Ukraine fielded two athletes at the European Showjumping Championships at the San Siro racecourse in Milan, Italy (30 August-3 September). But there has been plenty for these two showjumpers to contend with in recent months.

Against the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, both Alisa Danilova and Oleksandr Prodan received FEI solidarity scholarships to support their training towards competing at a championship, which both riders have achieved.

Oleksandr, 25, was one of four of the nation’s equestrian athletes to receive the FEI solidarity scholarship. He was born in Dnipro and contested several youth championships as a teenager. But his ambition took him overseas, first to the Netherlands and now to the stables of Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels, who has played a vital role in the young Ukrainian rider’s development and who is also in action in Milan this week.

Oleksandr first took centre stage in the global amphitheatre of the Tokyo Olympics and, two years later at the European Showjumping Championships in Milan, he has finished in 69th place with Ludwig and Yasmine Criel’s stallion Moneymaker Van’t Meulenhof (Elvis Ter Putte x Vigo D’Arsouilles).

“The FEI really helped us Ukrainian riders during the worst time for our country,” said Oleksandr. “This is how we started to jump in international shows and we’ve been successful at three- and four-star shows. We continue with that but we’re really happy to compete here as part of the European Showjumping Championships. It’s another level competing with the best horse and rider combinations and we still have a lot to learn, but I think we will come away stronger because of the good experience here. It’s really, really important for us.”

‘After these European Championships, any grand prix will feel OK!’

Alisa Danilova, 28, started competing at the age of 11 in Kyiv and is now based in Belgium.

She said she enjoys watching and learning from the top riders, but she is a big fan in particular of British showjumper Scott Brash. She received the title of the Master of Sport of International Class in Ukraine last year.

Alisa made her championship debut at the Europeans in 2017, finishing 73rd individually. At the European Showjumping Championships in Milan, she completed in 76th with Sergiy Demchenko’s 10-year-old mare Cossinelle (Cascadello x Quebec), who she’s been riding for a year and who she’s stepped up from jumping 1.30m tracks.

“My mare is so young, she’s just 10 and is new to the level,” explained Alisa. “Now she understands and she trusts me, and I know her super well. It was a challenge for sure to feel that we can do this now and I’m really happy with the rounds we had yesterday and today.

“The most difficult part yesterday was that we had to go fast – that’s something we don’t normally do. Then today [day two] was huge! We’re not ready to jump clear rounds here yet, this is still something new. But after this round, any grand prix is going to feel OK!”

Ukraine’s two athletes at the European Showjumping Championships may not be progressing to Sunday’s individual final but they have done themselves and their country very proud.

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Aistis Vitkauskas has been waiting a long time to compete at Badminton Horse Trials, having come close on two previous occasions, and today the Lithuanian rider finally had his chance to start at the five-star event, presented by Mars Equestrian.

“I was first accepted for Badminton 40 years ago, but then the horse was not ready. And 11 years ago we came here, but the horse had travel sickness,” he explains.

His dressage test with the 12-year-old Commander VG didn’t go to plan. This is never the horse’s strongest phase and today he got upset towards the end of the test, with resistance sending the marks plummeting to produce a final score of 48.1.

“It was a bit disappointing – he started well but probably the crowds and my stress level meant it ended a little bit on the edge,” says Aistis of the horse, he co-owns with Mogen and Birgitte Kloeve-Mogensen. “But he is a marvellous cross-country horses so I am looking forward to Sunday.”

Badminton final scores

Aistis produces horses for both eventing and showjumping from his home in Viborg, northern Denmark, where he has lived for 24 years with his wife, dressage rider Helene. Commander VG first came to him as a six-year-old and Aistis says that when it came to the dressage, “He took a long time to get to the business and understand what was going on.

“He’s a very intelligent horse but his problem is not that he gets stressed, but that he gets angry. If he makes a mistake he knows he has made a mistake and then he gets angry, and you can’t just tell him to calm down. With some horses you can give them a little pat but he just gets more angry.”

Aistis may have made Denmark his home, but he is proud to represent Lithuania, and also to show his support for almost-neighbour Ukraine with a pin badge on his jacket. He explains that there was an agreement between riders across the disciplines who represent Lithuania internationally to show their support for Ukraine.

“Also, I know some riders from Ukraine, who can’t compete now, so this is a gesture for them,” he added.

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The Ukraine Equestrian Charity Foundation (UE-CF) is calling for help with feed and rugs as freezing temperatures and blackouts hit the country.

The charity has prepared a five-step action plan to support horse welfare in Ukraine over the winter. It is asking equestrians to renew their “pledge of solidarity with Ukraine and Ukraine’s equestrian community to help survive during the cold and dark winter”.

“The first snow fell in Kyiv, Kharkiv and many other cities and regions. The temperature stays below 0C. Days are getting shorter, sunset is around 4pm. After sunset the cities and towns are draped in darkness,” said UE-CF founder Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk, describing the situation in Kyiv.

“Blackouts are tiring mentally, making everyday normal activities and their planning impossible. The energy crisis directly impacts our operational capacity in Ukraine. Because of constant blackouts we had to postpone the production of the humanitarian compound feed for the Ukrainian equines. There have been delays in logistics and distribution of hay.”

The five-step plan involves distribution of humanitarian aid to regions most affected by the war, with primary focus on hay supplies, and on-demand help with relocation of horses to safer areas, and regions with better supplies. It also includes distribution of rugs and other stabling equipment, providing a free-of-charge all-inclusive shelter for horses relocated from dangerous and deprived regions, and readiness to relocate horses and offer them shelter or stabling in emergency situations.

“In October we distributed more than 200 rugs to four regions in Ukraine,” added Mr Parkhomchuk.

“Another nearly 300 rugs donated to us by the British Equestrians for Ukraine and private donors from Belgium, Germany, France, UK and other countries are already in Lviv being prepared for distribution. And around 1,000 rugs collected by the Equus Caballus Rescue Foundation from Sweden on their way to Ukraine.

“This is a significant help to horses. Nevertheless the demand for hay and feed remains very large and distribution of hay support will remain our primary focus for the forthcoming months.

“We started to outreach the liberated part of the Kherson region to collect information on the number of equines, situation with hay and feed supplies and possibilities to bring humanitarian aid there.”

For more information and to support UE-CF, visit https://helpukrainehorses.eu/en/donate/

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More than 20,000 horses are in the “critical welfare zone” in Ukraine — and their health is worsening, vets in the country have warned.

Restricted medication, stress caused by the war and the need to relocate frequently are all affecting equine welfare in the country, which has been at war with Russia for nearly four months.

An equine veterinary survey in Ukraine showed that the most needed items, after feed and medical supplies, are portable diagnostic equipment and mobile clinica.

The Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation (UEF-CF) contacted almost all practising Ukrainian equine vets to get their views on horses’ welfare in different regions and the needs for vet supplies and equipment.

