THE FEI CODE OF CONDUCT for the Welfare of the Horse
- The Fédération Equestre Internationale
(FEI) requires all those involved in international equestrian sport
to adhere to the FEI?s Code of Conduct and to acknowledge
and accept that at all times the welfare of the horse must be
paramount and must never be subordinated to competitive or commercial
influences.
- At all stages during the preparation and training of competition
horses, welfare must take precedence over all other demands.
This includes good horse management, training methods, farriery
and tack, and transportation.
- Horses and competitors must be fit, competent and in good health before
they are allowed to compete. This encompasses medication use,
surgical procedures that threaten welfare or safety, pregnancy
in mares and the misuse of aids.
- Events must not prejudice horse welfare. This involves paying careful
attention to the competition areas, ground surfaces, weather
conditions, stabling, site safety and fitness of the horse for
onward travel after the event.
- Every effort must be made to ensure that horses receive proper attention
after they have competed and that they are treated humanely
when their competition careers are over. This covers proper veterinary
care, competition injuries, euthanasia and retirement.
The FEI urges all involved with the sport to attain the highest levels of education in their areas of expertise.
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