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Federation
Equestre Internationale News
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FEI Bureau Meeting
- Endurance horse fatalities at 2002 WEG
FEI
BUREAU MEETING IN MADRID
The
FEI Bureau just held its spring meeting on 26 and 27 April 2003
in Madrid (ESP) on the invitation of the Royal Spanish Equestrian
Federation and the City Council of Madrid.
Further
to the cancellation of the 2003 General Assembly, the Bureau took
a number of important decisions which could not be delayed until
next year. The following items were discussed, decided and/or
will be referred to at the FEI 2004 General Assembly.
STATUTES
AND GENERAL REGULATIONS
The Bureau decided to postpone the approval of the Statutes and
General Regulations modifications to 2004 General Assembly. The
working group will work on a new proposal this summer to be sent
to the National Federations for comments.
The
Bureau provisionally agreed on several items that required immediate
decision as follows:
In
order to reduce the financial charges on NFs, the Bureau decided
that, as of 1 January 2004, subscription to FEI Bulletin would
not longer be mandatory for all officials. The Officials have
the responsibility for keeping themselves informed on the Rules
and Regulations. The Bulletin is available on the FEI website.
The
Bureau adopted the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Anti-Doping
Code, which will be integrated in the General Regulations.
OLYMPIC
REGULATIONS
A
meeting including the three Olympic disciplines chairmen and the
Veterinary Committee Chairman was organised to finalise the Olympic
Regulations for Athens 2004. The modifications to the rules were
presented to the Bureau and a final approval is expected by the
end of May.
STRATEGIC
PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee reported on a
recent meeting between his Committee and the Pay-Card working
group chaired by Mr Philip Billington (GBR).
A
solution to the continuing problem of pay cards/wild cards is
proposed based on the ranking system, to make the events financially
viable whilst ensuring the integrity of the sport. The proposal
will be circulated to National Federations after the Bureau Meeting
for input. A strict penalty system will be introduced.
The
Strategic Planning Committee will start working on the new FEI
Strategic Plan for the next five to ten years.
REMUNERATION
OF OFFICIALS
Further to the recommendation of the Strategic Planning Committee
the Bureau agreed to recommend to organisers to pay a per diem
allowance of EUR 100 for the Veterinary Officials, Judges, Technical
Delegates and Chief Stewards of FEI events in addition to the
travel expenses.
TV
MATTERS
The Secretary General reported that the Samsung Super League concept
was very successful with broadcasters. Five of the 8 participating
countries have already confirmed terrestrial coverage of all eight
events.
DEVELOPMENT
The 1st Vice President gave a report on the Development activities.
A working group will be formed to establish a 5-year plan for
the development of the sport and of the NFs.
The
development strategy will concentrate on three goals:
1)
a global coaching structure
2) the development of a regional competition structure including
championships
3) a plan to assist NFs in developing their internal structures
FINANCE
The Treasurer reported on the Financial Year 2002. Despite the
uncertainties in world economy, the year's results turned out
better than anticipated.
The
Bureau approved the 2002 accounts and auditor's report and allocated
the surplus of CHF 503,086 to designated funds (reserves). The
accounts will be sent to the National Federations after the Bureau
Meeting.
The Development Fund, after the allocation of CHF 250,000 during
the year and after expenses incurred in 2002, now stands at CHF
809,502.
The
2003 budget was approved.
ELECTIONS
The
Bureau confirmed that elected positions for 2003 would be deferred
until 2004. Bureau Members due to retire or stand for re-elections
will serve an extra year. The elections will take place at the
2004 General Assembly and incoming members will serve a reduced
term of 3 years. In order to make sure that the best possible
candidates are found, these positions will be open for new nominations.
However the present candidates will stand and the respective letters
of support will be
valid for 2004.
Consequently,
the following Bureau Members accepted to prolong their term by
one year:
Mr Jack Pemberton (CAN), Chairman of the Driving Committee (outgoing)
Mr Hallvard Sommerseth (NOR), Chairman of the Endurance Committee
(re-eligible)
Mr Ken Lalo (ISR), Chairman of the Judicial Committee (re-eligible)
Dr Noel Vanososte (VEN), Chairman of the Children's Committee
(outgoing)
Dr Elena Petushkova (RUS), Chairman of Group III (outgoing)
Mr Shael Bin Khalifa Al Kuwari (QAT), Chairman of Group VII (re-eligible)
The
Bureau confirmed the appointment of Mr Frank Costantini (USA)
as Chairman of the new Reining Committee to replace Jane Forbes
Clark (USA) whose temporary position had already been prolonged
by one year in 2002.
