FEI president Princess Haya defends controversial drug rule

Telegraph.co.uk - Full Article
By Pippa Cuckson
Published: 6:24PM GMT 27 Nov 2009

The levels at which controversial anti-inflammatories can be tolerated in equine sport were advised by team vets from Germany and USA, two of the federations that spoke against them, it has emerged.

In a letter defending last week's vote by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), its president HRH Princess Haya stressed the right of the majority to decide - the substances were approved by 53-48, with most European federations voting against.

Princess Haya said the levels were in line with those applied for non-steroidal anti inflammatory (NSAID) use in humans by the World Anti Doping Agency and had been advised by "experienced national team veterinarians".

The aim was to enable supervised treatment no more than 12 hours before competition so that the medication was 'performance restoring' rather than 'performance enhancing'.

Europe, which organises 80 per cent of world equestrian sport, has damned the move.

Princess Haya was replying to a letter from Prof Leo Jeffcott and other distinguished international veterinary surgeons who urged a re-think on the FEI's newly approved "progressive" medications list which they feared would lead to horse abuse.

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FEI painkillers rules contradicts their research in 2004

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Charlotte White, H&H deputy news editor
26 November, 2009

Horse & Hound has uncovered paperwork that shows the International Equestrian Federation's (FEI) decision to allow horses to compete on painkillers is in direct contradiction to research they undertook five years ago.

At the 2004 FEI General Assembly national federations agreed to cut the allowable level of salicylates (asprin) from the level they are now proposing because they believed it was open to abuse by "topping up".

In the release from 2004 the FEI says: "The 2004 FEI General Assembly agreed to change the threshold for salicylates, in line with the proposals submitted by the Veterinary Committee.

"The previous thresholds for salicylates were 750 µg/ml in urine and 6.5 µg/ml in plasma. Experiences in testing had indicated that abuse of salicylates was possible, obtaining a clinical effect in the horse by administration of low doses without exceeding the threshold."

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British vets say bute in competition will lead to 'catastrophic injuries'

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news
25 November, 2009

Leading equine vets in Britain have slammed a decision to allow horses to compete on painkillers. They say using bute on a competition horse could lead to "catastrophic injuries".

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) says the International Equestrian Federation's (FEI) decision to allow six medications in competition is an "extremely retrograde step for horse welfare".

"This decision obscures the distinction between therapy and subjecting unsound horses to the stresses of competition," said a statement from the group of leading horse vets.

"Furthermore, we have grave concerns that horses competing while under treatment with pain-relieving medicines, are at an increased risk of musculo-skeletal lesions progressing to catastrophic injuries."

As part of its so-called "clean sport programme" the FEI decided last week to allow six substances — many of which are painkilling — to be used during competition.

Before that, the FEI has always had a "zero tolerance" policy on drugs in sport, and the about-turn caused outrage.

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Aachen takes a stand for clean horse sport and will not allow bute

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news
25 November, 2009

One of the most prestigious events in the horse sport calendar has been the first to take a stand against the International Equestrian Federation's (FEI) rule to allow bute in competition.

Horses will not be allowed to compete at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen in Germany next year if they have been given bute or any of the other five controversial substances permitted by the FEI last week.

"We do not want unsound or injured horses in our sport," said Michael Mronz, general manager of the Aachener Reitternier GmbH.

"The CHIO Aachen 2010 will not be carried out on the basis of the current FEI regulations, but according to the ethics of clean sport."

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Senior vets demand Princess Haya reopens 'bute debate'

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news
25 November, 2009

British vets say bute in competition will lead to 'catastrophic injuries'

Senior vets from around the world have written to FEI president Princess Haya condemning the decision to allow medication in competition horses.

The letter has been written by Prof Leo Jeffcott and signed by leading vets from the UK, France, Germany, USA, Australia and Finland.

"We believe a decision has been made that was premature, ill-considered and seriously retrograde," say the equine vets. "This decision will have a serious and negative effect on welfare and profound repercussions for equestrian sport."

