Global Petition for FEI Horse Welfare Reform

August 23 2018

Galvanized by the latest in a string of years of endurance racing debacles abroad, and concerned that the upcoming World Equestrian Games Endurance event in Tryon, North Carolina, on September 12th may be negatively affected by the controversies, 25 AERC (American Endurance Ride Conference) Board Members have posted a Global Petition for FEI Horse Welfare on Change.org.

"The purpose of this petition," AERC Board member Connie Caudill-Burns posted, "is to clarify for FEI that the endurance riders and supporters worldwide demand a return to the traditions of our sport with emphasis on the proper care for endurance horses everywhere by allowing the horses to compete on their own natural abilities without performance enhancing drugs. The petition also requires increased rest periods for excessive speed and stiffer penalties for those who would abuse these animals. This petition has the support of 25 American Endurance Ride Conference Board members and we expect the public support of relevant committees and organizations from endurance organizations all around the world.

"FEI must take a stand for endurance horse welfare reform worldwide before equestrians lose the privilege of competing in equestrian sports. We request that FEI accept and enforce the following 9 rules that will punish the cheaters and abusers of horses that believe in “winning at all cost”. Enough is enough, endurance athletes and horse enthusiast globally demand change in the FEI organization.

"1. Increase penalties for positive drug tested horses- Higher fines as well as stiffer suspensions on the horses. At least a year suspension (not the current 2 months). (May depend on the type of drug))

"2. Strong penalties on Trainers/Athletes/Owners who have 3 positive drug violations within a 5 year period. (5 year suspension)

"3. Positive drug violations for anabolic steroids, (such as testosterone) the horse will be banned for life. Possible life ban on –Athlete/Owner/Trainer

"4. Have mandated drug test on all 4* and 5* and Championship rides. Increase the drug testing fees in this type of race to help pay for the extra testing. Take a blood draw on ALL at check in (hair follicle possibly in future drug testing programs). At the finish always drug test top 10-20 horses in these types of races, then others at random. (4* is a 160K with prize money of $10,000-$50,000, 5* prize money greater than $50,000)

"5. Check for sensitivity of the horses' lower legs at initial vetting, during the ride at the vet checks and upon completion. Strong penalty for violation.

"6. Athletes/horses must maintain a completion rate of 66%. If either fall below a 66% completion rate (Retired/Rider Option will not count against them) they will immediately go back to restricted or controlled speed (which currently is no greater than 16kmh or 10 mph). They will stay at this rate for at least 6 months and if their completion rate has improved above the 66% they can go back into open speed, if it has not improved they will remain in the controlled speed category another 6 months until they can improve their completion rate.

"7. Remove elite athlete status. (Elite status only comes into play at championship rides). All athletes must qualify on the horse that is to be ridden in the championship ride, no special status for elite athletes.

"8. Eliminate current COC timing. (This promotes fast flat courses only.)

"9. Increase rest periods for all horses that exceed average speeds of 16kmh (10mph). Reduce rest period by 50% when average speed is less than 16kmh (10 mph)."

This world-wide petition has garnered over 2400 signatures in just over 24 hours.

Additionally, an AERC members-only petition, drafted by Randy Eiland, is also making the rounds for signatures. This petition is also aimed at improving endurance horse welfare, by making "a statement to the world that AERC Members support our Purposes, Principles, and EQUINE WELFARE."

While Eland's petition is only available only for AERC members to sign, the Change.org petition can be read and signed by anyone worldwide, and can be viewed here:

https://www.change.org/p/connie-caudill-fei-horse-welfare-reform-global-petition?signed=true

Temporary Scar on Polk County: Permanent Scar on the Sport

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

Cuckson Report | August 22, 2018

I almost checked my calendar when I saw this – surely an April Fool? If only it were a subject for levity.

The Tryon Daily Bulletin labels itself the world’s smallest daily newspaper; not difficult because Tryon, Polk County, North Carolina has a population of just 1,700. I’d wager that article has garnered more page views than anything else they’ve published this year. It was shared like topsy around the global endurance community, which then did its collective nut.

The news story describes the incredible 60-mile excavation frantically underway to complete the track for the World Equestrian Games endurance ride which is, er, due to run three weeks today (September 12th).

The article begins: “Amber Hall owns A & M Site Services in Columbus. She, along with her husband Milford and their crews are responsible for making the trials safe and making sure they meet all the Fédération Equestre Internationale rules and regulations. It has to be 30 feet wide and 14 feet high, completely clear of rocks, holes and tree limbs for 100 miles.”

That statement, as writ, is a gross distortion of FEI technical spec. It’s beyond tragic that this contrived track is being represented as what a championship ride should be. So many had pinned hopes on the return of the world championship endurance ride to its spiritual home. Surely at last we’d see riders win medals for actually being able to do steering, and for the tactical conservation of their horse (heck, a horse they even know by name) over a natural trail...

Read more here:
https://horse-canada.com/cuckson-report/permanent-scar-sport/

Official Charity of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 to Offer Interactive Experience at World Equine Expo™

Brooke Bricks manufactured humanely in the United States are being sold online and onsite at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 for inclusion in the “Brooke Breezeway” at TIEC.

Tryon2018.com

By: WEG Admin
Aug 22, 2018

TRYON, NC, USA – August 22, 2018 – In developing countries across the globe, working horses, donkeys, and mules are lifelines for families who depend on them for existence. Brooke, Action for Working Horses and Donkeys, works around the world to improve and protect the lives of working equines. As the “Official Charity for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, (WEG)” Brooke is bringing its mission to life at the World Equine Expo™ being held at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) during the WEG on September 11-23, 2018. From virtual reality experiences and book signings to plush toys, bar nights and the unveiling of TIEC’s commemorative “Brooke Breezeway,” there are many interactive ways spectators can support Brooke before, after and during the Games.

