Horse welfare and qualifications for Los Angeles 2028 the focus of the FEI Sport Forum 2025

At the start of the FEI Sport Forum 2025 in Lausanne, FEI President Ingmar De Vos welcomed around 300 participants on site as well as a global online audience. The first day focused on the welfare of horses and the qualification pathways for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In his opening speech, De Vos emphasized the responsibility in dealing with horses and stressed that their welfare must always come first - even before sporting performance.

A key outcome of the day was the introduction of the new FEI Equine Welfare Advisory Group, which was announced during the third session of the Forum. The group, consisting of leading international experts, will be chaired by FEI Deputy President Jenny Hall. According to FEI Veterinary Director Göran Åkerström, the initiative aims to promote a constructive and responsible approach to horses in elite sport.

Professor Madeleine Campbell emphasized that the use of horses in sport is ethically justifiable, provided that clear principles are observed - including minimizing negative influences, maximizing positive aspects and complying with all applicable regulations.

There was also intensive discussion in the dressage section: Lise Berg from the University of Copenhagen called for a fact-based and open discussion of current issues and emphasized the importance of a scientifically sound dialogue across disciplinary boundaries.