"Our entire team works hard throughout the year to provide the best possible welcome for the athletes, first and foremost the horses, at each of our events."
Sylvie ROBERT, President of GL events Equestrian Sport
THE ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE
Continuing the approach taken by its teams, as well as by players in the equine industry in France for several years and with a view to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, GL events Equestrian Sport, created in December 2023, with the support of the French Equestrian Federation, an Animal Welfare Committee. Made up of specialists who embody the values of respect and well-being for the horse on a daily basis, and with complementary skills, its mission is to pursue the development of actions in favor of animal well-being at events delivered by GL events Equestrian Sport.
Meeting several times since its creation, the Animal Welfare Committee has reviewed the 46 recommendations put forward by the "Animal Condition" study group, chaired by Loïc Dombreval, in order to identify how they are taken into account in the regulations of the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), and to propose avenues for improvement.
"Through the Commission, we aim to adopt this control to drive change and shine the spotlight on our number one stakeholder: the horse."
Ingmar DE VOS, FEI President
"At all levels, stewards are dedicated to compliance with the FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse, to safety and to the smooth running of all areas ."
César HIRSCH, FEI Chief Steward
By Richard CORDE, Horse Welfare Coordinator at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres.
"The creation of this role within international competitions governed by the FEI was the initiative of veterinary doctor Thierry Grisard, Chairman of the FEI Veterinary Commission, and Sylvie Robert, President of GL events Equestrian Sport, in parallel with the creation of the Animal Welfare Committee. At the beginning of 2024, this project was validated by the FEI, which thus commissioned me to reinforce the teams of stewards, judges and veterinarians present at major international competitions.
In concrete terms, I will ensure the smoothest possible link between all the existing officials. I support them in monitoring the horse's welfare. It is not a revolution, since the rules have been in place for a long time, but the Horse Welfare Coordinator reinforces communication between all the officials, making it easier to monitor and make quick decisions. If anyone witnesses an incorrect attitude, they can also call on me at any time. My role is also to facilitate dialogue with riders and grooms. I'm also available to anyone on the trackside to explain and discuss the subject of good behavior.
"The rule number 1 is to satisfy the horse!"
Geoffroy DE THOISY, Sports Coordinator
→ Presence of Richard CORDE, Horse Welfare Coordinator at Le Printemps des Sports Équestres.
→ Improved management of arrivals to best meet the health protocol and optimize horse comfort.
→ Systematic individual control of the sanitary protocol, with verification of the booklets of horses present on site.
→ Provision of areas for horses to walk, graze and run free.
→ Veterinarians, farriers and horse ambulance on site.
→ Random check of equipment by paddock steward.
→ Cleaning and sanitation of stalls.
→ Permanent access to clean water.
→ Boxes of at least 9m2 for all facilities, isolated boxes provided for whole horses.
THE EQUURES LABEL
The EquuRES label is the first national approach to environmental quality and equine well-being specifically developed for the equine industry. It applies to all French equine establishments, whatever their size or activity.
The Label's 10 action themes enable professionals to embark on a global approach to continuous improvement. The EquuRES label offers concrete solutions to issues such as energy savings, flow management, protection of resources and biodiversity, preservation of soil, water and air quality, and ensuring good animal health and welfare.
Three levels of certification enable companies to progressively climb the ladder, as part of a continuous improvement process.
IN CONCRETE TERMS AT LE PRINTEMPS DES SPORTS ÉQUESTRES
Here are a few concrete examples, classified according to the EquuRES label assessment criteria, of actions implemented by GL events Equestrian Sport and its employees to improve environmental quality and animal welfare during the Printemps des Sports Équestres.
FEEDING :
→ Over 75% of hay is produced within 80km of the event.
→ Optimal management of consumable orders (straw/hay/chips), stored in a closed building and then taken back by the supplier at the end of the event in case of surplus.
WELL-BEING :
→ Close monitoring of sanitary aspects.
→ Improved management of arrivals to best comply with sanitary protocol and optimize horse comfort .
→ Provision of areas for horses to walk, graze and run free.
→ Professionals on site (vets, farriers).
TRANSPORT :
→ Establishment of a shuttle system from Fontainebleau station with communication of passage times.
→ Fleet ofhybrid shuttles for competition officials.
→ Installation of a bicycle rack.
WATER :
→ Rainwater or recycled water for watering green spaces.
MANURE & WASTE :
→ Manure management using large, watertight bins that are regularly evacuated to limit "wild" storage.
→ Precise traceability and tracking of manure.
→ Working with Big bennes ISO9001/14001/45001 certified professionals for waste sorting, with quantified tracking.
→ Numerous sorting garbage cans distributed throughout the site.
COMMUNICATION :
→ Improved signage on good environmental practices.
→ Dematerialization of as many communication tools as possible.
INFRASTRUCTURE :
→ Reuse of temporary structures and furniture wherever possible.
CATERING :
→ Varied catering offer and good upstream evaluation.
→ Good use of surpluses.
