FEI Bulletin, April 26, 2000 - The International Eventing Safety Committee, chaired by Marquess of Hartington (CBE), released today its recommendations to the FEI. The Committee was formed jointly by the BHTA (British Horse Trial Association) and the FEI further to the tragic fatalities, which occurred in 1999 in Eventing.

The FEI, especially the Executive Board and the Eventing Committee would like to commend and thank the Safety Committee for its in-depth investigations. The FEI also extends its gratitude for its extensive work and the contribution of each of its members ­ and will endeavour to follow-up on the recommendations. The sport will be under constant monitoring for the next years and further decisions on changes will occur as part of an ongoing process.

A fundamental conclusion, which pervades every detailed recommendation, is that everything should be done to prevent horses from falling. This single objective should greatly reduce the chances of riders being seriously injured as well as significantly improve the safety of competing horses.

Statistics
The committee recommends that the FEI set-up and run a worldwide statistical database covering injuries for riders and horses, as well as including the relevant details of the cross-country phase. Statistics should be reviewed and published annually.

Riders, Training and Qualifications
The Committee recommends a mandatory passport system for riders. Qualification system of horses and riders should ensure that the combination has sufficient experience to take part in the competition. Specific cross-country riding education should be promoted among National Federations.

Officials
The Committee recommends the development of disciplinary procedures. Formal appraisal system for Official and Ground Juries should be established on an international basis.

Medical
The Committee recommends that medical coverage be ensured at any event with appropriate on-site management of severe trauma. Safety routes for emergency vehicles should be further highlighted. Chief Medial Officer should undertake random dope testing of riders at any event. Educational programme for riders including fitness, diet, recovery from injury, drugs and alcohol, care of safety equipment should be developed.

Equipment
The Committee recommends that a comprehensive study of helmets be undertaken, a standard established and made mandatory for Eventing competitions. Particular attention should be paid on improving neck protection for riders. The FEI should produce and recognise an International Standard for Body Protectors.

Veterinary
The Committee believes that Homeopathic and herbal calming substances for horses are contrary to the spirit of the rules and can have serious safety implications.

Cross Country
The Committee recommends that the technical aspect of the courses be reviewed. They recommend that limiting the "intensity of efforts" be a function of all officials involved in the inspection of the courses. The investigation of a method to measure the intensity should be undertaken by the FEI. Urgent research into construction of deformable structures should be undertaken (this recommendations was already issued at the end of March). Officials at the event should considerably focus more on the ground conditions.

The Committee recommends that a new additional 10 minutes stop between the 1st and 3rd kilometer markers on Phase C be introduced immediately. Phase C should be reduced to a maximum of 8.8 kilometers. Further to public announcement that a human fatality has occurred, the fence involved should be removed from the competition.

Closed Circuit TV should be mandatory at all 4 stars and recommended at 3 stars events.

Document on the Do’s and Don’t’s for Course Design should be developed and reviewed annually.

Related Links
The Complete Report www.horsesport.org
The official website for the FEI