“Restricted food intake, risk of starvation and colic due to poor feed quality and inappropriate nutrition, wounds, injuries, stress due to war environment, and relocation remain among the most commonly mentioned challenges,” a UEF-CF spokesman said.

“The survey identified four major problems faced by vets, not only related to the lack of medicines and medical equipment, but also to the loss of income for horse owners.”

The spokesman said there is a lack of drugs including painkillers, sedative and antibiotics, and that although sometimes these are available, horse owners cannot afford them.

Vets say they also need portable X-ray, ultrasound, and scoping equipment, and there are no mobile equine hospitals to provide emergency aid to horses in recently liberated areas.

“The most frequently mentioned problem remains the shortage of medicines,” the spokesman said. “With the help of international veterinary organisations, horses in Ukraine receive a lot of help with basic veterinary medicine. Still, this medicine is quickly used due to the poor condition of the horses and the need for help stays sharp. It is also connected with the fact that horse owners are losing their jobs and income. This directly affects horses’ welfare.

“The war continues and every day the situation is getting worse.”

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Only 30 equine vets are available in Ukraine, which is about the same size as France.

“In these critical moments, the lack of medicines and medical equipment for veterinarians is the main challenge for saving the horse’s life,” said Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk, founder of UEF-CF and secretary-general of the Ukrainian equestrian federation.

Many vets are not taking payment from owners who cannot afford to pay them, and Taisia Stadnichenko suggested whether a separate fund to pay vets is “worth thinking about”.

“Thanks to the generous support of international organisations and private persons, the urgently needed basic veterinary supplies are shipped regularly,” the spokesman said.

“But due to the weakening health of horses, these basic supplies are not enough for more serious cases. There are also plans for online workshops and training sessions as well as short-term veterinary missions to Ukraine.

“The war in Ukraine is not over yet. It has been going on for 146 days and the humanitarian crisis deteriorates at alarming speed. The problem is getting worse by the fact that horse owners are losing their jobs and can’t pay for medicine and veterinary services.

“Ukrainian veterinary professionals are very concerned about the horses’ welfare and accessibility of professional veterinary help.”

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Five young vaulters from Ukraine were given the chance to “forget about the war” at least for short periods as they trained for their first international competition.

Polina Shovkova, 14, sisters Katya, 14, and Jenya, 11, Panasenko, Sonia Shulga, 14, and 15-year-old Marta Lopaienko became the first team to represent Ukraine in international vaulting, in a one-star competition in Kaposvár, Hungary, from 20 to 22 May.

The team left their home Poltova and are training in Bratislava, Slovakia, where they have been welcomed by local vaulters and supported by the FEI’s Solidarity fund.

“We didn’t have competitions in Ukraine because we are the first Vaulting team,” Marta said.

“We didn’t feel too comfortable with the horses here in Slovakia at first because they are bigger and have a different rhythm to our horses at home. But now we know the character of each horse.

“We were a bit worried about taking part in our first international competition and it was important for us. But as Katya, our trainer from Ukraine, always says: ‘You have to do this performance just for you’.”

The team is now preparing for an international vaulting competition in Slovakia next month, which they hope will be less traumatic than the route to their first event.

“We knew we would have to leave Poltava about a week before we had to go,” said Marta. “We were on the road for three days. It was a very long journey, because of the traffic jams everywhere. It usually takes us one day to drive to the Slovak border.

“We were not frightened, but we were really sad and tired. And when we crossed the border we all started to cry.”

The girls’ trainer Kateryna (Katya) Andreiva and her 18-month son David, as well as three mothers, also travelled to Slovakia, but other members of their families have stayed in Ukraine.

Katya and Jenya’s mother said: “When you first come from war, you think that it would have been better to stay at home because your mind cannot feel safe.

“It’s harder to be in a safe country because you feel at fault for leaving your family. My mother is in the Kharkiv region and I know that she’s sitting in a bomb shelter while I’m here in Slovakia. But we are mums and everything we do, we do for our children. You don’t think about yourself. You just think about your children.”

The vaulters take part in online lessons at their new local school every morning, then train at a riding school.

“It is good to see that the girls are training really hard,” said Slovak equestrian federation secretary general Zuzana Bačiak Masaryková.

“The community here in the Bratislava area have been extremely generous to the team. The owner of the shop that sells vaulting shoes has given the girls free pairs and other people have provided us with everything they require.

“My aim is to give these girls all that they need to train, so that they can forget about the war, at least for a few hours each day.”

The vaulters and their mothers hope they can return to Poltava after the competition, but also aim to continue their training.

“We are not sure if vaulting is our sport in the long term,” Marta said. “But in 2023, our aim is to take part in the Vaulting World Championship and we’re going to train hard for this.”

You might also be interested in:

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The Russian equestrian federation (FESR) said there is “no evidence of a war in Ukraine” as it made an unsuccessful attempt to void its FEI blackout.

The FEI Tribunal has ruled on the FESR appeal against the cancellation of all FEI events in Russia and Belarus, and the banning of all athletes and officials from both countries from participating in FEI competition. At the time, the FEI said its board “condemns the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces and the support provided by the government of Belarus”, adding that the move was in line with International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommendations.

FESR appealed, claiming the decision was “politically discriminatory on ethnic grounds and contrary to the legal and ethical norms of the FEI rules and regulations”.

In its submissions, FESR claimed the FEI had violated its own statutes.

The FEI had acted under a rule stating that in an “emergency situation”, the FEI board can make decisions that would normally go to the general assembly, but FESR said: “There is no evidence that the alleged invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces constitutes an “emergency basis”.

It added that there was no evidence that horse sport in Ukraine had been shut down or that Ukrainian riders’ lives were at risk, and that there was no FEI shutdown related to other recent conflicts “including between the US and Syria, Israel and Yemen, and Turkey and Cyprus”.

FESR said the ban was discriminatory and that there were no allegations of wrongdoing against itself or any Russian athletes or officials.

“When asked [in the Tribunal hearing] if the FESR would allow an individual athlete who was publicly against the war in Ukraine to compete as an individual athlete, the FESR replied that there was no legal basis for any sanctions, which also applies to an individual’s participation,” the Tribunal report reads. “The FESR also stated: ‘There is no evidence that there is a war in Ukraine.’”

The FEI said its board was satisfied an emergency situation existed, adding: “The circumstances relating to the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces have been widely reported and documented. The invasion met (and still meets) the definition of an emergency situation because it was (and remains) a serious situation or occurrence that happened unexpectedly and required immediate action, even when only viewed in the context of equestrian sport.

“The military action effectively had the effect of shutting down equestrian sport in Ukraine, placing the lives of Ukrainian athletes, officials and horses at risk and severely limiting, if not completely restricting, their ability to compete in FEI events. By adopting the resolution, the FEI board wanted to ensure the fairness and integrity of FEI events.”

