Rescued donkeys in Italy are sporting some super-snazzy striped legs thanks to supporters’ generosity after a social media campaign.

The Donkey Sanctuary’s Italian base put out an appeal on social media for socks, asking people to send them in to protect its residents’ legs from biting insects over the summer. And the response was “fantastic”; 180 pairs were sent in, and supporters also donated €600 (£506) towards the sanctuary’s work.

Fundraising officer Ilaria Ruzza, who posted the appeal, said: “We needed long socks. It didn’t matter if they were new or used as long as they were clean, in good condition and black or grey and white over-the-knee socks.”

Research has shown that stripes, such as on zebras’ coats, help repel flies.

“Ilaria and her colleagues shared photos of their donkeys sporting their eye-catching new socks, much to the delight of supporters, and thanked them for their generosity and kindness,” a spokesperson for The Donkey Sanctuary said.

Il Rifugio degli Asinelli, the Italian arm of UK-based welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary, is home to over 100 donkeys, near Turin.

“Now, thanks to the generosity of supporters, the resident herd can look forward to a more relaxing autumn, safe in the knowledge their stylish new legwear will help keep biting insects at bay,” the spokesperson said.

“And it’s not just on the European mainland that such measures have taken place. It is often thought that all the best fashions begin in Italy, so it’s no wonder a few donkeys closer to home have also been spotted wearing patterned leggings.

“Over the summer, grooms at The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon fitted a few of the herd with leggings in an attempt to combat the irritation of biting insects, and despite the arrival of September, some of the UK donkeys are still having to contend with them.

“But now, with the help of sanctuary volunteers, staff are in the process of designing leggings that can be attached to their fly rugs, so the donkeys who are more susceptible to the seasonal insect irritation will have total fly protection, something that will no doubt be welcomed by the resident herds.”

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The Italian government has become the first to officially recognise the horse as an athlete by law, in a move welcomed as an “interesting development”.

The decision was made at the end of January by the Italian government, at a conference titled “Horse athlete: protections and prospects”, organised by the Italian equestrian federation (FISE).

The legislation means that a horse is defined as an “athlete horse” when specific requirements are met; it is registered with FISE and declared not for human consumption.

“Italy is a pioneering country in the legal recognition of the horse as a true athlete,” a FISE spokesman said.

“Italy, with FISE at the forefront, is therefore a world leader for equine welfare, in particular regarding ‘athlete horses’ involved in equestrian sports.

“This is an historic decision by the Italian government.”

Representatives of the FEI, the Italian ministry of health and the International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) were among those at the conference.

IJRC director Eleonora Ottaviani, who contributed to the debate, said: “This law provides the opportunity to finally recognise the horse as subject, and no longer object, in our sport. The well-being and welfare of horses has long been an area of mutual collaboration between the IJRC and the FEI.

“The news of the enactment of this important law in Italy was greeted with enthusiasm by the members of the IJRC. For the first time, the words ‘athletic horse’ or ‘athlete horse’ have become a legal term.”

World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers told H&H this recognition is “certainly an interesting development”.

“Clearly any step that better protects our equine partners is to be welcomed, especially as we have to recognise that the partnership between the human and equine athlete can never be an equal one,” he said. “Horses rely completely on us for their care and wellbeing and whether they are athletes or not, they are still horses and need to be treated as such. The real test for this unique piece of legislation is what’s in it for the horses and whether this translates into demonstrable improvements for them.”

Top rider and trainer Pammy Hutton told H&H that to address recent horse welfare issues raised on social media, the world’s governing bodies have to show “leadership”.

“So I say congratulations to Italy,” she said. “I don’t know where this will go but to my mind, it’s a step forward.”

FISE added that the move will be the basis for future developments, such as in horse transport and veterinary controls, at national and EU level.

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This year the Ippodromo Snai San Siro in Milan, which is right next door to the famous San Siro football stadium, will play host to the European Showjumping Championships (29 August – 3 September, 2023).

If you’re planning a trip to the venue, check out these hotels near the San Siro, plus B&Bs, guesthouses and holiday lets. Accommodation is listed in order of distance from the venue.

Hotels near the San Siro in Milan

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Italy is bidding to retain its position as host of the 2022 endurance World Championships after the plug was pulled weeks ahead of the scheduled event.

