The FEI has tackled the national federations concerned “as a matter of urgency” after a video involving the amputation of the lower limb of a third endurance horse emerged from the Middle East.
In the latest video, a grey is seen standing on three legs, without its near fore below the knee. The limb has been removed in a desert, non-clinical situation. At the end, the removed limb is shown to camera. On the same post there is a still image of the horse after breaking its leg, being supported in a hoist at the roadside.
The practice has already been condemned by World Horse Welfare.
The FEI first intended to address the issue at a forum, but fast-tracked action after seeing the latest video.
A FEI spokesman said: “Amputated horses are at considerable risk of long-term complications. We are taking this matter extremely seriously, and we are addressing this with the relevant national federations as a matter of urgency.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“As previously stated, all member federations are bound by the FEI statutes and agree to abide by the FEI rules and regulations, which specifically includes the code of conduct for the welfare of the horse.”
Swedish dressage star Patrik Kittel is among many posting their abhorrence on Facebook, after reading the H&H story.
Kittel wrote: “It’s among the worst things I’ve ever seen.”
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
Formerly Horse & Hound’s first female deputy editor, Pippa is an award-winning journalist who has actively campaigned to raise awareness of the welfare concerns within the sport of endurance in order to drive change. During her 21 years on the H&H staff rota, Pippa sub-edited every sector of the magazine before being promoted to assistant editor and then deputy editor. She was also an active reporter, covering Olympic Games, European championships and the last stand-alone world eventing championship, at Gawler, South Australia, in 1986, prior to the introduction of the World Equestrian Games.
