In a press release, EEF President Theo Ploegmakers responded to the controversy surrounding the FEI rule on noseband tightness. "It is the FEI's responsibility to prioritize horse welfare and to translate this ambition into clear regulations as effectively as possible," he stated.
According to Ploegmakers, clear welfare regulations are essential to ensure that horses are treated ethically and remain healthy and safe during training, competitions, and beyond. "Horses cannot communicate verbally and are entirely dependent on humans to understand their needs and protect them," he emphasized.
He stressed that welfare regulations create a necessary balance between the demands of the sport and the well-being of the participating horses. "This is not only crucial for the health and safety of horses but also for the sustainability and public acceptance of equestrian sports."
Ploegmakers also addressed the view held by some riders that the FEI should not interfere in matters such as noseband tightness or the use of certain bits, as they believe they know best what is good for their horse. "That viewpoint is short-sighted and poses a danger to horse welfare for several reasons," he stated.
He pointed out that riders, like experts, can be susceptible to conflicts of interest and unconscious biases regarding certain products or practices. "Although riders may possess exceptional knowledge, it is essential that this knowledge is tested against reality within a clear framework—namely, FEI regulations."
With this statement, Ploegmakers underscores the need for objective and well-founded rules to protect horses in the sport.
According to Ploegmakers, clear welfare regulations are essential to ensure that horses are treated ethically and remain healthy and safe during training, competitions, and beyond. "Horses cannot communicate verbally and are entirely dependent on humans to understand their needs and protect them," he emphasized.
He stressed that welfare regulations create a necessary balance between the demands of the sport and the well-being of the participating horses. "This is not only crucial for the health and safety of horses but also for the sustainability and public acceptance of equestrian sports."
Ploegmakers also addressed the view held by some riders that the FEI should not interfere in matters such as noseband tightness or the use of certain bits, as they believe they know best what is good for their horse. "That viewpoint is short-sighted and poses a danger to horse welfare for several reasons," he stated.
He pointed out that riders, like experts, can be susceptible to conflicts of interest and unconscious biases regarding certain products or practices. "Although riders may possess exceptional knowledge, it is essential that this knowledge is tested against reality within a clear framework—namely, FEI regulations."
With this statement, Ploegmakers underscores the need for objective and well-founded rules to protect horses in the sport.