Independent Review Body Established by the FEI following the Olympic Games

On the initiative of the Jumping Committee, the FEI Executive Board has approved the creation of an Independent Temporary Committee to establish why a number of horses received tendon injuries during the Jumping competitions at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and to produce recommendations for the future.

The Temporary Committee comprises the following persons:

Edouard de Rothschild (FRA, Chairman
Leopoldo Palacios (VEN), Member
Jack Snyder (USA, Member
Robert Jolicoeur (CAN, Member
Thomas Velin (DEN, Member

Edouard de Rothschild is the President of France Galop, the French racing association, and competes both nationally and internationally in jumping. Leopoldo Palacios, FEI official International Course Designer and member of the FEI Bureau was the Technical Delegate for the Jumping discipline in Athens. Jack Snyder, DVM, PhD, is Professor and Chief of Equine Surgery in the veterinary school at the University of California-Davis and headed the veterinary staff at the Olympic Hospital for the countries where the Olympics have been held since 1988. Robert Jolicoeur is an FEI Official International Course Designer and worldwide recognised footing expert. Thomas Velin, professional rider in jumping, who finished 11th individual in Athens, will represent the athletes.

This Committee has been requested to meet as soon as possible and to produce a report within the next months.