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World of equestrianism dismayed after FEI take 'bute' off banned list

Telegraph.co.uk - Full Article

By Pippa Cuckson
19 Nov 2009

The controlled use of phenylbutazone ("bute"), banned 20 years ago, and two other anti-inflammatories will be allowed in competition after the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) voted to reintroduce them by 53-42, to audible gasps of dismay from the floor.

Major equestrian federations including the USA, Sweden, Germany, New Zealand, Australia and Ireland spoke passionately against the move at the FEI's General Assembly in Copenhagen yesterday, but with many third countries emerging in the sport with limited expertise in the management of the soundness of top class competition horses, the argument against was always going to be difficult to win.

A wide package of anti-doping reforms were passed by 90 votes to eight, but the controversy lay in the separate choice between continuing with the current list of prohibited substances, and adopting a "progressive list."

The latter does not prohibit phenylbutazone (up to 8 mcg/ml in plasma or serum), three times the level tolerated in the 1980s before the ban, salicyclic acid (up to 750mcg/ml in urine and up to 6.5 mcg/ml in plasma or serum) and flunixin (up to 500 mcg/ml in plasma or serum,) so long as those substances are not detected in a horse's sample above the prescribed limits noted and are used in isolation and not combined.

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Petition against the FEI - "Progressive List"

A petition was started on 23 November 2009 opposing the "Progressive List" of substances approved by the FEI for the welfare of the horse, at the FEI's General Assembly in Copenhagen on 18 November. This list allows, among other previously banned substances, the use of "Bute" in certain amounts and two other anti-inflammatories, as part of the FEI's "Clean Sport" campaign.

The vote which approved the Progessive List caused shockwaves throughout the horse world.

Frank Kemperman, FEI Dressage Committee chairman and CHIO Aachen show director said, "In an attempt to improve the situation, it went completely insane. They now have allowed limits of a certain substance that can make a lame horse go sound. This has never been the intention."

German NF secretary-general Sonke Lauterbach called it "a disaster" and said "it is a clear step backwards on our way to a clean equestrian sport. The Progressive List does not answer to our image of healthy, unmanipulated horses in competition."

In the U.S., AERC president Connie Caudill commented: " It would be hard for me to think that this vote was pushed through from the endurance world. I am certain the US endurance world had nothing to do with pushing this new ruling through. As far as I can see the US (especially when it comes to endurance) has very little, if any, influence on FEI anyway. FEI is made up of many different equine disciplines that are not accustomed to endurance strict drug rules, so it is my belief that some of these may have influenced the FEI decision. It is unfortunate for FEI's equines long term welfare as they will suffer because of this ruling. I [am] confident AERC members will continue to do what is best for their horses long term health in keeping them virtually drug free during competition as our horses always come first."


A partial list of the drugs on the "Progressive List" and their amounts can be seen in this article in the Telegraph.co.uk.

The Petition against the FEI "Progressive List" can be seen at www.no-fei.com. The petition will remain on-line at least until mid-December. After that, the signatures will be printed out and sent to the FEI.

"The signatories, ask the Federation Equestrian International not to apply the resolutions of the so called 'Progressive List'. It violates animal welfare to allow a horse to show in a competition although it needs painkillers. We request the FEI to immediately put their focus back on the welfare of the horse."

Bahrain: Shaikh Hamdan invited to endurance races

Gulf-daily-news.com

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

BAHRAIN's Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa sent an open invitation to Dubai deputy ruler Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum to take part in endurance horse ride events in Bahrain this season.

The invitation followed the successful participation of Shaikh Nasser at the 120km Endurance Horsride Championship held last Saturday in Dubai where Shaikh Nasser took joint victory with Shaikh Hamdan.

During the ride, Shaikh Nasser took part under Fazza Endurance Team from the UAE and managed to complete the race in four hours, 46 minutes and 10 seconds to share with Shaikh Hamdan the top prize of the day which was for Dubai Endurance City Cup.

