Dressage-News

COPENHAGEN, Nov. 19–In a landmark moment for equestrian sport, the FEI General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Thursday for new Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations to ensure the welfare of the horse and guarantee a fair playing field.

A series of far reaching recommendations – part of the Clean Sport Campaign led by the Ljungqvist and Stevens Commissions – were also adopted by a massive majority of the 105 National Federations represented in Copenhagen.

Delegates also approved in a close vote a new Prohibited Substances List itemizing more than 1,000 substances not allowed in competition. The adoption of the so-called “Progressive List” now permits in-competition use of a limited number of medications under strictly prescribed limits.

“This is a true landmark moment in the history of our sport,” FEI President Princess Haya said after the vote. “The overwhelming support of the National Federations for the Clean Sport Campaign is proof that we are moving in the right direction thanks to the incredible work done by the Ljungqvist and Stevens Commissions. This vote has given us the power to roll out Clean Sport and allow us to restore the public image of our sport as a clean and uncorrupt product.”

The Clean Sport Campaign is the result of a year-long process of taking account of various viewpoints and expertise within the entire FEI and the professional recommendations of the Commissions led by Prof. Arne Ljungqvist, chairman of the International Olympic Committee Medical Commission and vice president of the World Anti Doping Agency, and Lord Stevens, formed British Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

Professor Ljungqvist said, “Ultimately it was down to the equestrian community to make the final decision and they have voted in support of the package as a whole. The two Commissions have put in an enormous amount of work to come up with these recommendations and it is particularly gratifying that we have received such overwhelming support for the Clean Sport Campaign from the National Federations.”

Lord Stevens said, “We said yesterday that the FEI needed to adopt these recommendations before it could be given a clean bill of health. They have been approved by a massive majority and now the sport can move forward.”

Voting Facts and Figures:

Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations: 95 in favor, 5 against
105 NFs represented (101 participated, 100 valid, 1 abstention)

Commissions Recommendations: 90 in favor, 8 against
103 NFs represented (100 participated, 99 valid, 1 abstention)

Lists of Prohibited Substances: 53 in favor of Progressive List, 48 in favor of other List
105 NFs represented (102 participated, 101 valid, 1 abstention)

FEI Veterinary Regulations: 86 in favor, 9 against
105 NFs represented (102 participated, 95 valid, 7 abstentions)