At the first meeting of the International Horse Sports Confederation, the Fédération Equestre Internationale and the International Federation Of Horse Racing authorities confirmed that they share the same core values of protecting horse welfare and discussed in detail the different models under which both organizations operate.

The two organizations came to the conclusion that there are many commonalities and opportunities for further cooperation. Although there are operational differences due to regulatory requirements of our sports, both organizations are united by the horse and a shared philosophy.

The FEI and the IFHA have joined forces with the creation of the IHSC and agreed on the priority to work together in the following fields:

• The continued commitment to fight against doping and any abuse of horses;
• Cooperation with the World Organization For Animal Health to facilitate the international movement of horses through the adoption of the concept of the “High Health High Performance Horse;”
• Assist the industry by surveillance of and reporting of diseases;
• Create a fund for joint initiatives to support the horse sports industry.

Further to recent allegations in the United States raised by People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals and reported on March 20, the IHSC strongly declares that animal cruelty has no place in its sports and urges the United States authorities, who are investigating these allegations, to leave no stone unturned.

Moreover, the IHSC calls on PETA to immediately and as a matter of urgency share with the relevant regulatory bodies all the materials they may still hold with regard to horse welfare in order to allow them to undertake the necessary actions.

Working groups were established to deal with the issues listed above. Princess Haya Al Hussein, president of the FEI, was appointed as the president of the IHSC. Louis Romanet, chairman of the IFHA, was appointed as the vice-president.