The
term of Mr Andrea Riffeser Monti (ITA), outgoing member of the
Finance Committee, was prolonged by one year.
The terms of both re-eligible members of the Judicial Committee,
Messrs Eric Elstad (NOR) and Philip O'Connor (IRL) were prolonged
by one year.
APPOINTMENTS
The Bureau approved the following appointments of Committee Members:
Veterinary
Committee
Dr Nigel Bruce Nichols (AUS) replacing Dr Philippe Benoit (FRA)
Dr Emile Welling (NED) replacing Dr John McEwen (GBR)
Dr Sergio Salinas (MEX) as 5th member to the Veterinary Committee.
Jumping
Committee
Mr Robert Ridland (USA) replacing Mr François Ferland (CAN)
Dressage
Committee
Mr Sjef Janssen (NED) replacing Ms Elisabeth McMullen (CAN)
Mrs Pia Laus (ITA) replacing Mr Richard Davison (GBR) as rider's
representative
Eventing
Committee
Mr Christoph Hess (GER) replacing Jack Le Goff (USA)
Driving
Committee
Mr Richard Cambray James (GBR) replacing Mr Gé Konig
Mr Tomas Torgersen (SWE) replacing Marek Zaleski as representative
of the Organisers
Vaulting
Committee
Mr Dietmar Otto (GER) replacing Mrs Elzbieta Dolinska (POL)
Pony
Committee
Dr Lalla Novo (ITA) replacing Lady Celia Carew (IRL)
GEOGRAPHICAL GROUPS
Groups
I and II held a meeting in Düsseldorf on 23 April 2003.
Both
Groups discussed the issue of pay cards. The proposal of the Pay
Card working group will be circulated to the NFs for further comments.
The
Bureau will study the procedure for the alterations of rules to
ensure a greater input from the NFs.
The
Chairman of Group II underlined the necessity for the FEI to have
adequate means to react quickly to EU decisions especially in
the fields of health, transport and feeding of animals.
In
addition, Group II presented a proposal to review the rules of
the Super League after three years with regard to the selection
of events, which was accepted. The request for the addition of
a 9th event in 2004 was rejected by the Bureau. In addition, the
proposal to link the selection of events with the qualified teams
was rejected.
The
next meeting of Group I and II will be organised in Tallin (EST)
on 11 October 2003.
Group
III
The Chairman of Group III explained that the composition of Group
had to be studied to deal with the great distances and very different
interests of countries on the European and Asian continents. The
general level of the sport within the Group is steadily improving.
Group
IV and V
Both Groups will hold their annual meeting during the Pan American
Games to be held in August in Santo Domingo (DOM). A meeting of
the Pan American Equestrian Confederation (PAEC) would also be
organised on that occasion, including nations of Group VI.
Group
VI
The Chairman of Group VI reported on the successful development
programmes organised within his Group. Group VI will also organise
their annual meeting during the Pan American Games.
Group
VII
The Chairman of Group VII will visit the Organising Committee
of the Pan Arab Games to be held in September in Algeria. The
OC is expected to organise Jumping and Endurance competitions.
The Meeting of Group VII will also be organised in conjunction
with the Games.
Group
VIII
The Chairman of Group VIII reported on several development projects
within Group VIII, among which a staff training project, a steward
seminar and several courses for officials in view of the 2008
Olympic Games in Beijing.
GROUP
IX
The meeting of Group IX was cancelled due to lack of participants.
The Chairman of Group IX explained that the FEI development programmes
were of tremendous help to the Group but that major economical
problems in the region slowed down the development process.
ALLOCATION
OF CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Bureau allocated the following championships:
2003
3rd Asia Championship, Jumping to Beijing (CHN) from 18 to 21
September
2004
World Driving/4 Championship to Kecskemét (HUN) from 4
to 8 August (change of location)
World
Driving Single Championship to Astorp (SWE) from 21 to 25 July
(change of location and date)
North
America Young Riders Championship in Jumping/Dressage/Eventing
to Temple Farm (USA) at a date to be confirmed
2005
European Dressage Championship to Moscow (RUS) at a date to be
confirmed
European
Eventing Championship to Blenheim (GBR) from 8 to 11 September.
REPORTS
ON GAMES AND CHAMPIONSHIPS
2004
OLYMPIC GAMES IN ATHENS
The Equestrian Manager of the Organising Committee for the 2004
Olympic Games in Athens (ATHOC), Nicolas Karidis, made a full
presentation on the progress of the constructions of the Olympic
equestrian infrastructure.