This year’s championships were set to be held in Verona from 19 to 23 October, but were cancelled in September as the safety of horses and riders “could not be guaranteed” (news, 15 September).

“This was not a decision we took lightly, as we fully understand the ramifications it will have, but we had to take our responsibilities and respect the assessment of our technical experts,” FEI president Ingmar De Vos said at the time.

The FEI reopened the bidding, and has extended the cut-off date for the 2022 championships to be held to 30 April 2023.

Six venues are in the mix, with a decision due in November. These are: Bouthib in the United Arab Emirates (between 26 and 29 January or 20 and 26 February); the French venue of Fontainebleau (25 March); Lisbon in Portugal (between 31 March and 1 April); Punta del Este in Uruguay (22 April); Samorin in Slovakia (29 April); or keeping the event on Italian soil in Pisa (29 April).

Italia Endurance asd and Sistemaeventi.it srl, the same organising committee that hosted the 2021 World Championships in Pisa, has put its hat in the ring to take on the rescheduled 2022 fixture, with a view to running it again at the Pisa San Rossore racecourse.

Gianluca Laliscia, chief executive and chairman of Sistemaventi.it srl, said they have the “full support of the Italian Equestrian Federation”.

“It is our objective to create a very environmentally friendly and eco-sustainable event, such as the one hosted in 2021,” he said.

Mr Laliscia added the venue offers an “already tested” track, excellent infrastructure, technical services and an expert organising committee.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

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As winter takes hold of Britain, you’re not blamed for wanting to pack up your belongings, loads your horses and move on to a far away destination. Perhaps this ancient farmhouse dating back to the 17th Century located in Italian countryside could be the tonic you need?

The property can be found in the city of Leece in Italy. Lecce is renowned for its beautiful historical structures such as the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Porta Napoli and the Duomo.

The nearest airport to Lecce is Brindisi (BDS) Airport which is 39.1 km away.

Leading equestrians of the moment who ride for the country include showjumpers Lorenzo De Luca and Filippo Marco Bologni, and international event rider Vittoria Pannizon was also born in Italy.

Equestrian centres within reach include CEAS equestrian centre and Maneggio Sette Nani.

You are also close by to the famous beaches of the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, which are both reachable in 20 minutes by car.

Offered for sale by Sotheby’s Realty, this magnificent set-up is priced at €2.7m, which is just under £2.3m.

This property sits in a private position and is set in over six hectares, or 14.8 acres, of land and is surrounded by flat countryside.

The house and equestrian facilities sit at either end of the site, meaning you will be close enough to keep an eye on the horses with ease.

The equestrian yard includes a large arena, paddocks, stables and plenty of storage space.

The property boasts historical open spaces, animal shelters, homes, workplaces and sacred buildings including a small church. It was formerly a summer residence of a local aristocratic family who built a thriving farm here.

The property is used as an accommodation facility and within it there is the historic residence dating back to the end of the 17th Century, which has been converted into a hotel, with an independent apartment for the owners, an adjacent building that houses a large restaurant and other rooms. In total, there are 65 bedrooms across the space.

A large park, the citrus grove, the small square inside the historic house and the wisteria arch are just some of the stunning hidden corners that the estate offers.

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Horses will return to the sporting heart of ancient Rome for the first time in more than 2,000 years as showjumping’s Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) moves to a new venue.

The 2021 Rome LGCT legs will be held at the Circus Maximus, the first and largest stadium of the ancient city and the Roman empire that was once home to chariot racing. The five-year LGCT deal will mark the return of horse sport to the UNESCO World Heritage site for the first time since around the sixth century BC.

“We are extremely appreciative of the support of the city of Rome to enable us to present the LGCT in this truly incredible venue in the heart of ancient Rome,” said LGCT president, Jan Tops.

“Horses will once again be in competition at Circus Maximus with its great historical significance and we are privileged to stage modern day show jumping of the highest calibre at this ancient site.”

Circus Maximus sits in a valley between the Palatine and Aventine hills and is overlooked by the ruins of the imperial palace. It is used for public events, such as concerts, rallies and now showjumping, and is around 1km from the Colosseum, where the gladiatorial games were held. It also lies a few hundred yards from the Roman Forum, the heart of the ancient city.

