“There is no room or place in our sport for rule violations leading to cheating. There is no place for doping. There is no place for our partner the horse to end an event suffering from a life threatening, irreversible or untreatable illness or injury.”
FEI Endurance Committee head Dr Brian Sheahan makes a point during the endurance session at the FEI's General Assembly.
FEI Endurance Committee head Dr Brian Sheahan makes a point during the endurance session at the FEI’s General Assembly. © Edouard Curchod
With those words, the Australian head of the FEI’s Endurance Committee, Dr Brian Sheahan, encapsulated the sentiment that pervaded the special two-hour endurance session at the FEI General Assembly in Montreux, Switzerland, today.
[Read more at Horsetalk.co.nz ...]
Thursday, November 07, 2013
Wednesday, November 06, 2013
Endurance Strategic Planning Group calls for immediate and sustainable action
FEI.org
6 Nov 2013
Immediate and sustainable action to safeguard the welfare of horses and reinforce the FEI’s anti-doping and fair play policies at Endurance events globally were the key takeaways from the Endurance Strategic Planning Group (ESPG) session at the FEI General Assembly in Montreux (SUI) today.
The Group had been tasked by the FEI Bureau to develop a strategic plan for the sport for the next decade and a series of recommendations for a permanent solution to the issues within the sport, particularly those related to the increased levels of positives and high numbers of injuries and fatalities.
During the two-hour session, the Group highlighted a series of far-reaching recommendations designed to tackle the problems the sport is currently facing.
ESPG Chair Andrew Finding (GBR) opened the session with a hard-hitting message: “We are all responsible to find the solutions for the problems we face today. We need a clear vision and a strong strategy for Endurance sport, and where better to develop this than from within the equestrian community that cares about the future of this sport so much. By working together we will achieve this. The strategic plan we propose sets out a vision and a set of values we will expect everyone to adhere to if they genuinely want to be an active part of our family. Those who do not should be asked to leave us.”
FEI Veterinary Director Graeme Cooke presented statistics on the trends in positives, which had spiked in FEI Regional Group VII but are now starting to show a decrease. He also provided data on the officially reported serious injuries and fatalities in the sport, stressing the urgent need for a radically improved reporting system.
Included in this is the Injuries Surveillance System (ISS), which adopts a more consistent approach using modern data management techniques. This is being used initially in Endurance, and then rolled out across other FEI disciplines with the support of the University of Glasgow.
“We are aware of trends, and we are producing a new system that will record injuries and fatalities in a much better way, but other measures are needed,” he said.
ESPG member Jean-Louis Leclerc, a French veterinary surgeon and one of the most successful Endurance chefs d’equipe in the sport, spoke on the importance of education for athletes and officials, and reinforcing leadership. A minimum level of horsemanship should be required from all athletes, all officials (Ground Jury, Stewards and Veterinarians) should have a thorough knowledge of the rules, their performance at events should be reviewed, and a 5* level of officials should be established to reward excellence. He also called for a new definition and management of conflicts of interest.
Saeed Al Tayer (UAE), Vice-President of the Dubai Equestrian Club, was unable to be in Montreux for the session and gave his presentation by video link from Dubai. He proposed the introduction of an Endurance trainers register with the FEI, similar to the system used in thoroughbred racing, to ensure accountability. He also proposed establishing a Code of Conduct specifically for trainers, and a disciplinary board to investigate and review cases of trainer induced injury or doping. Repeat offenders will be excluded from the discipline. But, he said, there should also be a reward for trainers with successful completion rates, bringing trainers into the FEI global rankings system.
Dr Brian Sheahan (AUS), Chairman of the FEI Endurance Committee, underlined the importance of leadership, accountability and structural governance. He recommended that the FEI appoint and remunerate Independent Governance Advisors at major Championships to supervise and mentor officials on the ground, helping to ensure that Endurance rules are fully understood and enforced at every level. Accountability and sanctions for officials, National Federations, athletes and trainers is imperative, he said.
He wound up his presentation with a powerful message: “If our riders compete within the capacity of the horses’ ability to perform; if our officials correctly apply the rules without fear, favour or bias; if our trainers condition their horses for a long-term competitive life, there is no room or place in our sport for rule violations leading to cheating, there is no place for doping, there is no place for our partner the horse to end an event suffering from a life threatening, irreversible or untreatable illness or injury.”
Joe Mattingley (USA), Vice President of the USEF and Chair of the High Performance Working Group and of the High Performance Endurance Committee, spoke of the importance of information processing and structures. He presented the ESPG’s “plan on a page”, detailing the Group’s vision and mission statement.
“As an athlete of the sport, I am in no doubt that now is the time to introduce a professional and sustainable plan to protect the sport we are all so passionate about,” he said. “I have been proud to play a part in recommending these profound initiatives.”
