case can be found here.

In the following Jumping case, the athlete has been provisionally suspended until the FEI Tribunal renders its decision. The horse has been provisionally suspended for two months from the date of notification.

Case: 2022/BS08

Horse: Meadowvale Cruise (FEI ID 106CQ68/USA)

Person Responsible: Hector Florentino Roca (FEI ID 10009161/DOM)

Event: Bolivarian Games-S-Bogotá (COL), 24 June to 05 July 2022

Date of sample collection: 2 July 2022

Prohibited Substance(s): Testosterone

Date of notification: 13 October 2022

Details on this case can be found here.

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 medications 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.

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

FEI Clean Sport - human athletes

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).

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.