It added that the IOC had urged international federations to ban Russians and Belarusians from events, which “reinforced the emergency nature of this situation and could not be ignored”.

No national federations objected within a timeframe set out by the rule in question so, the FEI said, the decision carries the same weight as any made at a general assembly. It added that had Russians been allowed to compete, other riders might have boycotted events, a concern especially for this year’s World Championships. Ukrainian riders may also withdraw, it said, rather than be judged by a Russian. The FEI also wrote to all registered Russian and Belarusian riders and officials.

The Tribunal panel said the conflict, and events such as “cluster bombs landing on an apartment building” are “difficult to ignore”, adding: “These images are real and enough for this panel to state that a reasonable person would conclude that Russian military forces invaded Ukraine and the war is ongoing.”

The panel found the criteria for the FEI’s decision had been met, and that not banning Russian and Belarusian riders and officials would undermine events’ integrity.

“The resolution further prevents the possibility that FEI events are used as a political platform,” the panel said. “FESR suggested the FEI was mixing politics with sport when it adopted this resolution. However, we have actual examples of prominent Russian athletes wearing the symbol Z as a sign of support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This is mixing politics with sport with an enormous megaphone. This panel states that FEI events cannot be used as a political platform.”

The panel dismissed the appeal and ordered FESR to pay 3,000 CHF (£2,485) in costs.

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Lessons with Olympic riders, holidays, and days out are among the lots available in an auction raising funds for Ukraine.

The Ukraine Equestrian Relief organisation was launched by owner of Black Cat Building Consultancy Stephen Barnes, and has had support from individuals and groups in the equestrian industry including commentator Matt Millin, and farriers Mark Caley and Ben Smith. The organisation – which has raised more than £88,000 on its GoFundMe page to date – has also been working with Support for Ukraine Lincolnshire and British Veterinary Professionals for Ukraine to take aid to the Ukrainian border.

Among Ukraine Equestrian Relief’s fundraising efforts, which have included stands at Badminton and Chatsworth horse trials selling raffle tickets, an auction is taking place with “money can’t buy” experiences up for grabs. Lots include lessons with Olympians Laura Collett and Holly Smith, Paralympian Sir Lee Pearson, and top showing producer Vicky Smith. Also available are days out with hunts, a three-night holiday in Spain, VIP tickets to the London leg of the Global Champions Tour, and London International Horse Show tickets. The bidding for each lot lasts 28 days – and more lots are being added daily, with more lessons from other top riders still to come.

Mark Caley, who has been part of the two Ukraine Equestrian Relief convoys taking aid and essential supplies to the Ukrainian border, told H&H the equestrian community has “jumped on board”.

“We’ve all seen the news, and everyone in the country has been hit by what’s going on in Ukraine. This all came about because someone said to one person ‘Do you have a horsebox and is it doing anything?’ We were all headless chickens to start with but it was just that heartfelt feeling of ‘Can we help?’,” said Mark.

“We could be in a similar situation to Ukraine very easily if this got out of control and that’s why we all did it. When you see the orphan children and women who don’t know where their husbands are, we had to do our bit and we’ll continue to do our bit. I think everybody feels the same way and it’s lovely.”

To bid in the online auction visit: www.jumblebee.co.uk/UER or to make a donation to the Ukraine Equestrian Relief fundraising page visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/ukraine-equestrian-relief

International support continues

The FEI Solidarity Relief Fund for Ukraine – a CHF1 million fund (£823,907) set up in February – has announced new initiatives to support equestrian-related schemes across Ukraine, and neighbouring nations taking in Ukrainian horses and athletes. A hub has been created in Granat between Lviv and the Polish border to prepare horses for transit and to distribute critical supplies such as feed and bedding.

Other help includes the FEI and the UEF Charity Foundation financing 80 temporary horseboxes to support the set-up of additional horse hubs in Ukraine, and emergency vet supplies are being packaged into specialised kits and dispatched to strategic locations so vets have what is needed to care for the horses remaining in the country.

“At the onset of the war, the FEI reacted quickly to the situation and set up the Solidarity Fund with the initial outreach aimed at sourcing and funding for immediate and vital supplies as well as evacuation-related procedures, unaware of how long the conflict would endure, and how devastating it would be,” said FEI president Ingmar De Vos.

“The initiatives are a mix of short- to mid-term objectives aimed at keeping individuals and horses safe and well in Ukraine but also long-term future-proofing to ensure the sport is not entirely put on hold and can recover after the war. It has been awe-inspiring to see the global equestrian community come together to support Ukraine and we will continue to do everything in our power to maximise the reach of the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund to help the equestrian community and the horse lovers of Ukraine.”

Four new athlete scholarships have also been announced. The scheme, based on the existing FEI Solidarity athlete scholarship, will support Ukrainian showjumpers Oleksandr Prodan and Anastasia Bondarieva and dressage riders Danylo Konovalov and Diana Borovyk with training and competition-related preparation, with the goal to represent Ukraine at FEI championships in 2022 and 2023.

You might also be interested in:

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The need for more humanitarian and equine aid “grows more desperate” as the war in Ukraine continues.

Four weeks on, the British Equestrians for Ukraine (BEU) group – set up by British Equestrian, the British Horse Society, the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) and World Horse Welfare with the support of member bodies across the industry – continues to raise funds and coordinate supplies to the country.

“The situation in Ukraine continues to be severe, with fighting intensifying in the south and east and the need for humanitarian and equine aid grows more desperate,” said a BEU spokesman.

“Working in collaboration both in the UK and with parties in Europe and Ukraine, BEU has so far helped nine lorries of goods get delivered and assisted with funding for holding facilities and personnel to help with logistics and coordination.”

A BEU spokesman said through collective efforts, donations to the BEU fund, hosted by World Horse Welfare, stand at £164,000 and food forage and bedding in the nine-truck convoy sent to Poland at the end of last month has now been distributed through Ukraine to key locations where its most needed.

“The Ukrainian equestrian federation (UEF) is prioritising relocating equines to holding camps in safe areas over trying to get them across the border into Poland and beyond,” said the spokesman.

“The wait times for paperwork to be checked, even for microchipped horses, is generally 20 to 40 hours on the border. The camps provide housing and support for any horse and any people who travel with them and BEU has been providing logistics and financial help to set up and run the camps.”

The spokesman added that the British Veterinary Professionals for Ukraine (BVPU) has now linked into the BEU fund for monetary assistance to support the need for veterinary supplies, alongside their own fundraising which has raised £44,000 for humanitarian aid. The British Equestrian Veterinary Association Trust has contributed, as has the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

BEVA president-elect and BVPU team member David Rendle will travel to the Polish/Ukrainian border this week to assess the situation and veterinary stands. He is currently coordinating a lorry of donated supplies to leave the UK, and will work with BETA chief executive Claire Williams to ensure the lorry is full of any additional equine, pet and humanitarian supplies.

