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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The Emirates Equestrian Federation has suspended five endurance riders and temporarily postponed endurance races in the United Arab Emirates until the middle of next week in a pledge to improve the welfare of horses.
The EEF said in a statement Friday that its executive board made the decision late on Thursday "following violations and abuse of rules" during a youth endurance event held over 120 kilometers (74 miles) last weekend.
Up to 55 horses took part, but five riders and their mounts were eliminated for "gross offences," the EEF added, without giving names of the riders or details of what the violations were.
The five trainers have been banned, the grooms of the horses must forfeit their licenses and the stables involved must pay the EEF a fine of $100,000.
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