Other recommendations specifically aimed at horse welfare and fair play include making course design more technical to challenge the athletes’ level of skill, and the use of out of competition testing for banned substances. Self-discipline and ownership of the solution by all National Federations was also vital, Andrew Finding said.
“Athletes, all athletes, and their trainers need to compete on a level playing field where natural talent wins out without artificial and performance enhancing support. We need National Federations, all of you, in every region of the world to take responsibility and provide leadership. We need every single person involved in the sport to be self-disciplined, to respect their horses and abide by the Code of Conduct for the welfare of the horse; it was carefully developed and it must be adhered to if we are not to fail.”
The scope of the Group’s proposals came in for considerable praise, with comments on the recommendations coming from New Zealand, the Netherlands, Belgium, South Africa, Namibia, Jamaica, France and the USA during the question and answer session.
The Group will now present a consultation package to National Federations by the end of November, including feedback from today’s session. Its conclusions will be finalised by the end of January and will then be presented at an Endurance conference to be held in Lausanne (SUI) in February. The National Federations will be asked to develop and set the key performance indicators: the measures for success. This process will start at the Endurance conference in February. The conclusions will be shared with the FEI Bureau in March 2014 and, in conjunction with the final Bureau decisions, will then be made public at a special Endurance session at the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne at the end of April.
“There is a problem to resolve, it is serious and systemic,” the ESPG Chair concluded. “I am confident that it can be resolved, but no committee and no plan on paper can achieve anything without the commitment of people,” the Chair of the ESPG said. “I urge you please to work with us in a spirit of positive determination to succeed. Failure cannot be an option.”
Notes to Editors
About the Endurance Strategic Planning Group (ESPG)
The ESPG, which is chaired by Andrew Finding (GBR), consists of Dr Brian Sheahan (AUS), Chairman of the FEI Endurance Committee; Jean-Louis Leclerc (FRA); Saeed Al Tayer (UAE); Joe Mattingley (USA).
The Group has been supported by the FEI’s Ian Williams (Director of Endurance) and Graeme Cooke (Director of Veterinary).
The Group was set up following a round table session at FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI) on 24 July and the composition of the group was announced on the 2 September. The ESPG held its first meeting via teleconference on 12 September, and an in-person meeting in Lausanne in October.
6 Nov 2013
Immediate and sustainable action to safeguard the welfare of horses and reinforce the FEI’s anti-doping and fair play policies at Endurance events globally were the key takeaways from the Endurance Strategic Planning Group (ESPG) session at the FEI General Assembly in Montreux (SUI) today.
The Group had been tasked by the FEI Bureau to develop a strategic plan for the sport for the next decade and a series of recommendations for a permanent solution to the issues within the sport, particularly those related to the increased levels of positives and high numbers of injuries and fatalities.
During the two-hour session, the Group highlighted a series of far-reaching recommendations designed to tackle the problems the sport is currently facing.
ESPG Chair Andrew Finding (GBR) opened the session with a hard-hitting message: “We are all responsible to find the solutions for the problems we face today. We need a clear vision and a strong strategy for Endurance sport, and where better to develop this than from within the equestrian community that cares about the future of this sport so much. By working together we will achieve this. The strategic plan we propose sets out a vision and a set of values we will expect everyone to adhere to if they genuinely want to be an active part of our family. Those who do not should be asked to leave us.”
FEI Veterinary Director Graeme Cooke presented statistics on the trends in positives, which had spiked in FEI Regional Group VII but are now starting to show a decrease. He also provided data on the officially reported serious injuries and fatalities in the sport, stressing the urgent need for a radically improved reporting system.
Included in this is the Injuries Surveillance System (ISS), which adopts a more consistent approach using modern data management techniques. This is being used initially in Endurance, and then rolled out across other FEI disciplines with the support of the University of Glasgow.
“We are aware of trends, and we are producing a new system that will record injuries and fatalities in a much better way, but other measures are needed,” he said.
ESPG member Jean-Louis Leclerc, a French veterinary surgeon and one of the most successful Endurance chefs d’equipe in the sport, spoke on the importance of education for athletes and officials, and reinforcing leadership. A minimum level of horsemanship should be required from all athletes, all officials (Ground Jury, Stewards and Veterinarians) should have a thorough knowledge of the rules, their performance at events should be reviewed, and a 5* level of officials should be established to reward excellence. He also called for a new definition and management of conflicts of interest.