BETA is also working on a supply source and transport provider for haylage and bedding to Europe so BEU can fund more economical ways to get supplies to Ukraine efficiently. The current requirement is for low-protein, small bale forage and shavings, UEF has reported good stocks of hard feed.

“The situation in Ukraine remains utterly dire but thanks to people’s generosity we are starting to have some impact in getting aid to where it is needed, through donations of supplies and funding. The initial response to the appeal has been amazing and to have legends like Lucinda Green and Carl Hester supporting our collective effort is incredible,” said Roly Owers, World Horse Welfare chief executive.

“However, the stark reality is that the desperate need to support Ukrainian horses and the wider sector will remain for months to come, whatever happens on the ground. So we would implore everyone to continue to donate and to fundraise in support of this much needed initiative.”

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Leading riders such as McLain Ward, Cian O’Connor, Darragh Kenny and more competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival [WEF] are among many showjumpers who have offered lessons to be auctioned off in support of Ukraine. The online auction began today and bids are mounting for the chance to experience what it is like to be trained by the world’s best.

Belgian Equbreeding.auction team and Sébastien Boulanger orchestrated the event and are running it from their platform, waving auction fees. Registration for the auction is also free.

“Although the war in Ukraine might seem far for all of us, it affects every one of us,” said Bram Van Hulle, marketing manager for the auction. “On a global scale we want to show the equestrian community is a great family that takes high value in taking our social responsibility.”

A total of 43 items will be auctioned. Aside from WEF riders there is a chance to learn from Dutch female showjumper, Sanne Thijssen, or Belgium’s number one Jérome Guery, as well as Britain’s John Whitaker. In addition, Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet’s Olympic saddle pad is up for grabs as well as a St Tropez Pirates polo shirt signed by Daniel Deusser.

A lesson with US rider and WEF competitor, Jessica Springsteen, gained traction early and as of the time of writing, the bid is €315 – all items start at €50.

Breeding is also included in the auction with a straw of Quel Homme de Hus also piquing interest in the opening stages of the event.

Earlier this season German dressage rider Frederic Wandres, sported a Ukrainian flag on the back of his jacket and donated his winnings at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival to support Ukraine, with the hope that others would follow suit. “I had hoped they would after the Derby,” he said. “Maybe others have, but I don’t know about them.”

The auction closes on 31 March 1.30pm EST and can be found online at https://equbreeding.auction/auction/

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.

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

The equestrian community has been praised for its “generous and instant kindness” in response to the crisis in Ukraine.

To date thousands of pounds have been raised to help humans and horses in Ukraine, and lorries continue to deliver donations of vital supplies, medical equipment and horse feed.

The Ukrainian equestrian federation said the situation is “exceptionally challenging” and constantly evolving, and thanked everyone for their “patience”, adding that the collaborative efforts from a number of organisations are beginning to have an impact for those who need help.

“We are extremely grateful to the many breeding societies, equestrian federations, and charities including the FEI, the Finnish equestrian federation, British Equestrian, World Horse Welfare and individuals from many countries around the world for their ongoing support to help with a hugely complex operation in what is essentially a war zone,” said a Ukraine equestrian federation spokesman.

Cantie Speid-Soote, the assistant district commissioner of the Cattistock Hunt branch of the Pony Club, and a UK coordinator for the Ukrainian equestrian federation’s charity foundation told H&H the support had been “incredible”.

“The first horses left Ukraine and arrived at the holding hub in Poland on Saturday (19 March) and will soon make their way to other stables in different countries,” she said.

“We now have a large database of offers of help and these are being matched and coordinated with the people asking for help. It’s been a very challenging situation, especially at the hub in Poland where aid is being dropped off. There is a shortage of forklifts making the loading and unloading of pallets from trucks very slow. If anyone can donate a forklift they should get in touch with the federation.”

The Cattistock Hunt branch of the Pony Club is among the various organisations raising funds for horses in Ukraine. The branch has raised more than £5,000 to date, and plans to do more fundraising including a sponsored ride on 14 May, and some junior members plan to take on a “tough mudder” challenge on a bridleway, led by Cantie’s daughter Tabby.

“We have to remember this is going to be a long-term thing. In six months or more these people are still going to need our help so it’s so important we keep fundraising and continue to be there for them,” said Cantie.

A spokesman for the Ukraine equestrian federation told H&H at the moment it urgently needs a pallet lifter, forklifts, and stable equipment including wheelbarrows.

“We also would like to increase the stock of haylage. These are all fairly urgent. We have 280 tonnes of hard feed that arrived yesterday and several more trucks with hard feed are arriving this week at our base at Lesna Wola which will be distributed,” he said.

The British Equestrians for Ukraine fund, set up by British Equestrian, the British Horse Society, the British Equestrian Trade Association and World Horse Welfare, with support from member bodies across the industry, has received more than £100,000 in donations since launching on 9 March. BETA has also coordinated and collected feed and bedding worth around £90,000, which is on its way to Poland and the British Veterinary Professionals for Ukraine fund has raised more than £15,000 in donations as well as physical donations.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said the situation in Ukraine remains “deeply worrying” but it was “encouraging” to see the progress being made in getting supplies through the Ukrainian border.

“This is just the beginning and there is no doubt that this is going to be an ongoing mission. Without the generosity of everyone who has donated to the appeal already, none of this would have been possible. In such concerning times it is so uplifting to see how much support there is for the animals and people of Ukraine. Financial donations will help us most at this stage as we work with trusted partners on the ground,” he said.

The efforts of the showing community, spearheaded by senior showing steward Phil Judge of agricultural transport company Philip Judge International, judge Nigel Oliver, and nanny and maternity nurse Louenna Hood, daughter of showing producer Allister Hood, has continued for the people of Ukraine. An auction on Saturday at The King’s Head in Dillingham raised more than £35,000 with lots including a helicopter ride, a sailing weekend on a 38ft yacht, a day with the Steve Dent stunt team, and a John Deere Gator. To date more than £127,000 has been raised via the Nanny Louenna JustGiving page.

How to help

Donations can be made via a number of channels, including the Nanny Louenna JustGiving page which helps humans, and the British Equestrians for Ukraine Fund, which helps horses.

The Ukraine equestrian federation asks that people do not simply turn up at the Polish/Ukraine border owing to the long lines of lorries and the accreditation paperwork require. Guidance should be followed at www.helpukrainehorses.eu.

Through help from the FEI Solidarity Fund, a stable facility is being set up at Lviv with 40 boxes to house horses in transit as more are evacuated from Ukraine. The federation said it has received “very generous offers” from a number of logistics/horse transport companies all over Europe, but said crossing the border into Ukraine remains complex “for a number of reasons” and the logistics of moving horses is “extremely challenging”.

“Our small team has been inundated with messages, emails and calls and we’re very humbled by the support we’ve had but would ask everyone is patient while we try to keep up with our inbox,” said Michaylo Parkhomchuk, secretary general of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation.

