The FEI is working on creating an ethical training framework for horses in all disciplines, with the goal of defining ethical training principles and identifying acceptable practices supported by science and expert consensus. The Equine Advisory Welfare Group is overseeing this project and working with an expert consultative group to ensure collaboration and understanding among all parties involved. The focus areas of the action plan also include fitness to compete, standardization of trot-up surfaces, and reviewing the equine prohibited substances list to align with advancements in medicine.

The FEI is also working on developing a framework to assess and evaluate equine welfare, with ongoing projects to define how the five domains horse welfare model is relevant to each discipline. The roll-out of the protocol for inspection of oral lesions is expected in late 2025 or early 2026, with a focus on engaging athletes, grooms, and stakeholders closely for successful implementation. Updates on the progress of these actions will be shared at the general assembly, with a strong emphasis on ensuring the benefits of modern techniques without any adverse effects on horse welfare.

FEI veterinary director Göran Åkerström emphasized the importance of involving riders, grooms, and stakeholders closely in these projects to ensure their success for the sake of the horses and social license. The FEI is working towards creating a globally applicable framework for ethical training methods, with a goal of delivering this framework before the 2025 general assembly in November. The focus areas of the action plan also include fitness to compete, standardization of trot-up surfaces, and reviewing the equine prohibited substances list to align with advancements in medicine.