The two- and five-star competitions will be held across two weeks – 10-12 and 16-18 September 2021 – and artist exhibitions, animations and shows are also planned. Entry to the public will be free.

The Rome leg of the LGCT made its debut in 2015 at the Stadio dei Marmi “Pietro Mennea”, next to the city’s modern Stadio Olimpico, with the support of the city and the Italian national Olympic committee.

The Circus Maximus will be home to the LGCT for the next five years.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

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An eventer who was denied a national championship win by 0.1 of a penalty after her dressage sheet was added up incorrectly by “human error” has lost her appeal.

Evelina Bertoli and Seashore Spring were declared runners-up in the CCIO4*-S at Montelibretti (22 to 25 October), which was also serving as the Italian national championships.

Score sheets are normally given out to riders, but the FEI rules were modified owing to the coronavirus pandemic. This meant sheets should not be given out at the event and could be requested to be sent via email following the competition instead.

But when her dressage tests were emailed to Ms Bertoli the following day, she spotted the calculation error. This email was not submitted with her appeal.

The Italian equestrian federation sent a letter to the FEI eventing department, dated 27 October, informing them of the error so the FEI “may make the amendments it deems necessary to the classification of the competition.

The FEI replied via email that day, explaining that the results cannot be changed if an appeal is not lodged within 30 minutes of the final scores’ being published at the event, under any circumstances.

An appeal was then lodged with the FEI tribunal by Ms Bertoli’s mother and the horse’s owner, Argenta Campello, and legal representative Mariano Salvatore on 6 November. The appeal called for the results to be amended and for the Covid rules concerning dressage sheets to be modified.

The hearing went into deep detail over the rules surrounding field of play decisions, deadlines for objections over results, even down to the wording of “should” and “shall” in terms of the distribution of score sheets to riders.

The FEI stated that Ms Bertoli “should have requested the judges’ score sheets directly after the dressage test“.

“If she had requested the score sheets directly after the dressage test, the [organising committee] would have plenty of time to email them to Ms Bertoli and she would be in a possession of all necessary information in order to file a protest within the mandatory deadline, which elapsed on 24 October 2020 at 4:37 pm,” argued the FEI.

The FEI said that “the outcome of the competition is really unfortunate for the participant and that mistakes happen”.

“While the FEI has a sympathy for all athletes who are ‘victims’ of such ‘honest’ mistakes, the FEI, as the world governing body of the equestrian sports, is in charge of applying and respecting the sport-specific rules, even if those rules are strict and do not foresee any exceptions,” it argued.

“They maintain that [this is] the only way to ensure fairness towards all the participants of sports competitions, including other athletes who act in good faith and rely on the results (and following from its consequences) once they have been approved and announced.”

Article continues below…

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The FEI Tribunal concluded it does not have jurisdiction over rule changes. It also concluded that it could not change the result, citing previous rulings and Court of Arbitration for Sport decisions.

“Consequently, the appeal must be dismissed,” the hearing concluded.

“The FEI Tribunal has sympathy for the appellant and regrets that it cannot assist. It notes the FEI does not ask for costs. The deposit is to be returned to the appellant.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

With the new year just a few weeks away, there couldn’t be a better time to up sticks and escape to this beautiful property situated in the heart of Italy.

This heavenly home is located in Via del Popolo Amelia, near Terni. Terni is a city in the southern portion of the region of Umbria in central Italy.

The estate is in the green hills of Umbria which is 85 km from Rome and 45 km from Todi.

The property covers ​​40 hectares (98 acres) on which there are several buildings suitable for equestrian and livestock use.

Equestrian centres in easy reach include Equestrian Centre Berardenga, Fondi Horse Stables and Antica Torre.

Capannelle Racecourse is just over an hour away from the front door and you will also be close to Rome Polo Club.

Offered for sale by Sotheby’s International Realty, this stunning set-up requires prospective buyers to get in touch regarding a price.

Does this convince you that Italy is the dream location?

The equestrian facilities include an attractive stable yard with 13 loose boxes as well as a horse walker.

The set-up is currently run as a racehorse training yard and fodder is also grown on the estate so you can be self-sufficient all year round.

The main villa is made out of stone. The accommodation is set over two levels.