“The actual situation is that we are forced to act during war and in war zone – as Lviv has already been bombed several times, there are no safe zones anymore and there are no guarantees that logistics or any services in Ukraine will work as intended. The ongoing war makes even the simplest things difficult. This will not deter us from the absolute focus to assist as many horses and owners in our country as we possibly can during these dark times.”

The federation said it will issue a weekly update of what has been achieved and what help is needed, with clear instructions and guidance, so aid can be expedited to where it is needed as smoothly as possible.

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The equestrian world is continuing to provide aid for humans and horses in Ukraine, with more organisations and businesses getting involved.

The veterinary profession, equestrian retailers, and a number of different groups in the horse world are collecting donations as supplies continue to be transported to Ukraine.

British Veterinary Professionals for Ukraine, founded by UK vet and second-generation Ukrainian Nina Babchuck, is providing direct support for medics in the country and is calling for donations of medical supplies and financial donations. The group has worked with the Ukrainian Medical Association to establish direct links with human and veterinary surgeons working in the war zone to send supplies where they are needed most. Three ambulances with supplies will leave tomorrow (15 March) to Ukraine, with more deliveries planned.

“People just want to do something tangible. We see horrific scenes on the television every day and when we hear from vets and medics on the ground that they don’t have the supplies they need, what can we do but try and get those supplies to them?,” said Nina.

“We have been collecting physical donations from across the UK and are now establishing ways people can buy medical supplies in the UK that we take out to Ukraine. I am humbled by the support we have been receiving from vets in the UK, but there is so much more that they need out there.”

Rutland-based equine vet Till Hoermann of Hoermann Equine recently completed a 2,500-mile round trip to take vet supplies donated by his practice and other equine vets to Ukraine.

“After listening to an interview with doctors from the Ukrainian Medical Association on Radio 5 live I realised a lot of the mobile veterinary equipment that we use out on the road may be useful for them so I started to make my plan,” he said.

“Through other contacts we know exactly what they want and how to get it there. We have a warehouse just off the A1 that will act as a central collection hub and from there supplies will go into Ukraine via a distribution centre in Poland.”

Medical supplies can be sent to British Veterinary Professionals for Ukraine via Hoermann Equine, and a list of what is needed is on the group’s Facebook page. Financial donations can also be made via the group’s Gofundme page.

Retailer Redpost is working with Craig Harris of Horse Aid UK to arrange transport of essential equine supplies including feed, bedding and first-aid equipment, to Ukraine, with the first lorry leaving tomorrow.

“Our main concern is getting the right feed and equipment out there; it’s vital that we prioritise space with every trip. The situation is changing daily; we can’t predict what will be needed most in the coming weeks and months,” said a Redpost spokesman.

“We’ve set up a fast and easy way to support the crisis. This will help the Ukrainian equestrian community to receive the right resources at the right time.”

Redpost customers can donate via the company’s website and Redpost will match the first £500 of donations. The spokesman said Bicton Arena has also agreed to donate £500 to the appeal, and the funds will be used to send the most needed supplies over the course of several deliveries.

LeMieux is collecting donations, which will go to the British Equestrians for Ukraine appeal, set up last week by British Equestrian, the British Horse Society, British Equestrian Trade Association and World Horse Welfare. Customers can tick a donation box when they check out at www.horsehealth.co.uk and the company will double all donations made via the website.

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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

An auction has raised nearly £12,000 for families in Ukraine – with another auction planned this weekend.

Senior showing steward Phil Judge, of agricultural transport company Philip Judge International, and showing judge Nigel Oliver, were taking essential supplies to Poland this week when the pair decided to host an auction in their lorry on livestream. Among the top lots were Horse of the Year Show puissance night tickets, a day in the masters’ box at Hickstead, and a bottle of Ukrainian vodka, which sold for £1,000.

The money raised will be combined with the efforts of nanny and maternity nurse Louenna Hood, daughter of showing producer Allister Hood, who has been working with Phil to get urgent supplies to families in Ukraine. To date more than £96,500 has been raised through the JustGiving page, and more funds have been pledged.

“People have been phenomenal in their kindness and generosity, particularly the Bunn family [of Hickstead], Sandy Anderson of Grandstand Media, Arena UK, and Martin Wood of Dallamires Stables, to name a few. The equestrian world has properly come together,” Phil told H&H.

“This Sunday afternoon (13 March) we are going to host another online auction, which we are provisionally hoping to do from the King’s Head at Dullingham in Newmarket. We’ve had some more things donated including a John Deere Gator, which Nigel and myself will personally deliver in our famous lorry The Maggie.”

Phil, who is back in the UK preparing for the second lorry to leave next week, said the evening he arrived in Poland 80 babies under 12 months old had been evacuated from Ukraine, and the supplies including blankets and baby milk went “straight to work”.

“The first trip was a success and we are trying to get back out there as fast as we can. We are absolutely horrified by the atrocities taking place. The lowest point was when we were in the cab listening to the radio and heard about the children’s hospital getting bombed,” he said.

“I’m very humbled by how much people have wanted to help and donate. This has been a real team effort and a huge thank you goes out everyone, lots of the equestrian world has been involved. There shouldn’t be a war, we’re in 2022. We’re happy to do all of this – but we’re sad about why we’re doing it. It’s a shocking thing, and I just hope the world unites.”

Donations can be made via Louenna’s JustGiving page, and the auction will take place on Phil’s Facebook page.

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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

Equestrian organisations have come together to launch the British Equestrians for Ukraine appeal, to aid the developing equine crisis in the country.

The appeal has been set up by British Equestrian (BEF), World Horse Welfare, the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) and the British Horse Society, with the support of member bodies across the industry, to help facilitate a supply chain to meet the immediate need for goods on the ground in Ukraine. Money will also be raised to help buy supplies and cover the costs associated with transport.

“This is a dire situation, and alongside the immediate humanitarian crisis, we must do everything we can to prevent the unnecessary suffering of all equines and help those who care for them,” said BEF chief executive Jim Eyre.

“We’re fortunate that our equestrian community is blessed with so many willing to help those in need. However, it’s apparent that careful coordination is required to make sure urgent goods get to those in need through the correct channels. We hope that we can help facilitate that while urgently raising funds for the emergency requirements and beyond. I’d like to thank all those involved in getting the fund and export effort launched, particularly Alec Lochore, Alice Fox-Pitt, Roly Owers, James Hick and Claire Williams.”

Financial contributions can be made to the appeal via the British Equestrians for Ukraine fund on the World Horse Welfare website. Donations will allow the group to work with trusted local partners including the Ukraine and Polish federations and recognised charities to provide emergency support. UK taxpayers can sign up to Gift Aid, which means the fund will receive an extra 25p from every £1 donated, at no extra cost.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine is “utterly heartbreaking”, adding there has been “such a desire” from across Britain to help Ukraine’s horses and those who own or care for them.

