By Equestrian Life

The Italian National Equestrian Federation have proposed to amend the FEI definition of “horse” to “clarify that Mules are not considered as Horses and therefore cannot compete in FEI Competitions”. The FEI have confirmed their support for the amendment from 2020.

The Italian National Federation argues that ‘’the current definition of ‘Horse” leaves opportunity to compete to the mule also. It seems useful that the General Assembly be aware of this possibility to allow to compete horses and mules together mixing two different generic animal (horse and mule that is a hybrid from horse mare and donkey stallion).

This situation (compare two different animals from within different genetic characteristics) seems to be incorrect for both, horses and mules, considering their psychological, biomechanical and ethological characteristics and may affect the historical perception of Equestrian sport”.

The current definition states that a ‘’horse refers also to a pony or other member of the genus Equus unless the context requires otherwise. A horse shall be born from a mare’’.

The new amended definition states that a ‘’horse also to  pony or other member of the genus Equus unless the context requires otherwise. A horse shall be born from the union of a mare and a horse stallion and classified as Equus Caballus”.

The passing of this proposal will mean that Mules will not meet the FEI guidelines and will not be able to compete in FEI competitions.

Christie Mclean and Wallace The Great the dressage mule made headlines last year, after scoring 67.4% in their first ever British Dressage competition at Summerhouse Equestrian Centre in Gloucestershire.

The decision to amend the FEI’s definition of "horse" will be voted on at the FEI general assembly in Moscow later this year.

 

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