FEI president calls for easier international transport of horses

By Justine Thompson

General news

25 May 2010 11:28

Easier cross-border transport of competition horses is crucial to the ongoing development of equestrian sport, says FEI president Princess Haya.

She was speaking at the 78th General Assembly of the World Organisation for Animal Health in Paris, where she called for a more rational, risk-based approach to the movement of competition horses.

The Princess acknowledged the need for measures such as testing and quarantine periods, but said these needed to be applied in a more reasonable manner, proportionate to the disease risk of transporting international competition horses.

She added that lengthy delays at border posts were not acceptable, and were a clear contradiction of the principles of fairness and good welfare. The recent rapid growth in equine jobs, particularly in international equestrian competition and racing, was directly linked to job creation and revenues.

"For the last four years, we have been working on a single solution for everyone, one that will protect the sport and take it to new levels," she said.

"Ease of transport is key to the success and continuing development of equestrian sport. Yes, we must maintain the restrictions that prevent disease-spread, but we need to make it easier for our athletes to compete.

"If we can find solutions to the issues of transport and quarantine and allow our competition horses to move across borders without becoming entangled in bureaucratic red tape, then we can remove the elitist image of equestrian sport.

"It truly can be horses for all and, if we can achieve that, it is a service to our whole community.”