On the ground floor there is a large living room with fireplace, a billiard room and a traditional kitchen with pantry. There are also two double bedrooms at ground level.

Upstairs there is another living room as well as a master bedroom and three additional bedrooms.

The farmhouse is surrounded by a garden that includes an attractive swimming pool to allow you to cool down on hot summer days.

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The head of the Italian equestrian federation’s (FISE) dressage department has been temporarily suspended after he was arrested as part of a financial crime investigation.

Cesare Croce served as the president of FISE from 1996 to 2008, taking over as dressage head in 2017.

A statement from FISE said he had been suspended while the police investigation is carried out “in which it is hoped that Cesare will prove his own extraneousness”.

Italy’s financial police department in Monza arrested 30 people on 21 May on suspicion of offences including tax and bankruptcy crimes, fraud, money laundering and corruption.

The investigation was sparked by a complaint in October 2014, dating back to an incident in 2010 in the town of Brianza.

On behalf of the local judicial authorities, the police have started investigations into the management of about 40 companies belonging to a corporate group belonging to well-known building contractor Giuseppe Malaspina operating in the province of Monza and Brianza.

Officers are looking into the issue and use of invoices for non-existent transactions by the companies totaling around €95 million, with assets of approximately €234 million.

Police have seized 28 real estate units, company shares and financial assets, worth a total of €9.3 million, and are aiming to confiscate up to €10million to make up for the amount of tax that has allegedly been evaded.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

In this week’s edition, out on 24 May, don’t miss our “cob special”, including how to find the perfect cob, meet champion cob Our Cashel Blue and more.

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A controversial new dressage judging system is currently being trialled in Italy’s national competitions.

The federation is believed to be the first country to have introduced the new system.

The Italian federation agreed to “experimentally implement” a variation of HiLoDrop scoring system for competitions that have five or more judges, at a meeting on 6 November.

Judges’ overall scores that deviate by 4% or more from the judging panel’s average will be dropped under the new system.

“The system is adopted on a temporary basis, pending the approval of the new general regulations, until February 2018,” said a spokesman for the federation.

“This period will be useful for the federation to test the practical operation of the software [needed for the scoring system].

“This approach is based on the fact that the judges are in fact a team.”

He added that it will prevent the score of a single judge from unduly influencing any combination’s overall score.

The system it will not be used for young horse classes.

The trial takes place ahead of discussions over the use of HiLoDrop scoring per movement in international competition at the 2017 FEI general assembly (18-21 November).

The FEI dressage judging working group is proposing that it should be introduced to for international competitions (news, 7 September). The proposal has been met with mixed reactions by national federations and will be discussed further at the general assembly.

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“Such a system is widely used in other Olympic judged disciplines and also in other equestrian judged sports,” said a statement from the working group.

“Following a detailed analysis of almost 1,000 competitions from 2017 it is shown that the average effect on final scores is a shift of +0.1% with a spread (standard deviation) of 0.2%.

“In fact only 3% of all grand prix/grand prix special results would change by more than 0.5% — in almost every case a small upwards change.

“The correlation of the HiLoDrop score and the score from the current system is perfectly linear.

“While the changes are almost invisible for the vast majority of cases in a few cases an important correction would be made; HiLoDrop ensures that the consensus view of the jury predominates in the final result and is not unduly influenced by one judge being exceptionally high or low for whatever reason.”

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The trainer and father of Italian Olympic dressage rider Valentina Truppa (pictured) will not be allowed to coach his daughter in Rio.

Enzo Truppa was fined €10,000 and given a four-month suspension from his Italian Equestrian Federation (FISE) roles, postponed until 1 September, following a dispute over the sale of a horse.

Following the hearing on 27 June, Mr Truppa — a trainer and judge — lauched an appeal against the decision.

But the FISE Federal Court of Appeal has now partially amended the ruling, suspending Mr Truppa from his roles immediately.

His daughter, Valentina, is Italy’s sole dressage entry at the Rio 2016 Olympics, riding the 19-year-old chestnut gelding Chablis.

A statement from FISE, posted on its website on Sunday (31 July) said it had “taken note” of the Court of Appeal’s judgement and would not be commenting “at this time”.

Sanctions were brought against Mr Truppa following the sale of grand prix dressage horse Eremo Del Castegno. A civil case is due to begin in November.

