FEI Announces Updates on International Equestrian Sport

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) is the governing body of international equestrian sport. As such, the organization regularly updates rules and procedures regarding equestrian sport to ensure equine welfare.
Here are just a few of the FEI’s recent updates that will ultimately affect competitive equestrians around the world:

Rollkür
The following statement was adopted by the FEI regarding hyperflexion, also known as rollkür:

There are no known clinical side effects specifically arising from the use of hyperflexion, however there are serious concerns for a horse’s well-being if the technique is not practiced correctly. The FEI condemns hyperflexion in any equestrian sport as an example of mental abuse. The FEI states that it does not support the practice.

Endurance:
Research on fatigue and metabolic compromise, also in hot and humid conditions, should be continued.

Doping:
There has been unanimous approval of a proposal to implement the use of provisional suspensions when a horse tests positive to a prohibited doping substance. The decision emphasizes the FEI’s strong stand in the fight against doping and is in compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA Code). Provisional suspensions for medication positives will initially be enforced at major events, such as the Olympic Games, FEI World Equestrian Games and Championships. The FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules and the Equine Prohibited List are available online at: /redirect.php?location=http%3a%2f%2fwww.fei.org%2f