Reminder to Members and Organising Committees: Veterinary Regulations at EA Events

Equestrian Australia has recently received several enquiries from members, clubs and Organising Committees seeking clarification around the application of the FEI Veterinary Regulations and when they apply at EA events.

To provide certainty for everyone involved, we would like to remind members that Equestrian Australia has adopted the FEI Veterinary Regulations and the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules in full through the EA General Regulations. These regulations apply at all EA events and competitions and are designed to protect the health, welfare and wellbeing of horses, while ensuring athletes compete under fair and equal conditions.

In accordance with Article 99 of the EA General Regulations, all EA affiliated clubs, Organising Committees, officials, support personnel and competitors are required to comply with the applicable EA and FEI rules when attending or participating in EA sanctioned events.

Recently, it has come to our attention that there may have been instances of veterinary and medical procedures being undertaken at events that are not permitted under these regulations. While we recognise there may have been uncertainty around what is and isn't allowed, it is the responsibility of all members to familiarise themselves with the regulations and that all horse treatments and veterinary practices conducted at EA events comply with the EA General Regulations and the FEI Veterinary Regulations.

These requirements are in place to:

• safeguard horse welfare;
• maintain the integrity of competition;
• ensure a consistent approach across all EA events; and
• protect competitors, officials and Organising Committees.

Members and Organising Committees are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the relevant sections of the EA General Regulations and FEI Veterinary Regulations before attending or conducting an EA event. If you are unsure whether a particular treatment or practice is permitted, please seek clarification from Equestrian Australia prior to the event.

We appreciate the ongoing support of our members and Organising Committees in upholding these important standards and helping to ensure the welfare of our horses and the integrity of our sport remain at the forefront of every EA event.

View the FEI Vetenrinary Regulations https://inside.fei.org/content/fei-veterinary-rules