The horse had achieved qualifying results for Rio 2016 with Valentina, but was sold in January to Brazilian millionaire Jorge Ferreira Da Rocha.

Mr Da Rocha, a long-term sponsor and investor in Brazilian dressage, had been hoping to ride at his home Games.

FISE claimed the sale was a breach of contract, which Mr Truppa disputed.

In 2012, H&H reported that FISE had renewed a 2010 agreement with Enzo that Italy’s top grand prix horse would be retained for the country until the Rio Games.

The federation gave Enzo €70,000 per year for securing the horse, which Enzo’s daughter Valentina competed for Italy in two European championships and the London Olympics.

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However, Mr Truppa told H&H at the time that the money was given not only for Eremo and Chablis, but also for a number of goals. He said these included training horses and riders up to grand prix level with the purpose of taking part with a team at European and World Championships to qualify for the Olympics.

“All obligations up to 31 December 2015 were fulfilled, including qualification for Rio,” said Mr Truppa.

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Enzo Truppa has received a fine of €10,000 after he sold a horse to Brazil ahead of this summer’s Olympics.

Mr Truppa was the former owner of grand prix dressage horse Eremo Del Castegno (pictured, top, with Valentina Truppa), which had achieved qualifying results for Rio 2016 with his daughter Valentina.

But the horse was sold in January to Brazilian millionaire Jorge Ferreira Da Rocha, a long-term sponsor and investor in Brazilian dressage who was hoping to ride at his home Games.

The Italian Equestrian Federation (FISE) who brought the case against Mr Truppa claimed the sale was in breach of contract. Mr Truppa disputed this.

As well as the fine, he has been given a four-month suspension from his FISE roles.

Mr Truppa told H&H that he plans to appeal the decision.

A civil case is set to start in November.

The suspension has been postponed until 1 September as Mr Truppa is the current coach of all Italy’s dressage hopefuls for this year’s Games.

Italy has one dressage place at Rio — Valentina has two horses (Chablis and Ranieri) on the long-list of three combinations. The other rider in contention is Micol Rustignoli (Black Coral).

H&H reported in 2012 that FISE had renewed a 2010 agreement with Enzo that Italy’s top grand prix horse would be retained for the country until the Rio Games.

The federation gave Enzo €70,000 per year for securing the horse, which Enzo’s daughter Valentina competed for Italy in two European championships and the London Olympics.

A statement from the FISE said: “The president and the federal council of the FISE express full support for the work of the secretary general in the affair which involved the sale of Eremo Del Castegno and that, instead, had to be maintained contractually available to the rider Valentina Truppa through to the Rio Olympics 2016.”

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However, Mr Truppa has told H&H that the money was given not only for Eremo and Chablis, but also for a number of goals. He said these included training horses and riders up to grand prix level with the purpose of taking part with a team at European and World Championships to qualify for the Olympics.

“All obligations up to 31 December 2015 were fulfilled, including qualification for Rio,” said Mr Truppa.

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Italy’s top dressage rider Valentina Truppa is back competing after a serious fall in June.

Valentina suffered a serious head injury when she fell from her horse at Arrezzo CDI on 7 June.

At the end of July she was given the all clear by doctors, who confirmed she had recovered well. However, they told her she wouldn’t be allowed to ride until September.

This led to her withdrawing from the Italian team for the FEI European Dressage Championships (12-19 August). She had already been selected for the team, prior to her hospital appointment on 29 July.

And now she’s back in action and will be at the Italian Championship in Arezzo (2-4 October), where she will compete with Fixdesign Eremo Del Castegno.

“I start again in the Italian Championship in Arezzo after a fall. But after a fall, which can happen to anyone who like me has dedicated her life to horses, it is most important to stand up again more determined than before,” she said.

“I will be more focused than ever and any show or placing will be a victory for me.

“Thanks to all my fans who were so close to me during this period.”

Valentina most recently represented her country at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy last year, riding Fixdesign Eremo Del Castegno — the horse on whom she was selected for this summer’s Europeans.

She also represented her country at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, where she qualified for the freestyle and finished 15th individually.

The rider, who was wearing a crash hat at the time of the fall in June (not pictured), was aboard the seven-year-old HotPoint di Fonteabeti, a Hotline x Royal Diamond gelding, in a national intermediate I class at the show.

