Declaration of the FEI Dressage Committee

With reference to the speculations about malpractices in Dressage sport that have recently appeared in the German press, the FEI states the following:

The FEI firmly distances itself from any extreme practices that are against its Rules and Regulations and that are in any way against the welfare of the horse. FEI’s position is made explicit in the recently updated Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse, according to the first article of which “At all stages during the preparation and training of competition horses, welfare must take precedence over all other demands”.

The FEI veterinarians and stewards continuously supervise the stables, training areas and grounds at all FEI events. The FEI Dressage Committee constantly is making every effort to foster the concept of the horse as a happy athlete.

Mariette Withages
Chairman
FEI Dressage Committee