“This fund aims to do just that and, along with the BHS, we have donated to the appeal, and would encourage others to do the same,” he said.

“Without doubt there will be huge challenges to effectively target funds where they are most needed, so we will strive to work through a network of trusted local partners in what is clearly such an unsettled and rapidly evolving situation.”

A spokesman for the group for the appeal said it is also working with leading equestrian brands and BETA members to coordinate offers of the urgently required goods and then matching them with planned haulage trips to the Polish logistics hub established by the Ukrainian and Polish equestrian federations.

“This way we can ensure lorries are leaving British shores full, with the right supplies and correct exportation documentation to expedite the goods getting into Poland and on to Ukraine,” he said.

BETA executive director Claire Williams said what had been achieved in such a short time showed what can be done by working together.

“Shipments of hay and bedding are already on their way, but the logistics due to Brexit are challenging,” she said. “Feed companies with distributors and stock on the continent are stepping up to assist while others who are experienced exporters are committing supplies to be sent over either through shared loads or direct with their usual hauliers. Other companies who are not in a position to send products have also pledged cash donations to the new fund.”

Financial donations can be made at:

Equine: British Equestrians for Ukraine Fund

Humanitarian: Disasters Emergency Committee

Companies can donate small packaged haylage/forage, hard feed, and shavings in packs weighing less than 20kg and should contact info@beta-uk.org, which can help with the logistics. Any product supplied needs to be accompanied by export documentation and should not require export health certificates.

In the veterinary world, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) said the organisation is “determined” to offer as much help and support as it can to Ukrainian veterinary colleagues who are fleeing the criss and seeking refuge in the UK.

“Our financial support scheme for refugees that we launched in 2020 and expanded last October is therefore immediately available for Ukrainian veterinary surgeons with refugee status, but holding non-recognised qualifications, who are looking for the chance to rebuild their lives and professional careers in the UK,” said an RCVS spokesman.

The scheme enables UK-based vets with refused status to take the RCVS statutory examination for membership for free, provides financial support for travel and accommodation to help them attend exams and free access to RCVS library resources, and provides free membership to associations including the British Equine Veterinary Association.

The RCVS has also made enquiries with the Ukrainian Institute and Federation of Veterinarians of Europe as to whether coordinated efforts are being planned to provide veterinary support for animals that are being brought across the Ukrainian border into neighbouring EU countries, and will publish further details if and when these become available.

Equestrian retailer Foster Equestrian Ltd has announced it will donate all proceeds from purchases of Flex-On composite magnetic inserts. 50% will go to the Red Cross, and 50% to the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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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

A foundation has been created to help the horses in Ukraine, as thousands of pounds are raised by the equestrian community.

The Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation, which works with the FEI and national federations, is collating offers of help and donations to horse owners and stables in Ukraine, as well as trying to help get horses out of the country, where possible. The foundation says there are more than 100,000 horses in Ukraine, many of whom are unable to seek safety, and have no shelter and care.

The foundation is receiving help from across Europe and has representatives in different countries coordinating the offers of help and donations. Cantie Speid-Soote, assistant district commissioner of the Cattistock branch of the Pony Club, is a UK coordinator for the foundation and through a contact in Poland has organised a lorry to take feed, haylage and shavings to the drop-off point in Ukraine, thanks to more than £5,000 donated by UK supporters in 48 hours. The foundation has two additional lorries taking donations tomorrow (8 March) and Wednesday (9 March).

“I saw what was happening and just thought, imagine what it would be like if that was us. I would like to think that somebody was out there trying to do something,” Cantie told H&H.

“I hugely appreciate the need for human help, but it’s not the horses’ fault. They didn’t ask to be left in a war zone and it’s so heartbreaking. One stud farm in Kyiv had its feed stores bombed three days ago. We’re doing our best to help, but some places we can’t get into.”

People can help by buying feed, haylage and shavings direct from Polish merchants via the foundation’s website, which will be delivered to drop-off points in Ukraine and distributed. A bank account is also being set up for those who wish to make cash donations. The bank details will appear on the foundation’s website when this is ready.

Country Haylage and Sidhill Transport have been liaising with the foundation and are sending out three articulated lorries next week with supplies. The companies have set up a Crowdfunding page for donations, which to date has raised more than £7,000, and will be used to fund the transport.

Ross Giles, who runs Country Haylage with George Baker, told H&H the more money that is raised, the more lorries will be sent out. Visit the JustGiving page.

Last week the FEI approved the allocation of a “Solidarity relief fund” of one million Swiss francs (£812,487) for the equestrian community of Ukraine. The FEI said it was “liaising closely” with the Ukrainian equestrian federation and neighbouring countries to facilitate and coordinate logistical support.

Other companies and organisations involved in sending donations include Spillers, the British Hanoverian Society, and charitable foundation Worldwide Vets. Dressage trainer Pammy Hutton and British Horse Society Fellow Tim Downes are hosting a career pathway webinar this evening (7 March), with all ticket proceeds going to the Ukraine equestrian Federation.

Some individuals are choosing to fill their lorries with supplies and take them to Ukraine, but Cantie warned drivers there is import tax and paperwork to consider and not all items are acceptable. Anyone who chooses to do this should only do so via the Ukrainian equestrian federation for full guidance.

“The generosity of people has been phenomenal. I can see people are desperate to help but I don’t want them to collect donations in a lorry and spend money, for things not to get there,” she said.

Visit www.helpukrainehorses.eu to make a donation.

Helping humans too

The equestrian community has also come together to help Ukrainian families. Louenna Hood, daughter of showing producer Allister Hood, is working with senior showing steward Phil Judge, of agricultural transport company Philip Judge International, to send two lorries of essential supplies donated by the public to Poland. The first lorry is on its way and will be met by 50 volunteers who will distribute the items. More than £47,000 has also been raised via a JustGiving page which will be used to help families. Visit the JustGiving page.

The Kimblewick hunt kennels in Buckinghamshire have been opened as a drop-off hub for donations, which will be delivered to the Aid Ukraine depot, set up by the Ukrainian embassy.

“It feels a tiny thing to do in light of the desperate situation, but we have a strong community around Kimblewick and everyone wants to help,” said hunt spokesman Eleasha Sallis.

The kennels are open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 2pm on Sundays.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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.

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

Russian and Belarusian riders, horses and officials will be banned from taking part in international equestrian competitions – including under a neutral flag.

The FEI board decision comes as a result of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, and the ban will start from midnight (central European time) on Sunday (6 March). The news follows the decision on Monday (28 February) to remove all international events in Russia and Belarus from the FEI calendar.

“It is regrettable that the FEI has needed to take such severe measures, but we need to ensure the safety, integrity and fairness of FEI competitions during these difficult times,” FEI president Ingmar De Vos said.

“We sincerely hope that a peaceful solution can be found as soon as possible.”

The FEI board has condemned the invasion of Ukraine and the support provided by the government of Belarus.