Her father and trainer Vincenzo (Enzo) Truppa told H&H at the time: “She was riding a young horse who was scared by some workers still in the competition arena when the horse was supposed to enter for his test.

“The horse reacted by spinning round and falling over, and Valentina fell off. Fortunately the helmet protected the base of the head, but the counter movement caused a blow to her head.”

The 29-year-old was taken to the local San Donato hospital and was later transferred to a specialist hospital in Siena. She remained in hospital for two weeks.

Last month she thanked the medical support she received.

“It is thanks to this top medical assistance that I will be back riding in less than three months from my accident,” she said.

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An historic Italian race has caused further controversy after a horse died during a trial.

Siena’s Palio takes place twice a year and sees horses race through the streets of the Tuscan town.

However, the race frequently receives criticism from animal welfare activists as many horses have been trampled or killed during the race in the past.

The Palio draws tens of thousands of spectators and the main event is set to take place today (Thursday, 2 July).

However, during a trial race on Monday (29 June), a mare called Periclea (not pictured) sustained fatal injuries and was later put down.

The Telegraph reported that Periclea, a seven-year-old mare competing in her first Palio, stumbled on the hind legs of the horse in front and fell awkwardly.

Now an animal rights group is calling for today’s race (not pictured) to be cancelled and all further races to be suspended.

Politician and activist Michela Vittoria Brambilla posted the call for the ban on the Italian Federation of Animal Rights and Environment’s website following Periclea’s death.

Ms Brambilla, who is president of the organistation, described the race as “senseless and cruel”.

She said it tarnishes the image of their country abroad and horrifies millions.

She added: “Today the mare Periclea has paid the ultimate tribute to a tradition that no longer has any reason to exist, except for the interest and selfishness of a few.”

The mare is reportedly the 50th horse to die in the event since 1970 and this is not the first time that Ms Brambilla and others have called for it to be stopped.

The first officially documented modern Palio took place in 1656.

A total of 17 jockeys, representing the 17 districts of the city, ride bareback in the race that lasts about 90 seconds.

The winning jockey is carried off on the shoulders of the crowd and the banner – which is the actual Palio – is handed down to them.

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A prominent Italian horse welfare charity is continuing to demand an official investigation into the death of UAE horse after an international endurance ride in Sardinia — despite being ignored by Italian authorities.

Django De Vere was rushed to a veterinary hospital, where he died after finishing 3rd in the 120km “Endurance Lifestyle” ride on the island of Sardinia on 31 August.

Sonny Richichi of the mainland-based Italian Horse Protection Association (IHP) demanded the provincial public prosecutor seize the body for post mortem, and that the Italian equestrian federation (FISE) investigate. Richichi says both bodies ignored his repeated requests.

On 8 October he asked the FEI to intervene. 2 days later he received a short reply, stating: “We have now forwarded your note to FISE and asked them to follow up. The FEI is monitoring closely.”

Richichi was concerned about Django’s extreme heart rates — recorded as returning to normal in 37 and 52 secs respectively at the first two vet-gates but taking 30 minutes, significantly longer than any other horse, at the last.

“Is it possible that a horse that has just covered 30 kilometers at 29kph can return to a normal heart rate in just 37 seconds?” asked Richichi.

Endurance is popular in Italy, with over 20 FEI rides in 2013.

“The FISE should be investigating this to safeguard their credibility and also to prove factually how little attention was paid to the horses’ well-being,” Richichi added. “IHP receives quite a few reports of apparent abuse and inadequate vet gates.” Richichi’s charity is the official rescue centre for horses seized by the courts in welfare cases.

“We are not satisfied with the FEI response, which is not a real response, at the moment,” he went on. “Nothing can now be achieved from a carcass inspection. But in our opinion there are clear indicators that something strange happened during the race.”

Django De Vere’s rider, 16-year-old Saeed Ahmad Jaber al Harbi‏, was also the rider of Eclipse at the world young riders’ championship in July and of Rev Beethoven at the senior championships — both of who were disqualified for lameness.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (17 October, 2013)

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Members of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) are flying to Geneva today for an appeal against Great Britain’s relegation from the top tier of show jumping’s Nations Cup competition.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) was forced to pore over its rule book when in August Team GB and Belgium tied in eighth place in the 2009 competition.