The
test event, which will be in the form of a CIC 3 stars, will be
held on 15, 16 and 17 August 2003 with a maximum of 30 riders.
The participation of as many nations as possible will be encouraged
with a prize money of EUR 30,000, free accommodation and transport
and no entry fee. 86 National Technical Officials (NTOs) and 200
volunteers will officiate at the test event.
2008
OLYMPIC GAMES IN BEIJING
The Secretary General reported on a very successful technical
meeting which was held in Beijing in January 2003.
2003
PAN AMERICAN GAMES, SANTO DOMINGO
The 2nd Vice President reported that, while the construction was
somewhat behind schedule, no major problems were experienced with
the organisation of the Pan American Games. As the Dominican Republic
did not have a great experience in equestrian sport, a seminar
for national stewards was soon to be organised and experienced
foreign volunteers would serve as stewards.
A
record number of teams were expected as the Pan Am Games was a
qualifying event for the 2004 Olympic Games.
JUMPING
The
Bureau approved a clarification to the qualification procedure
for 2004 Olympic Games related to placement of the third qualifying
position from the Pan American Games and from the European Championship.
The scores of all four team members will be taken into account
at the end of the team competition to calculate the classification
of the teams for qualification purposes (no score will be dropped).
On
the recommendation of the Jumping Committee, the Bureau agreed
to end the suspension of the O status for the Course Designer
Frank Rothenberger (GER) after one year of suspension (12 June
2003).
WORLD
CUP JUMPING
The Bureau acknowledged the tremendous work of Max Ammann, who
is leaving his position as World Cup Director after 25 years.
The
World Cup Working Group held a meeting during The World Cup Final
in Las Vegas.
The
Bureau approved the Calendar for the 2003/2004 season. A maximum
of two events per country will be allowed. There fore Berlin and
Leipzig will be the two World Cup events in Germany Western European
League.
The
Bureau accepted alterations to qualifications rules for the World
Cup and asked the Jumping Committee to study the possibility of
qualification through the Rider/Horse Combination rankings in
addition to the normal Riders Rankings for the Western European
League (best 30 results only to count).
In
order to allow for a specified ending time for television, a fixed
number of 10 riders will be qualified for the Jump-off, according
to faults and time. If there are more than 10 clear rounds, the
riders with the fastest rounds will qualify. The 10 riders will
carry the faults from the initial round.
SAMSUNG
NATIONS CUP AND SUPER LEAGUE
The Secretary General mentioned that the management of the Samsung
Super League was now handled by the FEI Secretariat, while the
Nations Cup Series was managed by the Nations Cup Director.
DRESSAGE
The Dressage Committee Chairman reported that the discipline was
undertaking major developments based on the key words Transparency,
Globalisation and Fairness.
Official
courses and seminars will only be held during international competitions
and promotion of officials will only be possible through examination.
In
view of increasing the transparency as well as the interest of
spectators, the "open scoring" had been introduced and
tested at several shows. The scores of the 5 judges for each movement
performed by the rider/horse combination will be displayed on
the scoreboard.
A
pilot project was initiated to find a system where the results
of the rider/horse combinations and especially those of the top
ones would be closer to the ideal score.
Bringing
championships and Finals to new dressage countries such as Spain
(Jerez) was an effective way of promoting the sport outside of
the mainstream and new developments to bring the World Cup Final
to the USA were being discussed.
Stricter
instruction of stewards and use of the video in the exercise arena
was one of the proposals studied to increase fairness.
EVENTING
The
Bureau confirmed the changes to the Eventing Rules, to take into
account the new Olympic format. CICs will be included in the Olympic
Rankings and the minimum Eligibility procedure for riders and
horses.
The
technical specifications for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Eventing
competitions were approved.
Hugh
Thomas representing the Eventing 4 stars CCI organisers had a
hearing with the Executive Board to discuss ways of maintaining
the long format of Eventing format in the FEI system, while being
supportive of the recent changes within the discipline and the
new Olympic format. The Bureau acknowledged the Eventing Committee's
efforts to find solutions for a yearly parallel championship track
in the short and the long format. A detailed proposal will be
sent to NFs for comments in the next few weeks.
The
Bureau acknowledged the successful implementation of the registration
of horses and riders in Eventing, as part of the Safety programme.
The annual Safety report including statistics collected and analysed
by TRL would be circulated shortly.
WORLD
CUP EVENTING
The Bureau acknowledged the report of the Eventing World Cup Director.
The overall number of qualifiers, the number of qualifiers per
NF and the rules would be reviewed at the end of the first season.