WEG attendees visiting the Brooke’s World Equine Expo™ booth will experience a virtual firsthand perspective of the harsh reality of brick kilns in India, where working equines are critical to the survival of families. From the brick kilns of Nepal to the coal mines of Pakistan and the small farms of Ethiopia and Nicaragua, to the volcano-stricken areas of Guatemala, Brooke is improving lives by helping the equines people depend on to survive.

To bring added awareness to working equines in the brick kilns, Brooke USA, sister organization to Brooke, is installing a commemorative “Brooke Breezeway” onsite at TIEC comprised of personalized bricks, commercially and humanely manufactured in the United States, which are now on sale at brookebricks.org. The “Brooke Breezeway” will be unveiled on the first day of the WEG, September 11, and bricks will be on sale during the two-week event at the Brooke USA Shop.

Visitors to the World Equine Expo™ can join Brooke for special experiences throughout the two-week event including bar nights each week with all tips benefitting Brooke USA, book readings and signings from renowned authors like Mary Alice Monroe and demonstrations by the likes of Monty Roberts, among others.

For both kids and kids-at-heart, plush versions of the beloved WEG mascots – Star and Huck – will also be on sale at the Brooke USA Shop with a commemorative orange accessory that can be purchased to directly support Brooke’s efforts.

“Breaking the cycle of poverty is an issue that receives great attention around the world, but I am a strong believer in Brooke’s model of reaching the working equines that in turn help support and uplift the families that rely on them,” said Katherine Bellissimo, partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners who serves on the board of Brooke USA.

Bellissimo added that the WEG’s mission to “Celebrate the Horse, Celebrate the Sport” aligns well with Brooke’s approach to addressing global poverty by helping families. “There’s an average family of six relying on every one working equine in the developing world. Brooke is impacting entire families and communities,” she concluded.

The World Equine Expo™ (Expo) will be hosted alongside the WEG, September 11-23, 2018, with tickets to the Expo included in any competition ticket. For more information, visit Tryon2018.com and to learn more about Brooke and Brooke USA, please visit thebrooke.org or brookeusa.org.

For more information, please visit Tryon2018.com.

Mongolia: Gobi Desert Cup Gets Underway

August 22 2018

The second annual Gobi Desert Cup is underway today. The 480-km multi-stage endurance race through the Gobi Desert on Mongolian horses over a marked course runs August 22-29.

Horses and riders cover 80 kilometers a day, starting every morning at 7 AM. Two vet checks are held each day, one at 40 km and one at the finish.

Each night riders have a chef's prepared meal during the next day's ride briefing and the day's awards before retiring to comfortable tents for the night.

Riders from Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, France, Canada, and the USA are riding in this year's event.

You can track the riders here:
https://huufe.page.link/Gobi

More information at:
https://www.gobidesertcup.com/

AERC President Pens Letter to USEF Regarding Concerns about WEG

August 14 2018

The August 14, 2018, letter from AERC President Paul Latiolais to USEF officials voices concern over the Endurance event at the upcoming World Equestrian Games in September in Tryon, North Carolina.

Going by past equine neglect and abuse, poor sportsmanship and cheating in certain previous FEI endurance races, AERC is concerned that any perception of abuse at WEG will have a backlash on the sport of endurance riding in the USA.

AERC also expressed disappointment that FEI chose to advertise the endurance event as "Meydan Endurance," when Meydan is a business arm of the UAE, which is the center of many FEI endurance controversies.

AERC asked that USEF spare no effort in ensuring a level playing field for all participants and place a supreme emphasis on equine welfare, since all the world will be watching.

The letter can be seen here:
2018AERCLettertoWillConnellReWEG.jpg

Fear Grows About Endurance Scandals at Tryon

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

August 21, 2018
by: Pippa Cuckson

Fear over a horse welfare scandal in endurance on the opening day of the World Equestrian Games have come to a head in recent days. A letter setting out the concerns of the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) to USEF has been widely shared on social media, while a top French endurance vet has announced he is giving up after 33 years, in protest about the ongoing crisis in the sport. “The unacceptable fact I have had to see since these last years are peanuts comparing with what is coming next,” warns Dr Pierre Romantzoff.

With endurance having its roots in the US, the AERC had hoped Tryon would showcase the classic sport, using a natural, technically demanding trail. However, recent pictures from the venue show a 30ft-50ft wide manicured piste which, while designed to fulfil USDA’s tick-control requirements, will undoubtedly favour the racing style of the Group 7 countries.

AERC members have also taken to social media in recent weeks, aghast that Sheikh Mohammed’s Meydan corporation is title sponsor of the ride. At WEG 2014, Meydan stood itself down as sponsor because UAE controversies were at the centre of a media storm.

In his letter, AERC president Paul Latiolais points out the reputational damage to the national sport if there is a “mishap” in front of thousands of public with cameras...

Read more here:
https://horse-canada.com/horse-news/fear-endurance-scandal-weg/

Follow the USA Endurance Team on the Road to the WEG

HorseReporter.com - Full Article

by Pamela Burton

7 August 2018, USA ~ Horsereporter interviewed US Endurance Chef d’Equipe, Mark Dial, with added comments by the US Equestrian Marketing on members of the USA Endurance Squad and their qualifications. We also learned some details on how to watch the Endurance Venue on 12 September 2018.

How many years have you been involved with International Endurance and in what countries?

The first major international competition I went to was in 1997. This was the Pan American Championships in Canada. Over the years, I have been able lucky enough to travel to the Middle East, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Costa Rica, and Slovakia, just to name a few...

Read the article and meet the competitors here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/follow-the-usa-endurance-team-on-the-road-to-the-weg/