The rules stated that the bottom two of the ten teams in the competition should be relegated to the promotional league. But the FEI rules conflicted as to which of the two teams it should be.

On 24 August the FEI ruled that in the interests of fairness both teams should stay up, but just a month later the FEI made a U-turn and demoted both teams.

The BEF has appealed the decision and that case will be heard by the FEI tribunal, tomorrow in Geneva.

BEF chief executive Andrew Finding told H&H: “The FEI’s rules were ambiguous to say the least. We are appealing on the behalf of British show jumping but also for our riders, who deserve to be jumping at the highest level.”

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The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is to appeal against the International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI) decision to relegate both Team GB and the Belgians from the 2010 Nations Cup competition.

In a statement the BEF said: “Following the FEI’s announcement that both Great Britain and Belgium, as well as Italy, will be relegated from the 2010 FEI Nations Cup Top League, the British Equestrian Federation does not accept that decision and will be defending Britain’s place in the league.

“The federation, in conjunction with the British Show Jumping Association, will be appealing against the decision.”

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The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has executed an abrupt about turn in the situation surrounding the results of the 2009 Meydan FEI Nations Cup Series and ruled that both Great Britain and the Belgians will be relegated.

Representatives for both teams have previously told H&H that if this happened they would appeal to the Court of Arbitration in Sport (CAS), so show jumping can expect a long, drawn out wrangle over this decision.

In a statement, the FEI announced this morning: “Following consultation with national federations, riders and event organisers, the FEI Bureau today decided that Great Britain and Belgium will both be relegated from the Meydan FEI Nations Cup. “

Both GB and the Belgian team finished the 2009 season in eighth place on equal points ahead of the Italians, who were also relegated.

Rules did not make clear which team should be relegated to the promotional league, or second division, so the FEI decided both should stay in the competition.

But less than a month later the FEI has changed its mind.

“This decision was taken in the best interest of the sport,” FEI President HRH Princess Haya said.

“This is the very first time I have seen all the elements of our sport joined together in a common vision. The FEI, the national federations, riders and organisers are convinced that the eight-team format is the only sustainable format.”

The FEI added that the two highest placed teams in the Nations Cup Promotional League Final, which will be held in Barcelona (ESP) on 20 September, will be promoted to the FEI Nations Cup Top League for the 2010 season.

The procedure for next year will be the relegation of three teams and the promotion of two teams in order to reduce the number of teams to eight in 2011.

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Great Britain and Belgium could both stay in the Meydan FEI World Cup series for next year after an unanimous decision of International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Bureau. And they may also be joined by Italy, meaning 12 teams in the 2010 series.

The FEI announced today that they would like both Britain and Belgium to stay in the competition after a rules mix up meant it was not clear which team should be relegated. But they said the final decision will be made by show organisers and the sponsors Meydan.

Britain and Belgium were tied in eighth place after the final competition of the series, at the Dublin Horse Show. And FEI rules were contradictory over who should be relegated with last-placed Italy.

But at a meeting of the FEI Bureau it was decided that “the governing body has a responsibility to translate its own rules in a sporting fashion and to understand clearly the pressures that are faced by the national federations and athletes as a result of the current economic hardships”.

And as a result, subject to competition organisers’ agreement, both teams should stay up.

But the Italian team now “feels strongly” that even though they finished 10th and last in the Nations Cup, they too should be allowed to compete in next year’s series.

They believe that if a concession is made for two teams, they should be included as a third.

The FEI jumping committee is looking into the matter.

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Swiss show jumper Markus Fuchs has signed on as coach of the Italian team until the 2012 Olympic Games, just one month after bowing out of international competition himself, at the Nations Cup in St Gallen (5 June).

The 54-year-old Swiss rider won team silver at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, the World Cup title in 2001, individual and team silver at the European Championships at Hickstead in 1999 and European team silver in 2005.

Many of his major successes were with Tinka’s Boy, bred by UK show jumper Alison Bradley and previously ridden by Nick Skelton.

Earlier this year Markus told H&H that he hoped to concentrate on breeding and training in retirement.

This week he said Italian show jumping has “big potential”.

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