Commenting on the Dubai ride, Shaikh Nasser said he was surprised with the high speed averages of the riders, especially at the closing stages which featured speed average of 27km per hour despite the hot and humid weather conditions.

Shaikh Nasser said he was honoured to represent Fazza Endurance Team and wear their jerseys in the event, highlighting the strong ties linking Bahrain and the UAE in equestrian sports.

The Bahrain Olympic Committee president also thanked UAE's Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for inviting him to take part in the ride which he described as a huge success.

Meanwhile, Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa expressed pride over Shaikh Nasser's victory.

Shaikh Khalid praised the outstanding performance of Shaikh Nasser at the five-stage ride and wished him success in future events.

Bahrain: Support for FEI chief

Gulf-daily-news.com

Wednesday, November 25, 2009


BAHRAIN Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation's vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday vowed his support to Princess Haya bint Al Hussein of Jordan to maintain her post as International Equestrian Federation (FEI) president.

Shaikh Khalid, chairman of the seventh group at the FEI, headed the Bahrain delegation at the FEI's extraordinary general assembly meeting held in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he approved a new law forbidding steroids in equestrian sport.

Commenting after the meeting, Shaikh Khalid said that the decision will serve equestrian sports in the world through protecting all horses from using steroids which may affect their health conditions.

Shaikh Khalid said other members of the group also voted against the adoption of new statutes for the restructuring of the FEI Bureau, the current governing body.

One hundred and two national federations were represented, 85 in person. Out of 98 valid votes cast, there were 49 against, 48 in favor and one abstention.

The FEI also condemned all training methods and practices that are contrary to horse welfare. The welfare of the horse has always been at the core of every aspect of the federation's work as the international governing body for equestrian sport, it said.

Christine Yeoman: suspension from endurance competition lifted

HorseandHound.co.uk
Charlotte White, H&H deputy news editor
24 November, 2009

Endurance rider Christine Yeoman may compete in international competition once more after a provisional ban was lifted by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) on 16 November.

In a statement Mrs Yeoman said she was "delighted", adding: "I am not guilty of any wrongdoing and feel this is a very positive step towards clearing my name."

A spokesman for the FEI told H&H that although the temporary suspension had been lifted a final decision is still to be made by the FEI tribunal.

Mrs Yeoman was suspended after her horse Forest tested positive for the banned substance ractopamine at Euston Park on 9 August.

She suggested a contaminated tub of the equine antacid Neigh Lox had caused the positive test (news, 12 November).

A spokesman for Saracen, who distribute Neigh Lox in the UK, said discussions were still ongoing with the American manufacturers and he could not confirm if the substance had caused Forest to test positive.

Canary Islands: Iban Fernandez revalidated his triumph

Ecuestreonline.com - Full Article

Iban Fernandez, ganador el pasado ano en La Palma, revalido el oro en el Campeonato de Canarias de Raid en la categoria de Adultos. Jonathan Morera y Samuel Santos completaron el podio. La categoria absoluta se disputo sobre 120 kilometros de recorrido en las pistas forestales del Monte de La Esperanza.

El jinete palmero Iban Fernandez con su angloarabe 'Dakan' se proclamo Campeon de Canarias Absoluto de Raid, en un acto que tuvo lugar en el Centro Hipico Altoana (La Esperanza) despues de que la Comision Veterinaria de la prueba realizara el ultimo control veterinario a los caballos clasificados...

Iban Fernandez, winner of last year in La Palma, Spain retained the gold in the Canary Raid Championship in the category of Adult. Jonathan Morera and Samuel Santos completed the podium. The absolute level was played over 120 miles of trail in the forest trails of Mount Hope.

The rider Iban Palma Fernandez with Anglo-Arab "Dakan" was proclaimed Champion Raid Absolute Canary in a ceremony held at the Equestrian Center Altoana (The Hope) after the Veterinary Commission conduct the ultimate test for veterinary control classifieds horses...