DRIVING
WORLD
CUP DRIVING
The Bureau approved a limited number of rules changes to the World
Cup Driving. The qualification for the Indoor World Cup will be
held during the summer events, i.e. at Championships, CAIOs and
at a maximum of 1 CAI-A per country.
ENDURANCE
The Chairman mentioned the tremendous development of Endurance
in South America, with Brazil having organised the highest number
of rides worldwide in 2002.
The
Bureau accepted the recommendation of the Endurance Committee
to amend Art 825 the Endurance Rules to strengthen the qualification
procedure for championships and four star events.
CHILDREN
The Chairman of the Children's Committee reported on the healthy
development of Children's competition, as well as the increasing
number of Dressage competitions organised for Children.
The
Bureau confirmed the allocation of the 2003 Children's Final to
Spruce Meadows (CAN).
REINING
The Chairman of the Reining Committee reported that a Master Series
for Reining will be established, which will increase the number
of CRI's around the world. It was also mentioned that a Children's
Reining competition would be developed in conjunction with the
Children's Committee during 2003, for implementation in 2004.
VETERINARY
The Chairman of the Veterinary Committee reported on the meeting
of the Committee which was held in January 2003 in Warsaw.
The
MCP Annual Report was presented. In 2002, a total of 2000 horses
were tested of which 1300 in Group I and II, which resulted in
a rate of positives of 3.3%. More than 60% of positive test results
related to pain and inflammation management. In 2002, there had
been 7 positive test results for valerian (herbal tranquilizer),
indicating the wide spread use of herbal medication.
A
leaflet was produced to explain the problems of medication and
testing in a user friendly way to the riders. This leaflet will
be distributed at events and by the MCP Testing Vets and will
be sent together with every new Horse passport.
Horse
Inspection
Two disciplines (Jumping and Driving) reported some problems with
the protocol for Horse Inspection. The rules for inspection were
discussed in a separate meeting and a solution was found. The
protocol for horse inspections now includes to all FEI disciplines.
The complete rules will be published in the FEI Bulletin 2/03.
Vet
research
The Bureau agreed that there was a need to develop research in
Endurance. It was decided that most of the Veterinary budget for
2003 would be allocated to study the exercise load of Endurance
horses, competing under different conditions.
The
Veterinary Committee had recently decided that the current rules
for influenza vaccination needed upgrading. It was decided that
research information and a regulatory proposal would be submitted
to the next General Assembly.
ETHICS
The
Bureau approved the new FEI Code of Conduct for Horse Welfare
which will be included the Olympic Games Regulations.
A
condensed version of the Code of Conduct will be used in all schedules
and rule books.
The
new Code of Conduct for Horse Welfare will be widely published
in the form of a brochure and distributed to all NFs as well as
posted on the FEI website.
GENERAL
ASSEMBLY 2004
The 2004 General Assembly was allocated to Paris (FRA)
BUREAU
MEETING
The next Bureau meeting will be held in Brunei early December
2003.
AFFILIATION
The provisional affiliation of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
(MKD) was approved.
ENDURANCE HORSE FATALITIES AT THE 2002 WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES
The
Judicial Committee of the FEI has now considered all the facts
made available to it by the extensive investigations and an official
enquiry into the deaths of the two Endurance horses during the
WEG 2002. The cause of death in both horses a multi-systemic failure
which appears to have been associated with fatigue and exhaustion.
The Judicial Committee concluded that a multiplicity of factors
contributed, directly or indirectly, to the fatalities and accordingly,
no assessment of conduct
was carried out and no individual was sanctioned.
The
ride was conducted under the guidelines of the FEI Code of Conduct
and the entries of both horses and their riders conformed to the
qualification requirements for the event.
The
Judicial Committee found that there had been a range of problems
with the ride and a number of organisational difficulties.
The
Judicial Committee wished to reinforce the concept that, generally,
riders must bear the first responsibility for the horse's well
being during competition. Riders should always communicate any
signs of fatigue or unfitness of their horse to the event officials
at the earliest opportunity.
The
Judicial Committee recommended that the FEI and its Endurance
Committee should review the current rules for Endurance competitions,
improve the communication between all parties involved and strengthen
the roles of the veterinary and other officials. All involved
must be fully aware of the responsibilities for horse welfare.
The
Judicial Committee is heartened that the FEI is now actively engaged
in a comprehensive review of its rules and procedures, and that
an ad-hoc Endurance Veterinary Advisory Group is being established
to provide expert advice.
The
full statement of the Judicial Committee will be published in
FEI Bulletin 2/03
www.horsesport.org
.
