Inquiry Into Death of Two Endurance Horses at WEG

Source :  FEI

The FEI set up an inquiry to investigate the circumstances of the death of two horses during the Endurance ride of the World Equestrian Games on 16 September 2002 in Jerez de la Frontera (ESP). Sir Fire, ridden by Anna Maxenchs Serra (ESP), died after having completed the course and Floyd, ridden by Nik Isahak Wan Abdullah (MAS), on course during the fourth loop. The report has just been finalised by the FEI enquiry team, composed of Prof Leo Jeffcott, Chairman of the Veterinary Committee, Dr Hallvard Sommerseth, Chairman of the Endurance Committee and Technical Delegate for Endurance at the 2002 World Equestrian Games, Frits Sluyter, Head of the FEI Veterinary Department and Michael Stone, FEI Sports Director and head of the Endurance discipline.

The Secretary General will send both reports to the Judicial Committee for consideration as per article 143.1.4 of the FEI General Regulations (abuse of horse).

The following elements were included in the report:

- Vet cards
- post mortem reports
- Treating Veterinarian reports
- Riders report
- press release
- statement of Prof. Leo Jeffcott (chairman of the Veterinary Committee)
- Reports of the Ground Jury, Foreign Vet delegate, Vet Commission and Technical delegate

According to the FEI legal system, the Persons Responsible (i.e. the riders) will receive a copy of the complete report and have 10 days to send his/her written comments to the FEI. Both riders may request a hearing before the Judicial Committee. Once the Judicial Committed has rendered its decision, the Person Responsible has 30 days to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Enquiry team made a list of recommendations for rules changes for consideration by the Endurance Committee. They include areas such as stewarding, number of vet gates and distances between them, qualifications, monitoring during the course, role and selection of officials. It is expected that proposal for changes to the Endurance rules be presented at the next FEI General Assembly at the end of April 2003 for immediate implementation.