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Brazil: Compeonato Brasileiro Dia 05 de Dezembro em Brasilia

The Brazilian Championship 2* and 3* FEI International Competition will be held on 5th December at the Brasilia Country Club. It will be Step 6 of the Championship Enduro
Equestre do Distrito Federal 2009 Equestrian Federal District 2009.

There will be a 160 km CEI 3*, 122 km CEI / CEIYJ 2*, and a 88 km CEI / CEIYJ 1*.

More information can be found at Endurancebrasil.com.br

FEI vice president publicly slams decision to allow bute in sport

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

19 November, 2009

Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news, in Denmark

The vice president of the FEI has publicly slammed the decision taken today to re-introduce bute into horse sport.

Sven Holmberg addressed the 102 national federations gathered in Copenhagen for the FEI's general assembly just before he was voted to remain chair of the show jumping committee.

"I support 100% the clean sport programme but the progressive list cuts the legs off that," he said to a quietened room.

"It allows treatment of horses in competition, and it will be rejected by the social media."

Mr Holmberg, who is number two to Princess Haya, FEI president, added: "If you thought recent media reaction against rollkur has been tough, just wait to see what happens with this.

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Spain: Developments for 2010 Lands Kaliber V Raid al-Andalus

Con motivo de la celebracion del SICAB 2009, tenemos el placer de invitarle a la presentacion del V Raid Kaliber Tierras de al-Andalus donde el Sr. Don Diego Antonanzas, director de Sponsoring y Eventos de Imagen de Kaliber, y el Sr. Don Jose Manuel Soto, presidente del Comite Organizador, presentaran las novedades del proximo ano.

El acto tendra lugar el proximo miercoles 25 de noviembre a las 13:00h en la Sala Bahia de FIBES. A continuación se servira una cerveza en el stand de Cruzcampo (Heineken Espana)

SICAB es una feria dedicada exclusivamente al caballo de Pura Raza Espanola, es la maxima expresion de las ferias monograficas en todo el mundo. No existe otra feria dedicada a una sola raza que convoque a un mayor numero de ejemplares.

Se celebra cada año alrededor del tercer fin de semana de noviembre. Pero dentro de este paquete conjunto, se engloban una serie de actividades complementarias que ofrecen una muestra representativa de las características por las que nuestro caballo ha sido admirado a lo largo de la Historia.

Estas actividades son el Campeonato de Espana morfologico, la Copa ANCCE de Doma Clasica, la Copa ANCCE de Doma Vaquera y el espectaculo nocturno.

Finalmente, se organizan tambien unas jornadas tecnicas dirigidas a aficionados y especialistas veterinarios sobre temas especificos.


On the occasion of the celebration of SICAB 2009, the Tierras de Al-Andalus team are pleased to invite you to the presentation of Lands Kaliber V Raid al-Andalus where Mr. Don Diego Antonanzas, director of Sponsoring & Events Image Kaliber, and Mr. Don Jose Manuel Soto, president of the Organizing Committee, present developments next year.

The event will take place on Wednesday November 25 at 13:00 pm in Room FIBES Bay. Then be served a beer at the stand of Cruzcampo (Heineken Spain).

SICAB is a trade show dedicated exclusively to Purebred Spanish Horses; which is a maximum in terms single-theme trade shows. No other event in the world is dedicated exclusively to a single breed that brings together such a large number of horses.
The event is held once a year, about the third week of November. A number of performances and complementary activities are held during the trade show with which a sample of the unique PRE characteristics that have been admired for centuries can be enjoyed.

These activities include the Spanish National Conformation Championship, the ANCCE Dressage Cup, the ANCCE Doma Vaquera Cup, and the evening performance. Likewise, technical workshops are organized for both enthusiasts and veterinary specialists on a number of specific topics.

UAE: Singh and Al Merri post victories in Abu Dhabi

Gulf News
November 23, 2009





Abu Dhabi: Narayan Singh Dungar Singh and Abdullah Ganem Al Merri emerged victorious in the two endurance rides held at the Boutheib Endurance Global Village at Al Khatem, Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Riding Al Marek, Singh registered his first-ever win in an endurance ride in a close finish with Ahmad Ali Amer Omar.