The ban is in place “until further notice” and also excludes the possibility of Russian and Belarusian athletes, horses and officials participating in FEI events under the FEI flag and/or in a neutral capacity.

“The prohibition comes into effect as of midnight CET on Sunday, 6 March 2022 so FEI events already in progress, or about to start, are not unduly disrupted,” said an FEI spokesman.

“The resolution also prohibits, with immediate effect, the display of Russian and Belarusian flags, or their anthems played at, or in connection with, any FEI events.”

‘We must all take our place’

On Monday, the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) executive board recommended that international sports federations and sports event organisers do not allow Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials to participate in international competitions. The final decision was left to the international federation for each sport.

The IOC also maintained its “urgent recommendation”, from 25 February, not to hold any sports events in Russia or Belarus.

On Sunday (27 February), British Equestrian (BEF) chairman Malcolm Wharton wrote on behalf of the federation, its member bodies and the British equestrian community to FEI president Ingmar de Vos.

A statement from the BEF said the letter was in unreserved condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and “offered support for any sanctions the FEI might impose on Russia, and Belarus, for their part in this immoral conflict”.

On Tuesday, after hearing of the FEI’s decision to remove all international equestrian events in Russia and Belarus, Mr Wharton added: “While our part in the global condemnation of the actions of Russia and Belarus is relatively small, we must all take our place and be counted.

“Sport has a powerful role in society and with bodies like the IOC, FIFA and UEFA taking action, so must we and we stand with the FEI in their decision.

“‘We offer our support to the national federation of Ukraine and the wider equestrian community in these challenging times and pray for their safety.”

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

FEI acts to support Ukraine, and other things the horse world is talking about today

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.

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

The FEI has approved a “Solidarity relief fund” for the equestrian community in Ukraine – as international equestrian sport is cancelled in Belarus and Russia.

Yesterday (28 February) the FEI executive board met to “unanimously condemn” the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces and “agree on the ramifications” for equestrian sport in Russia and Belarus. As a result, all international equestrian events scheduled in the two countries have been removed from the 2022 FEI calendar.

The FEI meeting follows a statement from the International Olympic Committee executive board on 25 February urging all international sports federations to relocate or cancel their sports events currently planned in Belarus and Russia.

“In addition to removing all the events from Russia and Belarus, the FEI executive board also unanimously agreed to freeze all Solidarity and development activities and to cancel or relocate, where possible, courses for officials scheduled to be held in Russia and Belarus in 2022,” said the spokesman, adding that a request had been made to the FEI board from the executive board to address the IOC’s recommendation to prohibit the participation of all Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials.

“The FEI will continue to monitor the situation and decisions taken by the FEI board will be communicated in the coming days.”

During the meeting the FEI executive board approved the allocation of a one million Swiss francs (£812,487) “Solidarity relief fund” for the equestrian community of Ukraine. In addition the FEI is “liaising closely” with the Ukrainian equestrian federation and neighbouring countries to facilities and coordinate logistical support.

“We are deeply concerned for the welfare of all Ukrainians and the entire equestrian community in Ukraine,” said Ingmar De Vos, FEI president and chair of the FEI Solidarity committee.

“Their safety is very much our priority, and we are liaising closely with our key contacts in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to seek solutions to their most pressing needs.

“Sport is a network which relies and thrives on team spirit and camaraderie and it is through these important friendships that we can offer support and make a difference to the people of Ukraine in these challenging times.”

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An international showjumper who used hind boots with “sharp spikes” on a horse in a “clear case of abuse” has been banned for a year, in the first case of its kind.

Ukrainian rider Andre Schröder was competing 13-year-old gelding Allegro at the CSI* in Samorin, Slovakia (6–9 May). Before the grand prix, hind boot control was performed on all horses. When the rider’s groom handed Allegro’s left boot to the assistant chief steward, it was found to have sharp pressure points on the inside. The right boot had the same points.

Schröder was told the boots were prohibited, and may cause an abuse of horse offence owing to the “dangerous” pressure points, which would cause “excessive pain” and discomfort. The steward said Schröder argued that the boots were “OK”, and he had been allowed to jump in the ranking class using them. He claimed he had bought the boots with the points inside.

The chief steward said the boots contained sharp objects, which caused pain to his finger when he pushed on them. When he spoke to Schroder, the rider’s reaction was “very clear” that the boots were “a normal type of hind boots which he used in many competitions”.

Photographs showed 11 sharp pressure points, which would sit on the cannon bone, and if the horse hit a pole the points would cause excessive pain and discomfort.

The boots were investigated by the president of the ground jury, who confirmed there were holes on the inside of the boots and in each of the holes were “sharp spikes”.

The boots were returned to Schröder’s groom, following which Schröder claimed they were not his; he had found them on the way to the warm-up arena and used them “just to protect his horse”. Following his jumping round, according to the chief steward, Schröder stated the horse didn’t need the boots as he had “jumped well”.

Schröder was given a yellow warning card for abuse of the horse and on 8 June FEI disciplinary proceedings were opened against him. He replied to the FEI on 17 June and said when he got on Allegro that day, boots had not yet been put on. He asked his grooms to get boots and put them on – but said he did not look at the boots.

The FEI told the Tribunal that by using the boots Schröder engaged in abuse of the horse, an abusive training method that caused fear, and used the horse’s equipment to inflict pain and discomfort. It was claimed the location of the sharp points were “not coincidental” and horses’ distal limbs are particularly sensitive owing to the lack of soft tissue coverage.

An expert witness statement from FEI veterinary manager Gonçalo Paixão further explained limb sensitivity and said trauma of the skin and tissues will trigger an inflammatory response and acute pain.

The FEI added that to avoid pain caused by the boots, the horse will “over-jump”. The use of such boots presents an abusive method to make horses jump higher and more carefully with the intention of competitive advantage, and the “sole purpose” is to inflict pain on a horse in an attempt to force it to perform “abnormally”.

The FEI noted Schröder’s intentional use of the boots by his comment to the chief steward that his horse “doesn’t need these boots, he jumped well”, indicating he knew fully what effect the boots would have, and had Allegro knocked jumps down, he would have “needed” them to improve his performance.

On the day Schröder claimed to officials “with no remorse” he had used the boots many times. It was clear to the FEI the abuse was a recurring event that should be considered as an aggravating circumstance.

To determine sanctioning, the FEI reviewed previous case law regarding horse abuse, but confirmed Schröder’s case was the first case of abuse carried out with abusive hind boots.

In a decision issued on 29 September, the FEI Tribunal agreed it was Schröder’s decision to use the boots, but it was unclear how often he had used them. The Tribunal also agreed that Schröder’s claims he had never seen the boots, or did not know which ones the grooms put on, were false.

The ground jury was “applauded” for prompt sanctioning at the competition, but the Tribunal wanted to highlight that “additional appropriate action” could have taken place at the time. The Tribunal considers it “regrettable” the matter was not dealt with more severely on the ground, taking into account the seriousness of the violation and the sanctions available.

