Session 3: FEI Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan followed by a presentation of the Rider's Education Programme

Monday, 31 March, 14.00 - 15.45

The third session of the FEI Sports Forum 2025 – led by Senior Manager of Equine Welfare Initiatives & Implementation, Governance & Institutional Affairs Somesh Dutt – focused on the ongoing implementation of the FEI Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan, and opened with the announcement of the recently appointed FEI Equine Welfare Advisory Group.

This permanent Advisory Group, which will provide independent advice on the FEI Equine Welfare Strategy and oversight of its implementation through the Action Plan, will be chaired by FEI Veterinary Committee Chair, Dr Jenny Hall (GBR). Members of the Advisory Group are Dr Andrew McLean (AUS), Professor Madeleine Campbell (GBR), Dr Malin Axel-Nilsson (SWE), Professor Inga Wolframm (GER), and Dr Roly Owers (GBR). An Athlete representative will be confirmed shortly.

The three external veterinary and equine behavioural experts – Professor Campbell, Dr McLean and Dr Axel-Nilsson – are also part of the Ethical Training Methods Expert Consultative Group, a key component within the delivery of the Equine Welfare Action Plan. The Group includes representatives from all six of the FEI disciplines: Monica Theodorescu (Dressage), Philippe Guerdat and Jens Fredricson (Jumping), Christopher Bartle (Eventing), Michel Assouline (Para Dressage), Abdul Aziz al Redha (Endurance), Lars Kristensen (Vaulting) and Andrew Counsell (Driving & Para Driving). FEI Veterinary Director Dr Göran Åkerström, FEI Solidarity Director Jean-Philippe Camboulives and Somesh Dutt are also part of the Group.

Delegates were provided with a progress update on the six focus areas at the core of the Action Plan, based on the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission recommendations, in which training methods have been identified as a top priority. Dr Axel-Nilsson and Dr McLean focused on the proposed FEI ‘First Principles’ of Ethical Training Methods for Sport Horses, and the proposed FEI Definition of Ethical Training Methods, topics that were discussed at the Expert Consultative Group’s first meeting in mid-February. The importance of understanding the nature and learning processes of horses as well as the correct use of aids, and self-carriage were key themes in Dr McLean’s presentation.

Ethical training practices have been defined as those that minimise negative welfare effects and maximise positive welfare effects, while maintaining self-carriage. The overarching goal is the development of a globally applicable framework for Ethical Training Methods, specifically for sport horses across all FEI disciplines. The aim is to develop the framework in time for the FEI General Assembly in Hong Kong in November 2025.

The Chair of the FEI Veterinary Committee spoke on Fitness to Compete, also a central theme in the Action Plan. This section included an update on the key takeaways from the Fitness to Compete forum, which was held in Amsterdam (NED) in January, notably ensuring that horses are physically and medically fit before, during, and after competition, mentally fit for the required level and discipline, and in good body condition, allowing them to perform without stress or unnecessary risk to their physical and mental well-being. The impact of travel, adequate rest, horse inspections and hyposensitivity were also covered.

Next steps include meetings in April 2025 to review medication, the Equine Prohibited Substances List, and emerging fields of medicine. Additionally, subject-specific workshops on equine behaviour, supportive therapies, and transportation are planned for later in 2025.

With the ongoing aim of further strengthening the integration of scientific findings into FEI practices, Dr Åkerström presented information on the latest research, including the Oral Cavity Project, correlation of footing to potential risk to injury, and the potential use of sniffer dogs for prohibited substances detection in equine saliva. Dr Axel-Nilsson then spoke about the Five Domains Model for assessing and ensuring animal welfare and a best practices checklist for competition, and the other 23 hours. Incorporating all these elements into educational outreach and the regulatory amendments that will be required for full implementation were also discussed.

In the brief discussion that followed the presentations, the need to implement the findings and disseminate them through the National Federations’ network was emphasised.

In response to questions about horse inspections and re-inspections, Jenny Hall emphasised how seriously the FEI takes the matter, especially since the decision not to allow a horse to compete is not subject to appeal. Horses must be fit to compete in order to take part in an FEI event but the use of technology, studies of longitudinal profiles, and consistency of footing at horse inspections would be considered.

Continuing the educational theme, the Rider’s Education Programme was presented by Andreina Wipraechtiger, Senior Manager, FEI Solidarity. The Programme is a comprehensive and accessible curriculum designed for riders from beginners to early competition stages, in the three Olympic disciplines and Endurance. This initiative offers a structured and universal pathway for riders aspiring to compete. The Programme focuses on improving riding skills, ethical behaviour, horse training, horsemanship, safety, and the unique horse-rider relationship. It also covers key topics such as horse welfare, clean sport, and sport regulations. The full launch of the Programme is planned for January 2026.

Notes to Editors:

FEI Equine Welfare Advisory Group (FEWAG)
The FEI Equine Welfare Advisory Group (FEWAG) was established to provide external, independent advice on the FEI’s Equine Welfare Strategy, ensuring it stays aligned with evolving welfare standards and public expectations. This group aims to support the implementation of the Equine Welfare Action Plan and its adaptation to emerging trends, research, and concerns related to equine wellbeing.

With increasing public and regulatory scrutiny over equine welfare, it is crucial for the FEI to stay at the forefront of best practices in the sport. The creation of FEWAG reflects a commitment to maintaining and advancing the highest standards of welfare for horses. The group will ensure that the FEI Equine Welfare Strategy evolves in response to the changing landscape of social expectations and scientific advancements.

The main purpose of FEWAG is to provide an external perspective on the FEI Equine Welfare Strategy, including periodic assessments and recommendations to keep the strategy relevant. It also offers guidance on the implementation of the Equine Welfare Action Plan, ensuring alignment with best practices. Additionally, FEWAG will monitor emerging trends and advise on necessary adjustments to the strategy and action plan.

FEWAG is tasked with:

• Regularly assessing the FEI Equine Welfare Strategy and Action Plan and providing independent recommendations.
• Monitoring trends, research, and concerns related to equine welfare and advising on necessary adaptations.

FEWAG will meet at least once a year, with additional meetings held as necessary. Meetings can be in-person, online, or hybrid. The Veterinary Director and Senior Manager of Equine Welfare Initiatives will attend these meetings as required.