Singh and his 15-year-old- grey gelding Al Marek did Al Ain Stables proud as they completed the 120km distance in the UAE Endurance Cup, a national ride organised by the Emirates Heritage Club.

Al Marek's timing of 5 hours 49 minutes and 51 seconds was one second better than the second-placed Rowallan Shanty under Omar.

Top condition

"This is my first ever win since I have been working with Al Ain stables as a work rider. Today the horse looked in top condition and was very convincing in his win," said the 27-year-old Indian rider.

The UAE Endurance Trophy for junior and young riders attracted 42 entries and winning the 100km event was Abdullah Ganem. Shaikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Adviser to the National Security Council Vice- President of Al Ain club, and President Abu Dhabi Sports Council, along with Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan distributed the trophies to the winners of the two rides.

Two Federation Qualifier rides over 40kms and 80kms were also held on the busy day at the Boutheib venue.

Results

Top three in 120 Kms ride

1 .Narayan Singh Dungar Singh (Al Marek) Al Ain Stables (5.49.51)

2. Ahmad Ali Amer Omar (Rowallian Shanty) Al Ahli Stable 5;49.52

3 Abdul Jalil Khalid Mohammad (Zaeen) 06.15.51,

Top three in100 kms Juniors' ride:

1. Abdullah Ganem Al Merri (JQ Beka) Fazza Endurance Team Stables, 3:47.30, 2.Mohammad Sulaiman (Dona Juana) W'rsan Stables,

3.Ahmad Saeed Al Farsi (Jaami) Al Reef Stables.

Mohammed crowns winners of Dubai Giants endurance race

Khaleej Times
21 November 2009

DUBAI - Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has honoured Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khaifa, Captain of the Royal Bahraini Endurance Team, as winners of the Dubai Giants Endurance Championship, run today for 120 kilometers.

Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid and Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad jointly clinched the championship’s title when they finished first at the same time. They were presented with the Golden Sword as winners of the championship. Emirati rider Ali Salman Al Sabri came third.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum took part in the race which was contested by 75 riders from different countries. Shaikh Mohammed withdrew from the race after his horse ‘Al Ayed’ appeared too exhausted.

Bute will be allowed in horse sport throughout the world

HorseandHound.co.uk
Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news, in Denmark
19 November, 2009

Bute will be allowed in horse sport around the world from 1 January 2010.

National federations have this morning voted in favour of adopting the "progressive list", on which low levels of phenylbutazone (bute), flunixin and salicyclic acid (aspirin) will be allowed in competition.

There were gasps of shock and dismay as, out of 102 votes cast, 53 voted for the progressive list, 42 for the current list and 7 abstained.

The FEI has set the level to allow for a small single dose of one of the three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to be given 24 hours before a competition. The doses have been set to ease muscle stiffness but, supposedly, not to mask a problem such as arthritis.

But FEI director Graeme Cooke declined to comment on whether the new rule would be open to abuse, and allow for a small dose of bute to be given on the day of competition. He added: "We need to do more research".

Britain voted against allowing NSAIDs in competition.

British Equestrian Federation chief executive Andrew Finding explained: "We voted against the adoption of the progressive list. Not because it isn't worthy of consideration but as there was insufficient time to consider and debate the issues fully and to consult with our member bodies and experts on the implications."

The clean sport recommendations and rules were this morning adopted by overwhelming majority, just before the national federations voted to adopt the progressive list.

FEI president Princess Haya refuses to allow a re-vote on bute

HourseandHound.co.uk
Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news, in Denmark
19 November, 2009

Britain's and Ireland's calls for a re-vote on the decision to allow bute in competition have been dismissed.

Damian McDonald chief executive of Horse Sport Ireland has questioned this afternoon whether delegates at the FEI general assembly understood fully what they were voting for.

