At its General Assembly in Birmingham on 9 September, held alongside the BEVA Annual Congress, the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA) adopted its position paper on the welfare of horses treated for chronic conditions.
Prioritising horse welfare
The paper sets out welfare-focused principles for treating competition horses with chronic conditions, recognising the pressures veterinarians may face from owners, trainers and commercial interests, as well as differences in national legislation and competition rules.
It stresses that the horse’s health and welfare must take priority. Medication should treat genuine clinical conditions, not alter performance or mask signs of illness or injury. Veterinarians should be able to exercise independent professional judgement and use medicines in accordance with evidence, their clinical assessment and applicable legislation.
Prevention, including improvements to husbandry, training and the horse’s environment, should be prioritised wherever possible.
Regular assessment, documentation and communication
Chronic conditions require regular reassessment to determine whether treatment remains compatible with the horse’s activities. Depending on its health and welfare, retraining, a change of role or retirement may need consideration. Diagnosis, treatment rationale, risks and recommendations about continued competition should be clearly documented and communicated.
The Assembly also heard reports from FEEVA’s Working Groups on disease surveillance, ethics and welfare, medicines, assisted reproduction, pre-purchase examinations and other equine policy matters. Vincent Boureau (France, AVEF) was elected to the Board, and Michael Köhler was confirmed for a second two-year term.
Exploring ethical challenges in equine practice
Participants also explored ethical challenges in equine veterinary practice, including responsible antimicrobial use, restraint and handling and other everyday dilemmas, through a presentation by Professor Madeleine Campbell and an interactive discussion with representatives from IEVA, KNMvD, AAEP and World Horse Welfare.
The next FEEVA General Assembly will take place in Salzburg, Austria, on 16 September 2027.
(photo ©Philippe Oursel/Unsplash)