FEI--Federation Equestre Internationale--Governing body of all Olympic Equine disciplines

Objectives of the FEI

To enable individual Athletes and teams from different nations to compete in international Events under fair and even conditions.

To preserve and protect the welfare of the horse and the natural environment by establishing appropriate codes of conduct.

To promote equestrianism in all forms and to encourage the development of the FEI Equestrian Disciplines throughout the world.

To encourage instructions in all FEI Equestrian Disciplines and in horsemanship for recreationsl purposes.
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The FEI recently made a controversial ruling, after 2 years of study, on Rollkur, and the damage/no damage it does to a horse, both physically and mentally. Controversial because they ruled it does no harm when practiced by skilled riders, but does do harm if practiced by unskilled riders. Which is the standard I have debated for years, "What is skilled, what is unskilled. What are the standards in our profession?"
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The FEI Veterinary Committee made a statement on their position towards the Rollkur, also called hyperflexion, at the FEI bureau meeting in Interlaken, Switzerland, April 10, 2008.

The following statement was adopted: "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."

For some, this statement is a vindication that the FEI is finally speaking up against Rollkur. The statement "The FEI condemns hyperflexion in any equestrian sport as an example of mental abuse. The FEI states that it does not support the practice" does seem pretty definitive.

For others, this statement is confusing, especially in regards of the statement of "no known clinical side effects"??

For others, this statement is the FEI still playing politics. For these riders it appears the FEI is willing to admit it is mental abuse, but they also say if the technique is not practiced correctly? Which seems to indicate that "if the technique is not practiced correctly" there is a way to practice rollkur correctly?

For interested parties there is a fabulous online horse magazine www.horsesforlife.com