Saeed Al Tayer (UAE), Vice-President of the Dubai Equestrian Club, was unable to be in Montreux for the session and gave his presentation by video link from Dubai. He proposed the introduction of an Endurance trainers register with the FEI, similar to the system used in thoroughbred racing, to ensure accountability. He also proposed establishing a Code of Conduct specifically for trainers, and a disciplinary board to investigate and review cases of trainer induced injury or doping. Repeat offenders will be excluded from the discipline. But, he said, there should also be a reward for trainers with successful completion rates, bringing trainers into the FEI global rankings system.
Dr Brian Sheahan (AUS), Chairman of the FEI Endurance Committee, underlined the importance of leadership, accountability and structural governance. He recommended that the FEI appoint and remunerate Independent Governance Advisors at major Championships to supervise and mentor officials on the ground, helping to ensure that Endurance rules are fully understood and enforced at every level. Accountability and sanctions for officials, National Federations, athletes and trainers is imperative, he said.
He wound up his presentation with a powerful message: “If our riders compete within the capacity of the horses’ ability to perform; if our officials correctly apply the rules without fear, favour or bias; if our trainers condition their horses for a long-term competitive life, there is no room or place in our sport for rule violations leading to cheating, there is no place for doping, there is no place for our partner the horse to end an event suffering from a life threatening, irreversible or untreatable illness or injury.”
Joe Mattingley (USA), Vice President of the USEF and Chair of the High Performance Working Group and of the High Performance Endurance Committee, spoke of the importance of information processing and structures. He presented the ESPG’s “plan on a page”, detailing the Group’s vision and mission statement.
“As an athlete of the sport, I am in no doubt that now is the time to introduce a professional and sustainable plan to protect the sport we are all so passionate about,” he said. “I have been proud to play a part in recommending these profound initiatives.”
Other recommendations specifically aimed at horse welfare and fair play include making course design more technical to challenge the athletes’ level of skill, and the use of out of competition testing for banned substances. Self-discipline and ownership of the solution by all National Federations was also vital, Andrew Finding said.
“Athletes, all athletes, and their trainers need to compete on a level playing field where natural talent wins out without artificial and performance enhancing support. We need National Federations, all of you, in every region of the world to take responsibility and provide leadership. We need every single person involved in the sport to be self-disciplined, to respect their horses and abide by the Code of Conduct for the welfare of the horse; it was carefully developed and it must be adhered to if we are not to fail.”
The scope of the Group’s proposals came in for considerable praise, with comments on the recommendations coming from New Zealand, the Netherlands, Belgium, South Africa, Namibia, Jamaica, France and the USA during the question and answer session.
The Group will now present a consultation package to National Federations by the end of November, including feedback from today’s session. Its conclusions will be finalised by the end of January and will then be presented at an Endurance conference to be held in Lausanne (SUI) in February. The National Federations will be asked to develop and set the key performance indicators: the measures for success. This process will start at the Endurance conference in February. The conclusions will be shared with the FEI Bureau in March 2014 and, in conjunction with the final Bureau decisions, will then be made public at a special Endurance session at the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne at the end of April.
“There is a problem to resolve, it is serious and systemic,” the ESPG Chair concluded. “I am confident that it can be resolved, but no committee and no plan on paper can achieve anything without the commitment of people,” the Chair of the ESPG said. “I urge you please to work with us in a spirit of positive determination to succeed. Failure cannot be an option.”
Notes to Editors
About the Endurance Strategic Planning Group (ESPG)
The ESPG, which is chaired by Andrew Finding (GBR), consists of Dr Brian Sheahan (AUS), Chairman of the FEI Endurance Committee; Jean-Louis Leclerc (FRA); Saeed Al Tayer (UAE); Joe Mattingley (USA).
The Group has been supported by the FEI’s Ian Williams (Director of Endurance) and Graeme Cooke (Director of Veterinary).
The Group was set up following a round table session at FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI) on 24 July and the composition of the group was announced on the 2 September. The ESPG held its first meeting via teleconference on 12 September, and an in-person meeting in Lausanne in October.
Australia: Trigger shoots into good books
November 6 2013
THE demanding sport of long-distance riding has transformed a once trigger-happy South Coast horse into an enduring gentleman and a winner.
When Trigger came to live with East Lynne’s Heidi Wade and her mother Marilyn Himmelberger, the red-spotted grey’s age and parentage were unknown. Not so his bad habits.
“He was not really trustworthy,” Mrs Wade said.
“A friend had bought him from people who found him hard to handle, then she had to move away, so he came to us.
“He was hard to catch and would pig root.
“One day, we decided to try endurance and he is a new horse. He is now a perfect gentleman and we can put anyone on him. He comes up to us and wants to go...”
Read more here:
http://www.batemansbaypost.com.au/story/1888495/trigger-shoots-into-good-books/?cs=12
Endurance being singled out, suggests Danish official
Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Nov 06, 2013 in News
Organisers of the 2015 Open European Endurance Championship have waded into the debate over welfare in the sport, suggesting the issue is not restricted to just one equestrian discipline.
