Patrik Kittel not punished by the FEI re "blue tongue" debate

[little_flea]

FEI's investigation into the "blue tongue" debate fails to show conclusive proof that Kittel warmed Scandic up in an unsuitable manner at Odense - the case will not be taken to tribunal, and there will not be any warnings of penalties.

Kittel has also received a letter with tips on how to warm up/not warm up a horse, and he will be monitored in following competitions in regards to horse welfare.

Source: "Ridsport", Sweden

[Halfstep]

Good. The whole thing stank like a month old kipper, and Patrick Kittel was made a scapegoat by a TV Internet company with an ax to grind. IMHO.

[burge]

Thank goodness common sense prevailed for once!

[perfect11s]

Yes good result for him not so good for horsmanship ... ride em into the ground as long as it looks good in the test... then thats ok in the current dressage more is better thinking
IMHO..

[Jump2It]

good....they need to decide if they want to ban roll kur or not before punishing individual riders for something caught on camera

[teddyt]

Im not surprised as it would open a whole new can of worms. Whether they made the right decision or not is another matter

[TarrSteps]

Out of curiosity, does anyone know if the whole video was ever released? The company said they had footage of the entire warm up, showing the duration and extent of "abuse" but wouldn't turn it over to the FEI.

This is a complicated situation and organisations have to live by not only their own rules, but by the rule of law. I would agree it's a "can of worms" but until they have a workable system to address the specific situation in place I don't see how they can punish someone on the basis of incomplete video evidence without witnesses to context etc and similar investigation into other riders as well.

[scally]

I actually believe that the whole issue has again been side stepped by the FEI.

There is no reason on this earth that a rider has to inflict that much force that a horses tongue goes blue. Whether it is the whole video or part of, it is not acceptable.

Isnt dressage about beauty, unity, ease, natural athletisism and dancing? Not force, abuse and slavery.

Any rider, whatever discipline should be immediatly suspended from their sport for excessive use of aids or aids that cause distress to their animal.

It is about time governing bodies should lay down specific guidelines as to what is acceptable and what isnt and any horse showing a tongue that is blue is not acceptable whatever discipline you are in.

[Rouletterose]

Agree with post above, this matter has been side stepped by the FEI. In the report it says that Kittel will be monitored and watched when warming up in future, surely if this is necessary then they are admitting that he is in fact guilty....they are just choosing to let it slide? Any horse ridden in this way is being subjected to cruuelty and bad riding, the photos of him riding the horse in question look stiff, dead and mechanical, horse looks totally depressed. IMO this is a sad decision for dressage.

[kerilli]

FEI Code of Conduct
1.The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) requires all those involved in international equestrian sport to adhere to the FEI?s Code of Conduct and to acknowledge and accept that at all times the welfare of the horse must be paramount and must never be subordinated to competitive or commercial influences.


2.At all stages during the preparation and training of competition horses, welfare must take precedence over all other demands. This includes good horse management, training methods, farriery and tack, and transportation.


3.Horses and competitors must be fit, competent and in good health before they are allowed to compete. This encompasses medication use, surgical procedures that threaten welfare or safety, pregnancy in mares and the misuse of aids.


4.Events must not prejudice horse welfare. This involves paying careful attention to the competition areas, ground surfaces, weather conditions, stabling, site safety and fitness of the horse for onward travel after the event.


5.Every effort must be made to ensure that horses receive proper attention after they have competed and that they are treated humanely when their competition careers are over. This covers proper veterinary care, competition injuries, euthanasia and retirement.


*laughs hollowly and sadly*