Concerns Over Horse Welfare in Olympic Dressage

The equestrian governing body, FEI, has identified troubling instances of horse welfare issues during the Olympic dressage competition in Versailles. FEI’s chief vet, Goran Akerstrom, reported that photographs revealed horses with blue tongues, an indication of oxygen deprivation caused by high rein tension during the event.

These findings come amid heightened scrutiny of horse welfare at the Olympics, particularly following the suspension of British rider Charlotte Dujardin. Dujardin, a six-time Olympic medallist, was provisionally suspended on July 27 after footage showed her whipping a horse’s legs multiple times during training.

The photographs reviewed by the FEI, taken during the dressage Grand Prix, showed harm to the animals, attributed to the use of double bridles. These bridles, mandatory in top-level dressage, can cause pain and discomfort by restricting oxygen flow to the tongue. Although no disciplinary measures were taken, the riders involved were summoned for discussions on the issue.

Animal rights groups like PETA have long criticized the use of double bridles in dressage. The FEI, striving to uphold animal welfare, had earlier sanctioned a Brazilian rider for neck hyperflexion and disqualified horses with minor bleeding.

The recent findings highlight ongoing concerns and the FEI’s commitment to addressing horse welfare in the sport.

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Related Content:

• Equestrian Star Suspended for Olympics for Whipping a Horse 24 Times in Training Session
• Paris Aims for a Sustainable Olympics with Minimal New Construction
• Growing Outrage Over Horse Welfare in Equestrian Sports
• Equestrian Trainer Charged with Animal Cruelty After Shocking Videos of Abuse Surfaced

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