The head of the organising committee, Peter Christiansen, condemned the “unilateral focus” on endurance riding and specific countries...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/11/06/endurance-singled-out-suggests-danish-official/#axzz2jpaMd7tM
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Nov 06, 2013 in News
Organisers of the 2015 Open European Endurance Championship have waded into the debate over welfare in the sport, suggesting the issue is not restricted to just one equestrian discipline.
The head of the organising committee, Peter Christiansen, condemned the “unilateral focus” on endurance riding and specific countries...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/11/06/endurance-singled-out-suggests-danish-official/#axzz2jpaMd7tM
Tuesday, November 05, 2013
FEI president Princess Haya faces calls for resignation over doping and horse welfare crisis
The Telegraph
By Pippa Cuckson, in Montreux
7:54PM GMT 05 Nov 2013
Pressure grows on Princess Haya at International Equestrian Federation annual meeting over doping, horse welfare and conflict of interest in marriage to Sheikh Mohammed
Princess Haya of Jordan, the wife of Sheikh Mohammed, is expected on Wednesday to face calls to resign as president of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) over the doping and horse welfare crisis in endurance racing.
The FEI’s three-day general assembly began on Tuesday and will confront the global outcry over the drug abuse, horse deaths and brazen rule-breaking in the Middle East which have propelled the previously little-known equestrian discipline – in which horses compete over distances of up to 100 miles a day – into notoriety.
Pressure has built on Princess Haya because the endurance stables of her husband, who is also the biggest single investor in British racing, have been at the centre of much of the controversy.
[More ...]
By Pippa Cuckson, in Montreux
7:54PM GMT 05 Nov 2013
Pressure grows on Princess Haya at International Equestrian Federation annual meeting over doping, horse welfare and conflict of interest in marriage to Sheikh Mohammed
Princess Haya of Jordan, the wife of Sheikh Mohammed, is expected on Wednesday to face calls to resign as president of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) over the doping and horse welfare crisis in endurance racing.
The FEI’s three-day general assembly began on Tuesday and will confront the global outcry over the drug abuse, horse deaths and brazen rule-breaking in the Middle East which have propelled the previously little-known equestrian discipline – in which horses compete over distances of up to 100 miles a day – into notoriety.
Pressure has built on Princess Haya because the endurance stables of her husband, who is also the biggest single investor in British racing, have been at the centre of much of the controversy.
[More ...]
USA Chef d'Equipe Weighs In on FEI Endurance Controversies
November 5 2013
Even before a raid on a private Dubai Royal Air Wing plane on May 3 at Great Britain's Stansted Airport and the subsequent seizure of an illegal shipment of unlicensed veterinary goods (incorrectly labeled "horse tack") destined for Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum's Moorley endurance farm sparked a spate of growing worldwide outrage and concern over druggings, breakdowns, and fatalities of international endurance horses, the USA had already added its voice to the increasing clamor.
A June 25, 2013 letter from the AERC (American Endurance Ride Conference) to USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) delineated its concerns over international endurance horse welfare.
In part, the letter stated: "We share the alarm voiced by the European federations of Belgium, France, and Switzerland in regards to profoundly disturbing evidence of deficiencies in horse welfare issues; including an increase in equine fatalities, orthopedic injuries and serious drug violations. We note that these letters have been widely circulated throughout world press, and that the reputation of the sport and all those federations involved is likely to become irreparably tainted if decisive action is not taken at once to resolve these issues."
The letter was subsequently formalized by USEF and submitted to the FEI in July.
USA Endurance Chef d'Equipe Emmett Ross released a statement to Endurance.net on October 30, 2013, concerning the controversies currently gripping the sport of endurance racing.
"What is happening in endurance is not acceptable and abhorrent to all…
"A letter sent from the AERC several months ago through our national federation, USEF, along with its own stated concerns prompted the FEI to include our Joe Mattingly to the small but fully charged review commission of 5 persons. Joe and the other few prestigious members have had several very serious meetings and must present their findings and solutions of correcting many of the problems, especially horse welfare items, to the FEI's annual General Assembly meeting next week.
"I know there are skeptics regarding this commission's abilities to recommend and enact changes. But I hope and fully expect some dramatic changes will be immediately laid down to correct many of the issues.
"I also expect the FEI officials assigned to the rides at the Championship races to take better and full control (required) of the existing rules and be unafraid on who the sanctions are given to or they potentially could lose their licenses."
The FEI's 2013 General Assembly, which acts as a platform for discussions and voting on the major decisions of the FEI and the governance of the sport, will convene in Montreux, Switzerland, November 4-7.
