In being a first, next year’s 33rd Olympic Games in Paris will recognise all Thoroughbreds competing in the Equestrian disciplines of dressage, show jumping and eventing.
Now recognised in the starting lists and results, all retired Thoroughbred racehorses competing were listed only as ‘breeding unknown’ in past Olympic Games and competitions.
In fact, the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation (EMHF), the World Breeding Federation for Sports Horses (WBFSH), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the International Stud Book Committee (ISBC) have agreed for all FEI competitions.
Previously only member stud books of the WBFSH have historically been credited, and the WBFSH only has members that specifically breed horses for the Olympic disciplines.
Dr Paull Khan, Sec-General of the EMHF expressed that “much effort is made around the world to encourage the owners of retired racehorses to explore second careers for them.”
“This furthers that Thoroughbreds do compete with distinction in other equestrian disciples and prompt more owners to consider this retirement option for their racehorses.”
Nadine Brandtner, Gen-Manager of WBFSH added “the WBFSH recognises the extensive influence the Thoroughbred has had on sport horse breeding and development.”
“And undoubtedly the Thoroughbred deserves recognition to encourage second careers for retired Thoroughbreds is a vital effort to maintain the social license to operate.’
“We believe that it is the entire equine sector that must stand together to face this challenge, and so it is natural that the WBFSH would support this.”
The FEI’s Director of Governance and Institutional Affairs, Francisco Lima, also confirmed that this development carries the full support of the Federation Equestre Internationale.
In fact, Simon Cooper, the Vice-Chair of the ISBC, said “the International Stud Book is delighted that Thoroughbreds will be recognised for their success in equestrian sports.”
“Thoroughbreds have consistently shown that their athleticism, attitude and adaptability so often make for a successful second career in equestrian sports off-the-track.”
“The ISBC’s 68 Approved Thoroughbred Stud Books will support IFAR, WBFSH and FEI in promoting post-racing opportunities and ensuring recognition for Thoroughbreds.”
Today, the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation (EMHF) represents the governing bodies for Thoroughbred horseracing in 26 countries world-wide.
In developing relations among European and Mediterranean Horseracing Authorities, it fosters racing administration throughout the region and to represent Europe and the Mediterranean before the IFHA and European Union bodies.
The World Breeding Federation for Sports Horses (WBFSH) is the international umbrella organisation representing sport horse studbooks that breed horses for the Olympics.
In Leading Breeding into the Future, it strives to stimulate sport horse breeding and development worldwide, with around 85 studbook members in 35 countries with some 150.000 breeders.