As well as issuing warnings and yellow cards, the ground jury may impose a fine of up to 2,000 Swiss francs (£1,588) and eliminate or disqualify a rider and/or horse.

The Tribunal said Schröder gave various, inconsistent explanations during the competition – and in his response of 17 June, which included a reference to personal difficulties with his partner which the Tribunal said were “irrelevant” and “no excuse”.

“The Tribunal considers the respondent’s behaviour amounts to an act of clear abuse of horse as well as the maltreatment of horses. Such behaviour also amounts to the most severe offences that can be committed in the context of equestrian sport. The Tribunal deems the respondent’s actions were deliberate as it was confirmed by the respondent the boots needed to be either purchased or home-made in advance,” read the decision.

“The respondent confirmed to officials, with no remorse, that he had used the boots already many times before in competition. Taking into account the respondent is an experienced rider who has been participating in the most high-profile competitions, he should be a role model and ensure compliance with the rules.”

The Tribunal suspended Schröder for 12 months, based on evidence and the mitigating circumstances; he had no disciplinary history and it was unclear how much he had used the boots. His results from the competition were disqualified, he was fined 5,000 Swiss francs (£3,971) and must pay 2,000 Swiss francs (£1,588) costs. He can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 21 days of the Tribunal’s decision.

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Irish hopes of sending a showjumping team to the Rio Olympics at the 11th hour have been raised following allegations that billionaire rider Oleksandr Onyshchenko (pictured), who bankrolls the Ukraine squad, has committed crimes against the state.

Ukraine anti-corruption department agency NABU alleges he was ringleader of a group which “re-sold” $120million worth of Ukraine-produced gas through a network of fictitious companies. He has denied the allegations.

In the latest twist, yesterday (Tuesday 5 July) the Ukraine parliament voted to waive his immunity from prosecution, to which Onyshchenko argued he was entitled as a parliamentary deputy (the equivalent of a British MP).

Today (Wednesday 6 July) Ihor Zhdanov, Ukraine’s Minister for Youth and Sport, posted on his official Facebook page that he will not sign any “order of inclusion” permitting Onyshchenko to represent Ukraine at the Rio Olympics.

“For me there can be no debate,” wrote Mr Zhdanov. “I cannot imagine a person who is under investigation of suspicion for corruption representing Ukraine at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.”

If Ukraine drops out, Ireland is first in line to take up the space. Ireland missed out on direct qualification for Rio at the 2015 European Championships (see links below).

Story continued below…

Read about Ireland’s qualification journey:

‘I tried everything possible’: no Rio Olympics place for Ireland’s showjumpers

Ireland to take Rio qualification dispute to highest level

Aachen Europeans showjumping: Britain qualifies for Rio 2016 amid Irish controversy *VIDEO*

Onyshchenko made his fortune in public utilities following the break-up of the Soviet Union. He worked within FEI rules to recruit foreign nationals to create a competitive Ukraine team, and has purchased many established grand prix horses. Ukraine finished fourth in the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen.

Despite the allegations, Onyshchenko was still included in Ukraine’s nominated entries list on Monday 18 June.

Ukraine has enough listed riders to form an Olympic team in Rio without him. They are Ullrich Kirkhoff (who won the 1996 Olympic individual gold for Germany), Rene Tebbel (also formerly of Germany), Alisa Danilova, Ferenc Szentirmai (ex-Hungary) and Cassio Rivetti (ex-Brazil).

However, their participation might be in doubt if state prosecutors freeze Onyshchenko’s assets. All 13 Ukraine horses entered for Rio are listed on the FEI database as being wholly or part-owned by Onyshchenko, while stabled outside Ukraine with their regular riders.

Other top riders previously recruited to ride for Ukraine include Gregory Wathelet (Belgium) and Katherina Offell (Germany), although neither do so currently.

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After 10 years of competing for the Ukraine, showjumper Katharina Offel will be returning to her roots and representing Germany in future.

Since 2005 Katharina has competed at three European Championships, three World Equestrian Games and two Olympics for the Ukraine. The country has also qualified for Rio 2016.

“I have decided to stop the co-operation for good and will no longer be at the team’s disposal,” she said.

“As a natural development I will return to represent Germany from 1 January 2016. This is a choice I feel very happy and relieved to finally have taken. I have already spoken with the German Federation and Bundestrainer Otto Becker about my decision.”

Owner Alexander Onischenko’s horses — Air Chin Z, Zipper and Quebracho Semilly — all returned to his stable Gut Einhaus, Germany on 11 September.

“The current plan for Charlie — who I have had since he was a six-year-old — is that he stays with me until he has been sold,” she said.

She added that now she runs her own stable she has more freedom.

“I believe my decision to leave the Ukrainian team will allow me to focus on what I love doing; developing young and talented horses for the top level of the sport — working with a long term perspective for each horse and owner in the stable. Also, it will allow me to spend more time on training talented younger riders,” she said.

“My decision will of course affect my sports career. A temporary step down from the highest level of the sport is a natural consequence of the situation I find myself in. I still believe I will be able to return even stronger than before with a more diverse group of supporters and owners.

“I do have a small group of very talented horses that I keep on aiming for the higher level of the sport; Umeunig Z, Sky FIy SB and Vita 24. I am also lucky to have some promising youngsters in the stable, with the 7-year-old Con Air Z as my big hope for the future.”

Katharina was born in Germany and spent her youth working as a groom for Alexander Moksel in Buchloe — where Ludger Beerbaum, Markus Beerbaum and Ralf Schneider were all based.

She rode her first German Championship on Stroke of Luck and started to work for Robert Schiffelholz in 1996. She won the Germany Championship in 2004 however, she realised she would not get the opportunities she wanted in Germany so started competing for Ukraine in 2005.

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Belgian and Ukrainian Olympic show jumper Jean-Claude Van Geenberghe, 46, died suddenly on Saturday 9 May while competing at an event in the Ukraine.

A German newspaper has reported that Mr Van Geenburge collapsed during the prize giving having won a class. An aneurism is suspected.

Mr Van Geenberghe, who won the Belgian national championship three times, was well known and respected on the international jumping circuit.

He won the Aachen Grand Prix in 1987 and 1995 and was placed 16th individually at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, where he rode for Belgium.

He changed nationality after marrying an Ukrainian and competed for Ukraine at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, coming 10th individually.

Mr Van Geenberghe was also involved in Zilveren Spoor equestrian centre in Moorsele, Belgium, which hosts several international events annually.

International Equestrian Federation director of jumping John Roche said: “Jean-Claude’s untimely death comes as a tremendous shock to all of us and creates a huge void in the equestrian world.

“He was a great horsemen whose involvement, passion and dedication to the sport will be greatly missed. We all admired his talent and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”

His funeral will take place on 19 May in Moorsele.

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