Even before a raid on a private Dubai Royal Air Wing plane on May 3 at Great Britain's Stansted Airport and the subsequent seizure of an illegal shipment of unlicensed veterinary goods (incorrectly labeled "horse tack") destined for Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum's Moorley endurance farm sparked a spate of growing worldwide outrage and concern over druggings, breakdowns, and fatalities of international endurance horses, the USA had already added its voice to the increasing clamor.
A June 25, 2013 letter from the AERC (American Endurance Ride Conference) to USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) delineated its concerns over international endurance horse welfare.
In part, the letter stated: "We share the alarm voiced by the European federations of Belgium, France, and Switzerland in regards to profoundly disturbing evidence of deficiencies in horse welfare issues; including an increase in equine fatalities, orthopedic injuries and serious drug violations. We note that these letters have been widely circulated throughout world press, and that the reputation of the sport and all those federations involved is likely to become irreparably tainted if decisive action is not taken at once to resolve these issues."
The letter was subsequently formalized by USEF and submitted to the FEI in July.
USA Endurance Chef d'Equipe Emmett Ross released a statement to Endurance.net on October 30, 2013, concerning the controversies currently gripping the sport of endurance racing.
"What is happening in endurance is not acceptable and abhorrent to all…
"A letter sent from the AERC several months ago through our national federation, USEF, along with its own stated concerns prompted the FEI to include our Joe Mattingly to the small but fully charged review commission of 5 persons. Joe and the other few prestigious members have had several very serious meetings and must present their findings and solutions of correcting many of the problems, especially horse welfare items, to the FEI's annual General Assembly meeting next week.
"I know there are skeptics regarding this commission's abilities to recommend and enact changes. But I hope and fully expect some dramatic changes will be immediately laid down to correct many of the issues.
"I also expect the FEI officials assigned to the rides at the Championship races to take better and full control (required) of the existing rules and be unafraid on who the sanctions are given to or they potentially could lose their licenses."
The FEI's 2013 General Assembly, which acts as a platform for discussions and voting on the major decisions of the FEI and the governance of the sport, will convene in Montreux, Switzerland, November 4-7.
Monday, November 04, 2013
The endurance controversy: It’s showtime!
Horsetalk.co.uk - Full Article
By Neil Clarkson on Nov 04, 2013 in Blogs, Featured, News
Most Las Vegas shows needs a headline act – a big-name star to generate publicity and get bums on seats for the show of a lifetime. It costs casinos millions.
The FEI, on the other hand, has the remarkable ability to get gifted a headline act just about every year for its annual General Assembly.
In recent years we’ve seen squabbles over drugs lists, a fascinating challenge to Princess Haya’s presidency...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/11/04/endurance-controversy-showtime/#axzz2jgthCO4s
By Neil Clarkson on Nov 04, 2013 in Blogs, Featured, News
Most Las Vegas shows needs a headline act – a big-name star to generate publicity and get bums on seats for the show of a lifetime. It costs casinos millions.
The FEI, on the other hand, has the remarkable ability to get gifted a headline act just about every year for its annual General Assembly.
In recent years we’ve seen squabbles over drugs lists, a fascinating challenge to Princess Haya’s presidency...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/11/04/endurance-controversy-showtime/#axzz2jgthCO4s
Australia: To stay distance in fashion stakes, don't throw a shoe
Theaustralian.com.au - Full Article
GLYNIS TRAILL-NASH, Fashion editor
From: The Australian
November 05, 2013 12:00AM
REBECCA Bramich understands all too well the need to pace yourself at the Melbourne Cup carnival.
The model and Myer Fashions on the Field ambassador is also a keen horsewoman, and recently took part in her third Tom Quilty -- Australia's biggest equestrian endurance race -- which requires riders to complete 160km in one day on a single horse.
"Basically you have to have a very fit horse and pace yourself through the day," said Bramich...
Read more here:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/executive-living/fashion/to-stay-distance-in-fashion-stakes-dont-throw-a-shoe/story-e6frg8k6-1226753073535
GLYNIS TRAILL-NASH, Fashion editor
From: The Australian
November 05, 2013 12:00AM
REBECCA Bramich understands all too well the need to pace yourself at the Melbourne Cup carnival.
The model and Myer Fashions on the Field ambassador is also a keen horsewoman, and recently took part in her third Tom Quilty -- Australia's biggest equestrian endurance race -- which requires riders to complete 160km in one day on a single horse.
"Basically you have to have a very fit horse and pace yourself through the day," said Bramich...
