EDITORIAL

The Stakes Are High

SUSANNA COTTICA

2024 Olympic year. There are less than 100 days left until the most important and longed for sporting event for every athlete of every discipline, for every Sports Federation and for anyone who has made sport their life passion.

At this event, equestrian sports will be in the spotlight of public opinion more than ever. The management of the horses at the stables and when trained at home are also under strict judgment.

From a survey conducted by the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) to explore this issue in more detail, the results clearly show this is not just an FEI matter, a competition matter or otherwise. 90% of respondents said they had witnessed behaviours they believed compromised the horses’ welfare at home, and almost half of these happened in the last six months. All this makes you think.
The president of EEF Theo Ploegmakers underlines this very well.

Beyond the realm of enforcement lies the essence of education and awareness. National federations must spearhead initiatives to educate trainers, riders, officials and stakeholders about the ethical boundaries of training practices. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, we can cultivate a community where the horse’s welfare reigns supreme. Behind closed doors, away from the watchful eyes of national federations and authorities, methods are being employed to push the boundaries of performance. These concealed practices not only compromise the integrity of the sport but also endanger the welfare of the horses involved.

In the centre of competition, let us not forget the noble essence of the sport, a celebration of harmony, grace, and partnership between horse and rider. Let us rise to the occasion, united in our resolve to safeguard the sanctity of the sport we hold dear. It is time to bring light to the shadows, to empower our federations, and to honor the noble spirit of our sport. The stakes are high, for every horse deserves to be trained with dignity and respect. Their well-being should never be compromised in the pursuit of victory. As custodians of the sport, it is our collective responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ensure that the spirit of the sport remains untarnished for generations to come.

A fair equestrian sport embodies principles of integrity, respect, and welfare for both the horse and the rider. It involves a level playing field which is characterized by honesty and horsemanship, which prioritize the well-being of the horse above all else. The true essence of the sport lies not just in winning, but in the pursuit of excellence with integrity and compassion.

Paris is putting in place a high-level organization to best host these Olympic Games to show the whole world that if you remain faithful to the principles and values of sport you can continually improve yourself. It is what we trust and what we fight for.