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Emirates Equestrian Federation lifts temporary ban from rides

Dubai - At least five trainers who were overseeing the horses and riders have been banned, while the grooms of the five horses had forfeited their licences.

The Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF) has announced the lifting of the temporary ban on endurance rides in the UAE starting today.
Mohammed Al Kamali, Chairman of the Executive Board of the EEF reiterated that the executive board has taken stock of the situation and found the conditions favourable to re-start the endurance rides with immediate effect.
Last week, the EEF had handed out a temporary ban valid till Feb.11 on all activities related to horse endurance based on short-comings noted during the UAE Youth Endurance Ride (120 kms) held on Jan. 30. As many as 55 horses had participated in this ride, and five riders and their mounts were eliminated after some offences had been discovered.
At least five trainers who were overseeing the horses and riders have been banned, while the grooms of the five horses had forfeited their licences. Each of the five stables involved in the violations had also been slapped with fines of $100,000 (Dhs 365,000) each.
After imposing the ban, the EEF conducted its own internal enquiry to ensure the sport does not come into further disrepute in the eyes on the world. "We will never compromise on the safety of the horses or the riders, and compliance with all rules and regulations is of utmost importance to the integrity of our sport. We owe it to the future generations that our remains authentic and welfare of the sport," Mohammed Al Kamali said at the conclusion of a meeting late on Wednesday.
"We have closely monitored the situation with the riders, horses and various stables and we are satisfied that everything is now in order to ensure the rides can be re-started with immediate effect," he added.
Mohammed Al Kamali debunked rumours coming from some quarters that FEI, the world governing body for the sport had imposed a ban on the EEF. "This is an internal matter and the decision to ban came from us. What we have done is kept the FEI informed about what is happening," he said.
The Chairman of the EEF Executive Board also announced the formation of two jurisdiction committees to deal with situations arising in the future. The Disciplinary Committee will be looked after by Jamal Al Sumaithi, while the Appeals Committee will be headed by Mohammed Saeed Al Kimda.
Both committees have been given a free hand to operate and implement the rules and regulations laid down by the EEF.
The Executive Board has also officially appointed Dr Ali Al Tuwaisi as head of the Veterinary Services at the EEF with immediate effect.
"We are committed to our sport. We are here to safeguard and secure the future of all horse racing activities, including endurance riders, showjumping and dressage. We have laid the marker and now it is time for the fraternity to respond," Taleb Al Muhairi, Secretary General of the EEF noted.