FEI suspends UAE Federation.

FEI has taken an official stand against the UAE Federation over laws and regulations regarding the protection and welfare of horses for the Endurance discipline, which were not in line with those set down by the International Equestrian Federation.
The commission and the FEI President Ingmar De Vos have unanimously agreed to the suspension of the UAE Federation for an indeterminate period and with immediate effect. The disciplinary action was taken after it was discovered that the rules and regulations for the protection and welfare of horses did not comply with those set down by FEI.
Under the terms of the suspension, the UAE Federation may not attend or be represented at any session or meeting of FEI, may not organise any international events, and its members cannot participate in any international events. However, UAE athletes from other disciplines can compete under the FEI banner in international competitions organised outside the UAE.
Reinstatement to FEI membership is dependent on the UAE Federation signing an agreement with FEI in which the UAE Federation commits to the necessary steps to protect the welfare of horses and comply fully with FEI Rules and Regulations.
The FEI President said: “The decision to suspend a National Federation is not something that is taken lightly and we only should do this if no other remedy can be found. Sadly this was the only option left, but we have to take our responsibility and must never be afraid of tackling major issues head-on. Where horse welfare is concerned FEI has to show leadership and solve problems in a structural way without making any concessions.”
The UAE Federation have 30 days to appeal the suspension to the FEI Tribunal. Click here for more: http://www.fei.org/Equestrian World/fei-suspends-uae-national-federation