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International News
Report of the FEI Bureau Meeting
By FEI Press Realese
Apr 11, 2008

Introduction

The last day of the Interlaken week, during which convened all FEI Technical Committees, saw one last meeting – that of the FEI Bureau. The Bureau heard extensive reports from all the Committees, which presented their activities and three-year strategic goals along with a number of plans linked to education and development. In today’s press news, you’ll find an important decision on provisional suspensions for doping offences, the mission statement of the FEI Athletes Committee, and an FEI statement on hyperflexion (Rollkür).

In the coming days we will update you in detail on the activities and initiatives of the various committees.

FEI TO APPLY PROVISIONAL SUSPENSIONS FOR DOPING OFFENCES

At its meeting held today, 10 April 2008, in Interlaken (SUI), the FEI Bureau unanimously approved a proposal to implement the use of provisional suspensions when a horse tests positive to a prohibited doping substance. This is permitted under the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules (article 7.2 Provisional Suspensions). Following today's decision, provisional suspensions from all FEI events will be systematically applied should an A sample analysis yield a positive result to a doping substance. This decision emphasizes FEI’s strong stand in the fight against doping and is in compliance with the World Anti Doping Code (WADA Code).

A rule change to permit provisional suspensions also in the case an A sample tests positive to medication was adopted. Provisional suspensions for medication positives will initially be enforced at major events, such as Olympic Games, FEI World Equestrian Games and Championships.

The FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Medication Control Rules and the Equine Prohibited List is available on the FEI website (http://www.fei.org/Athletes_AND_Horses/Medication_Control_AND_

Antidoping/Horses/Pages/Information.aspx)

VETERINARY COMMITTEE

The Veterinary Committee made its report to the Bureau. The main items presented were:

TREATMENT AND ANTI-DOPING:
- the urine detection times of 13 out of the 15 substances included in the Medicine Box have been finalised;
- Risk management in connection with new substances coming to the market will continue;
- Education of riders, trainers and veterinarians as well as proactive contacts with the media will be developed;
- an electronic web-portal access for Treating Veterinarians will be developed;
- support Latin America in setting up a reference laboratory;
- The FEI Competitor Guide to Doping and Medication Control in now available in five languages medication leaflet in 5 languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian and Arabic).

HORSE MOVEMENT: facilitate the testing and certification protocol for temporary importation; increasing acceptance of the model health certificate; pro-active approach to National Federations and Organising Committees; develop contingency plans for emerging disease situation.

STATEMENT ON HYPERFLEXION (ROLLKÜR): 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.

HYPERSENSITISATION: It was decided to carry forward the updated protocol for event checks. The pilot study on competition intensity was also to be pursued.

ENDURANCE: Research on fatigue and metabolic compromise, also in hot and humid conditions, should be continued when budgetary possible. Star system for event veterinarians should be evaluated further.

VACCINATION: Further clarification on vaccination rules was tabled.

The following main strategic goals were identified for the coming three years:

Movement of Horses: Acceptance of Testing and Certification protocol
Medication Control: Review programme funding and testing coverage
Research: Monitoring progress of associated projects (competition surfaces project)
Create dedicated web portal to provide support to treating veterinarians

ATHELETES COMMITTEE
FEI Bureau Meeting, 10 April 2008, Interlaken (SUI)

On 8 April 2008, the FEI Athletes Committee held a very successful meeting during which the Committee’s mission statement was finalised. It was presented to the FEI Bureau:

The Athletes’ Committee embodies, represents and empowers the values of equestrians, human and horses worldwide through a proactive relationship between all disciplines and the FEI.

The following Committee’s vision statement was also adopted:

To aid in the establishment and the further development of International Riders' Clubs, to advise and to provide proactive input from an athletes' perspective, and to serve as ambassadors of international equestrian sport from the grassroots through Olympic-level competition.