The FEI condemns all training methods and practices that are contrary to horse welfare. The welfare of the horse has always been and will always be at the core of every aspect of the Federation’s work as the international governing body for equestrian sport.
During its meeting in Copenhagen (DEN) on 15 November, the FEI Bureau had extensive discussion on the issue of hyperflexion. The FEI Bureau insists that, with immediate effect, stewards in all disciplines use the disciplinary measures available to them, such as verbal warnings and yellow warning cards *, to prevent any infringement of FEI rules.
The FEI is now engaged with World Horse Welfare, a leading international equestrian organisation, in addition to continued consultation with riders, trainers, officials and veterinarians to thoroughly research the issues. The further education of stewards will also continue to ensure that welfare issues at FEI events are dealt with promptly and professionally.
The FEI acknowledges and welcomes public opinion and will continue to ensure that the welfare of the horse, which has been central to this debate, will remain its absolute priority.
* If a rider receives two yellow warning cards within one year, he / she is automatically suspended for a period of two months immediately following the event at which the second yellow warning card was received.
At least the FEI are aknowledging the abuse and this is a little step in the right direction. Problems for the horse start at the level of preliminary competition when communication, balance and strengthening of the horse begins. This is the precious time when those important BASICS are instilled in the horse. Those BASICS are where we have to return anytime the is problems in the training process to gain the underststanding the horse needs to progress. My ability to hold my tongue is seriously challenged when someone says “(famous rider) was really let down by (famous horse)” WHO LET WHOM DOWN??? The culture of CONDONED abuse is begun at the lower levels and perpetuated mostly in ignorance by the often innocent perpetrators as they try to emulate what the see and what they are taught by their instuctors.
I was concerned that with the blue tongue video outrage, that the FEI have missed the point, and they have. They need to CHANGE THE WAY THE JUDGES ASSESS THE HORSE’S TEST SO AS TO ELIMINATE ROLLKUR BEING USED AT HOME TOO.
As Gerd Heuschmann points out in his DVD “If Horses Could SPeak”, horses who have been trained in rollkur are absolutely noticeable in the false and uncomfortable and even painful way that they move (hollowed back and “broken” through the neck in a false carriage). Judges have to stop rewarding the people who train in Rollkur with Olympic Gold Medals and World Championships.
Then Rollkur will really disappear, not just be hidden from the public view.
The problem is, as someone rightly pointed out to me, then some people will just be looking for another fast and easy way to get the horse to submit.
So how to get real long term change? I have to wrestle with my tendency towards condemnation, because it is not the answer – just like with the horse, making someone wrong creates resistance and actually gets in the road of the outcome that I am looking for.
Judging for truly happy horses who show real joy and real power in their stride and their “work” would be a good start.
There are many paths to that goal, with some fabulous teachers all over the world now. But a conscious connection to the horse is a good place to start. Once a person has felt the connection to their horse and has experienced using that connection deliberately, it is impossible to think of the horse in the same way again, even if we were acting kindly to start with. The “wow” factor of that connection is HUGE.
And that applies to Grand Prix riders just as much as it applies to enthusiatic beginners.
Jenny Pearce
author of Zen Connection with Horses
http://www.bookswithspirit.com
I think until they describe the practice exactly (the way they describe Bits) there will be loop holes for everyone. Such vile practice!
It sounds good on paper. Only time will tell if it actually amounts to anything more than a stalling tactic.
-Sharon Foley (http://www.horsemansarts.com)
Typo. I meant to say that if the training methods are abusive (rollkur) then the AWARDS cannot be given.
I agree with Lisa: “Another thing I really don’t understand about this is why the judges reward the results of this training when it is incorrect.”
Exactly. If the training methods are abusive (rollkur) then the cannot be given. This seems elementary.
This sounds like they haven’t actually done anything about it yet, yes? It sounds like they’ve just said they are committed to the welfare of the horse, but that they need more research to ban rollkur. I have no idea what goes on politically at those levels, but this smells like either money or politics or both getting in the way of the welfare of the horses. Although I am hopeful that the FEI will come around to banning it. Sooner rather than later. Even if a person doesn’t care about the horses or is too afraid of political ramifications, stuff like this is just plain bad for the sport in the long run. When people get educated about it, there will be less support for the sport. Do we really want animal rights organizations attacking the sport? Wouldn’t it be much better to fix it from within?
Another thing I really don’t understand about this is why the judges reward the results of this training when it is incorrect. I mean not just the training that the judge doesn’t see being incorrect, but the movements themselves as demonstrated before the judge in the ring. I find it hard to believe that top level judges don’t know any better. So what kind of pressures on them cause them to reward this? I mean, if people doing this stopped winning, the practice wouldn’t be so popular. I find it maddening that such a terrible thing can be justified by “Well, we are winning, therefore it must be good.” Well, sored Tennessee Walkers win too, but that doesn’t make it good.
Sorry, previous post taken over by my neice, I hope we can start to see some influence with our own eyes that there is commitment from those responsible for this change to be continually monitored and those who are dedicated to the welfare of the horse taking home the medals, until this happens, we are all responsible to do what we can to demolish these ivory towers of false and unethical impact.
Totally lame, as mentioned, when I next visit a livery yard and the arena is not i love sarah
When I start seeing those dressage superstars being yellow carded, then I’ll be convinced.
I think until they have “thoroughly researched the issues” that this practice MUST BE STOPPED immediately in all warm up areas. If there is any doubt then why let it continue???
I was today sent a copy of this statement by George Williams, international competitor and VP of USDF, and have urged him to get the USDF to publish this on their own web site. Also urged him to address the issue at the upcoming convention. If you agree, email him at RoGeoWms@aol.com
Well done the FEI for deciding to enforce its own rules! About time.
The FEI rules need defining and clarifying so that the stewards know exactly where they stand for issuing yellow cards. What constitutes excessive or prolonged? Just using these words is not good enough.