Read more here:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/executive-living/fashion/to-stay-distance-in-fashion-stakes-dont-throw-a-shoe/story-e6frg8k6-1226753073535
Current FEI Endurance Rules "fraught with pretenses of equine welfare": John Crandell
November 4 2013
"Our current FEI [endurance] rules are founded on ethical compromise, bias, and the warped sense of reality of powerful people that do not represent the perspective of the endurance community worldwide," says John Crandell III, in part of his letter to the AERC Board of Directors last week.
AERC (American Endurance Ride Conference) is the National Affiliate of USEF (United States Equestrian Federation), the National Governing body of endurance in America.
Crandell, a long-time successful USA national and international endurance rider - accomplishments which include 2006 Tevis and Haggin Cup winner on Heraldic, and 2008 and 2012 USA Endurance Team member - spoke out regarding international endurance horse welfare, after a number of horse drugging and death scandals on the international scene began sparking worldwide outrage this summer.
In his letter, Crandell points to a deeply flawed qualification system for FEI endurance horses, which is "entirely focused on simple speeds… and quantity of completion."
"…something is deeply, and fundamentally wrong with the system," Crandell states, which has resulted in "fundamental rules and qualification constructs that are only thinly veiled as protections for the horse."
Crandell calls for changes in the international FEI organization "with the integrity to uphold competitive standards, justice and elemental respects for life." He calls for an entire re-invention of the endurance qualification rules that "will be an integral and essential part of any effort by the FEI to genuinely restore its integrity and respectability.
"The challenge before the FEI is more than just a matter of controlling some forms of injustice and enforcing the rules it now has. "
Crandell's entire letter can be read here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2013FEIControversy/Crandell.html
"Our current FEI [endurance] rules are founded on ethical compromise, bias, and the warped sense of reality of powerful people that do not represent the perspective of the endurance community worldwide," says John Crandell III, in part of his letter to the AERC Board of Directors last week.
AERC (American Endurance Ride Conference) is the National Affiliate of USEF (United States Equestrian Federation), the National Governing body of endurance in America.
Crandell, a long-time successful USA national and international endurance rider - accomplishments which include 2006 Tevis and Haggin Cup winner on Heraldic, and 2008 and 2012 USA Endurance Team member - spoke out regarding international endurance horse welfare, after a number of horse drugging and death scandals on the international scene began sparking worldwide outrage this summer.
In his letter, Crandell points to a deeply flawed qualification system for FEI endurance horses, which is "entirely focused on simple speeds… and quantity of completion."
"…something is deeply, and fundamentally wrong with the system," Crandell states, which has resulted in "fundamental rules and qualification constructs that are only thinly veiled as protections for the horse."
Crandell calls for changes in the international FEI organization "with the integrity to uphold competitive standards, justice and elemental respects for life." He calls for an entire re-invention of the endurance qualification rules that "will be an integral and essential part of any effort by the FEI to genuinely restore its integrity and respectability.
"The challenge before the FEI is more than just a matter of controlling some forms of injustice and enforcing the rules it now has. "
Crandell's entire letter can be read here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2013FEIControversy/Crandell.html
Sunday, November 03, 2013
FEI Controversy: Supporting the Endurance Sport
November 3 2013
Jean-Pierre Allegret and Gilles Carbardos of France have added their voices and support to the push for immediate action and reform by the FEI regarding the recent worldwide uproar concerning the allegations of cheating, doping, and horse abuse and deaths in the sport of endurance racing.
Allegret, a 4* President of jury in France and abroad, stated, in part:
"My support may look a bit late. It is not because I'm denying all cheating and doping issues which are making our sport so dirty. I have been witnessing (and victim also) as a judge and as organizer...
"The message of the Belgian federation goes completely in the same way as my thinking. I wish the French federation would make the same move…"
Carbardos, President of France's Fontainebleau CEI*** event, and member of the ADOCEE (the association of Endurance Organizers of France), said, in part, regarding Pierre Arnould's letter to FEI: "I salute Pierre Arnould for not only denounce doping practices and horse abuse, but also for proposing short-term actions." Acknowledging FEI has a unifying role, he continues, "To my mind, the global action must forget about division of opinion or attempts to denounce some riders or countries. The problem is global and could only be raised by a collective consciousness and global actions. I'm ready to take part."
The complete statements by Allegret and Carbardos can be read at
http://endurance-belgium.com/
Jean-Pierre Allegret and Gilles Carbardos of France have added their voices and support to the push for immediate action and reform by the FEI regarding the recent worldwide uproar concerning the allegations of cheating, doping, and horse abuse and deaths in the sport of endurance racing.
Allegret, a 4* President of jury in France and abroad, stated, in part:
"My support may look a bit late. It is not because I'm denying all cheating and doping issues which are making our sport so dirty. I have been witnessing (and victim also) as a judge and as organizer...
