10.02.2010

Laut FEI-Pressemitteilung sei es eine konstruktive Debatte gewesen, die mit dem Konsens endete, dass man jede Kopf- und Halsposition, die durch aggressive Kraft entstehe, nicht akzeptieren werde. Dies sei klar bei der Rollkur der Fall. Im Gegensatz dazu komme die Technik des „Lang, Tief und Rund-Reitens“ („Low, Deep and Round“, LDR) ohne Agression aus und sei somit akzeptabel. Die FEI will nun eine Arbeitsgruppe unter Leitung des Dressurkomitee-Vorsitzenden Frank Kemperman einrichten, die Richtlinien für Turnierstewards entwickeln soll, damit diese leichter zwischen beiden „Techniken“ unterscheiden können. 

Im Rahmen des Treffens überreichte der deutsche Tierarzt Dr. Gerd Heuschmann FEI-Präsidentin Prinzessin Haya eine Petition mit 41.000 Unterschriften gegen die Rollkur.

 

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FEI Round-Table Conference Resolves Rollkur Controversy

Following constructive debate at the FEI round-table conference at the IOC Headquarters in Lausanne today (9 February), the consensus of the group was that any head and neck position of the horse achieved through aggressive force is not acceptable. The group redefined hyperflexion/Rollkur as flexion of the horse’s neck achieved through aggressive force, which is therefore unacceptable. The technique known as Long, Deep and Round (LDR), which achieves flexion without undue force, is acceptable.

 

The group unanimously agreed that any form of aggressive riding must be sanctioned. The FEI will establish a working group, headed by Dressage Committee Chair Frank Kemperman, to expand the current guidelines for stewards to facilitate the implementation of this policy. The group agreed that no changes are required to the current FEI Rules.

 

The FEI Management is currently studying a range of additional measures, including the use of closed circuit television for warm-up arenas at selected shows.

The group also emphasised that the main responsibility for the welfare of the horse rests with the rider.

 

The FEI President HRH Princess Haya accepted a petition of 41,000 signatories against Rollkur presented by Dr Gerd Heuschman.

 

The participants in the FEI round-table conference were:

 

HRH Princess Haya, FEI President
Alex McLin, FEI Secretary General
Margit Otto-Crépin, International Dressage Riders Club Representative
Linda Keenan, International Dressage Trainers Club Representative
Sjef Janssen, Dressage Representative
Frank Kemperman, Chairman, FEI Dressage Committee (by conference call)
François Mathy, International Jumping Riders Club Representative
David Broome, Jumping Representative
Jonathan Chapman, Eventing Representative
Roly Owers, World Horse Welfare Representative
Tony Tyler, World Horse Welfare Representative
Ulf Helgstrand, President, Danish Equestrian Federation
John McEwen, Chairman, FEI Veterinary Committee
Dr Sue Dyson, Veterinary Representative
Dr Gerd Heuschman, Veterinary Representative
Prof. René van Weeren, Veterinary Representative
Jacques van Daele, FEI Honorary Steward General Dressage
Graeme Cooke, FEI Veterinary Director
Trond Asmyr, FEI Director Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage
John Roche, FEI Director Jumping and Stewarding
Catrin Norinder, FEI Director Eventing
Carsten Couchouron, FEI Executive Director Commercial
Richard Johnson, FEI Communications Director