The Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF) today lodged a formal appeal with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) against its provisional suspension. The FEI provisionally suspended the EEF on 12 March, after an investigation into horse welfare and alleged non-compliance with FEI rules.

“It is disappointing that an appeal has been lodged and that the UAE National Federation has chosen to go down the legal route rather than seeking ways to solve the issues and make a lasting commitment to improving the welfare of the horse at Endurance events in which it is involved”, said FEI Secretary General Sabrina Zeender in a statement. The FEI is also separately investigating allegations that a number of horse endurance races listed as being hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may not have actually taken place. The Sports Integrity Initiative has asked how that investigation is progressing.