"On 13 November it was stated by the FEI that we would get a choice between the 'progressive list' and a list legally called the '20 October list'," he said.

"But this morning we were asked to vote on 'progressive list' and 'current list', and the current list we had until now is very different from the list of 20 October."

He urged to allow a revote to be absolutely certain that federations were clear on what they were voting for, a call backed up by British Equestrian Federation (BEF) chairman Keith Taylor.

"I suggest that if there is sufficient doubt in the room that a vote should be retaken," said Mr Taylor.

But FEI president Princess Haya refused to allow a re-vote, claiming a number of delegates had already left the assembly. Before they left, the Princess said they had told her of their concern that the FEI might backtrack on the decision taken this morning.

"The vote has been taken," said Princess Haya. "We will not take it again."

German equestrian federation president Breido Graf zu Rantzau warned: "How can we leave Copenhagen like this? It divides the FEI."

FEI: Overwhelming Support of Clean Sport Campaign

FEI News
19/11/2009
In a landmark moment for equestrian sport, the FEI General Assembly today voted overwhelmingly in favour of new Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations which will ensure the welfare of the horse and guarantee a fair playing field. A series of far reaching recommendations – part of the Clean Sport Campaign led by the Ljungqvist and Stevens Commissions – were also adopted by a massive majority amongst the 105 National Federations represented in Copenhagen.

Delegates also approved in a close vote a new Prohibited Substances List itemising more than 1000 substances not allowed in competition. The adoption of the so-called “Progressive List” now permits in-competition use of a limited number of medications under strictly prescribed limits.

FEI President HRH Princess Haya thanked the delegates on behalf of the sport for their support of the Clean Sport Campaign. “This is a true landmark moment in the history of our sport,” HRH Princess Haya commented. “The overwhelming support of the National Federations for the Clean Sport Campaign is proof that we are moving in the right direction thanks to the incredible work done by the Ljungqvist and Stevens Commissions. This vote has given us the power to roll out Clean Sport and allow us to restore the public image of our sport as a clean and uncorrupt product.”

The Clean Sport Campaign is the result of a year-long consultation process which has brought together the viewpoints and expertise of the entire FEI Family and the professional recommendations of the Commissions led by Prof. Arne Ljungqvist, chairman of the IOC Medical Commission and vice president of the World Anti Doping Agency, and Lord Stevens, formed Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

Professor Ljungqvist said, “Ultimately it was down to the equestrian community to make the final decision and they have voted in support of the package as a whole. The two Commissions have put in an enormous amount of work to come up with these recommendations and it is particularly gratifying that we have received such overwhelming support for the Clean Sport Campaign from the National Federations.”

Lord Stevens stated afterwards, “We said yesterday that the FEI needed to adopt these recommendations before it could be given a clean bill of health. They have been approved by a massive majority and now the sport can move forward.”

Voting Facts and Figures:

Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations: 95 in favour, 5 against
105 NFs represented (101 participated, 100 valid, 1 abstention)

Commissions Recommendations: 90 in favour, 8 against
103 NFs represented (100 participated, 99 valid, 1 abstention)

Lists of Prohibited Substances: 53 in favour of Progressive List, 48 in favour of other List
105 NFs represented (102 participated, 101 valid, 1 abstention)

FEI Veterinary Regulations: 86 in favour, 9 against
105 NFs represented (102 participated, 95 valid, 7 abstentions)

Great Britain: Horse tax to be mentioned in Queen's speech

Horseandhound.co.uk

Charlotte White, H&H deputy news editor
18 November, 2009

Plans for a "horse tax" were due to be mentioned in the Queen's Speech at the State Opening of Parliament today.

The government aims to publish a draft Animal Health Bill in January, outlining its plans for a new independent body for animal health in England.

The new body would be responsible for animal health but not welfare and a levy would be raised on each farm animal, and possibly horse, in the UK to help fund it.

There is a strong lobby against the plan from the horse industry which has launched a petition calling on the government to Rethink the Horse Tax.

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