"The message of the Belgian federation goes completely in the same way as my thinking. I wish the French federation would make the same move…"
Carbardos, President of France's Fontainebleau CEI*** event, and member of the ADOCEE (the association of Endurance Organizers of France), said, in part, regarding Pierre Arnould's letter to FEI: "I salute Pierre Arnould for not only denounce doping practices and horse abuse, but also for proposing short-term actions." Acknowledging FEI has a unifying role, he continues, "To my mind, the global action must forget about division of opinion or attempts to denounce some riders or countries. The problem is global and could only be raised by a collective consciousness and global actions. I'm ready to take part."
The complete statements by Allegret and Carbardos can be read at
http://endurance-belgium.com/
Saturday, November 02, 2013
Endurance horses may be monitored in training
Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Nov 01, 2013 in Focus
Horses could be monitored during training as part of efforts to reduce worrying welfare issues in endurance, centred in the Middle East.
Proposals include higher qualification demands for riders and horses in long-distance events and extended recovery periods for mounts, the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) says.
Endurance has been in the spotlight in recent months over high fracture rates and doping infractions centred on the United Arab Emirates (UAE)...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/11/01/endurance-horsesmonitored-training/#axzz2jP4liT8F
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Nov 01, 2013 in Focus
Horses could be monitored during training as part of efforts to reduce worrying welfare issues in endurance, centred in the Middle East.
Proposals include higher qualification demands for riders and horses in long-distance events and extended recovery periods for mounts, the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) says.
Endurance has been in the spotlight in recent months over high fracture rates and doping infractions centred on the United Arab Emirates (UAE)...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/11/01/endurance-horsesmonitored-training/#axzz2jP4liT8F
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Drastic action planned to protect horses and crack down on crisis in endurance racing
Telegraph.co.uk - Full Article
eminar proposes monitoring of horses in training and longer post-ride recovery periods to resolve horse welfare crisis in endurance
By Pippa Cuckson
7:31PM GMT 30 Oct 2013
The monitoring of horses in training and longer post-ride recovery periods were among drastic proposals targeting the horse welfare crisis in endurance discussed at a seminar in Abu Dhabi.
The seminar came days before the annual General Assembly of the International Equestrian Federation in Montreux, Switzerland, from Nov 5-7.
Endurance will inevitably dominate debate there too, with FEI president Princess Haya likely to face further allegations of “conflict of interest” as the wife of Sheikh Mohammed, the biggest global player in both racing and endurance stables...
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/equestrianism/10415930/Drastic-action-planned-to-protect-horses-and-crack-down-on-crisis-in-endurance-racing.html
eminar proposes monitoring of horses in training and longer post-ride recovery periods to resolve horse welfare crisis in endurance
By Pippa Cuckson
7:31PM GMT 30 Oct 2013
The monitoring of horses in training and longer post-ride recovery periods were among drastic proposals targeting the horse welfare crisis in endurance discussed at a seminar in Abu Dhabi.
The seminar came days before the annual General Assembly of the International Equestrian Federation in Montreux, Switzerland, from Nov 5-7.
Endurance will inevitably dominate debate there too, with FEI president Princess Haya likely to face further allegations of “conflict of interest” as the wife of Sheikh Mohammed, the biggest global player in both racing and endurance stables...
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/equestrianism/10415930/Drastic-action-planned-to-protect-horses-and-crack-down-on-crisis-in-endurance-racing.html
FEI Eff-up: 2014 WEG poster features doping posterchild
Horsenationa.com - Full Articleby Wylie
The poster surfaced on the Normandy WEG Facebook page and vanished shortly thereafter… but not before Endurance Belgium captured it via a screenshot.
The screenshot, taken Friday afternoon (if you click on this link to the page it no longer works).
Seems pretty innocuous, right? But, as reported by The Daily Telegraph, the poster was “hastily pulled” when people began noticing that the front-and-center rider was Ali Al Muhairi, an United Arab Emerates endurance competitor who is currently serving a record four-year ban for doping. So... kind of like featuring Lance Armstrong on a poster for the Tour de France.
Al Muhairi has been banned for doping twice–he got 10 months for etorphine in 2009 and four years for steroids in 2011. Etorphine is an opioid analgesic over 1,000 times more potent than morphine. In its 2009 decision notice, the usually restrained FEI Tribunal recorded its “abhorrence” that Al Muhairi had ridden a horse for 160 kilometers after administering this substance...
Read more here:
http://www.horsenation.com/2013/10/30/fei-eff-up-posterchild-for-endurance-doping-featured-on-weg-poster/
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
FEI Controversy: Equestrian bodies under attack for failing to respond quickly enough over horse welfare
Telegraph.co.uk - Full Article
Concerns that equestrian bodies are not reacting fast enough to public outcry about horse welfare in the sport of endurance racing have heightened.
By Pippa Cuckson
9:00PM GMT 28 Oct 2013
It emerged on Monday that the International Equestrian Federation had only recently inquired about two United Arab Emirates fatalities from the summer, and that a rider twice banned for doping featured in promotional material for the World Equestrian Games.
The FEI’s slow response to the euthanasia of Eclipse and Django de Vere in July and August has raged on endurance forums for months. Both are registered as owned by the Maktoum family’s Fazaa stables and were ridden by Saeed Ahmed Jaber Al Harbi, who, though only 16, is already the world No 6-ranked rider.
But the FEI admitted to The Daily Telegraph that it approached the UAE only last week after learning of the deaths “from third parties” and needs responses before deciding how to proceed. Eclipse was eliminated for lameness at the fourth vet check of the World Young Riders 120km (75-mile) championship at Tarbes, France. Al Harbi completed the previous loop at 17.7mph . Under FEI rules, deaths after championships must be investigated. International rider Leonard Liesens, who runs the Endurance-Belgium website, said: “It is well known in the endurance community that Eclipse was euthanised within days, yet we hear nothing about an investigation”...
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/equestrianism/10410319/Equestrian-bodies-under-attack-for-failing-to-respond-quickly-enough-over-horse-welfare.html
Concerns that equestrian bodies are not reacting fast enough to public outcry about horse welfare in the sport of endurance racing have heightened.
By Pippa Cuckson
9:00PM GMT 28 Oct 2013
It emerged on Monday that the International Equestrian Federation had only recently inquired about two United Arab Emirates fatalities from the summer, and that a rider twice banned for doping featured in promotional material for the World Equestrian Games.
The FEI’s slow response to the euthanasia of Eclipse and Django de Vere in July and August has raged on endurance forums for months. Both are registered as owned by the Maktoum family’s Fazaa stables and were ridden by Saeed Ahmed Jaber Al Harbi, who, though only 16, is already the world No 6-ranked rider.
But the FEI admitted to The Daily Telegraph that it approached the UAE only last week after learning of the deaths “from third parties” and needs responses before deciding how to proceed. Eclipse was eliminated for lameness at the fourth vet check of the World Young Riders 120km (75-mile) championship at Tarbes, France. Al Harbi completed the previous loop at 17.7mph . Under FEI rules, deaths after championships must be investigated. International rider Leonard Liesens, who runs the Endurance-Belgium website, said: “It is well known in the endurance community that Eclipse was euthanised within days, yet we hear nothing about an investigation”...
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/equestrianism/10410319/Equestrian-bodies-under-attack-for-failing-to-respond-quickly-enough-over-horse-welfare.html
Monday, October 28, 2013
UAE: Endurance rider banned over steroid breach
Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Oct 28, 2013 in News
An endurance rider from the United Arab Emirates has received a two-year ban from the FEI for a doping infraction, adding another case to the Middle East’s sorry record of endurance drug breaches in recent years.
The case, involving Mohd Ali Al Shafar, is sure to add fuel further to the controversy around fracture rates and doping breaches centred on the Middle East...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/10/28/endurance-rider-banned-steroid-breach/#axzz2j1hpLdOI
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Oct 28, 2013 in News
An endurance rider from the United Arab Emirates has received a two-year ban from the FEI for a doping infraction, adding another case to the Middle East’s sorry record of endurance drug breaches in recent years.
The case, involving Mohd Ali Al Shafar, is sure to add fuel further to the controversy around fracture rates and doping breaches centred on the Middle East...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/10/28/endurance-rider-banned-steroid-breach/#axzz2j1hpLdOI
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Wales: Young Eccleshall rider wins endurance event
Staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk - Full Article
Written byDave Mclean
A 16-year-old from Eccleshall has become the youngest rider to win the 100-mile Red Dargon endurance ride.
The event is Wales’ toughest challenge and attracts hundreds of riders from all over Britain for the three day festival.
Eccleshall’s Brett Corcoran completed the most challenging ride of all, the two-day Red Dragon, at an average speed of 11.31km to beat his four rivals...
Read more here:
http://www.staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk/Sport/Young-Eccleshall-rider-wins-endurance-event-25102013.htm
Written byDave Mclean
A 16-year-old from Eccleshall has become the youngest rider to win the 100-mile Red Dargon endurance ride.
The event is Wales’ toughest challenge and attracts hundreds of riders from all over Britain for the three day festival.
Eccleshall’s Brett Corcoran completed the most challenging ride of all, the two-day Red Dragon, at an average speed of 11.31km to beat his four rivals...
Read more here:
http://www.staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk/Sport/Young-Eccleshall-rider-wins-endurance-event-25102013.htm
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