A NEW agreement has led to the inclusion and recognition of the thoroughbred breed in all FEI competitions, having traditionally been listed as ‘breeding unknown’.

The signing of the “groundbreaking” collaboration agreement by a joint council made up of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) and the International Stud Book Committee (ISBC), was announced this week.

Historically, thoroughbred horses competing at FEI level and at the Olympics had been listed as “breeding unknown”, as they were not originally registered by a WBFSH member studbook.

The new agreement was signed last weekend at Bordeaux International, where the WBFSH breeder awards were presented (see opposite).

Focussed on recognising and celebrating the contribution of the thoroughbred to sport and sport horse breeding, the agreement aims include support for horse welfare and knowledge exhange and sets out a framework for collaboration on a wide range of topics relevant including identification, traceability and equine health and welfare.

The continued use of thoroughbreds, ranging from Olympic disciplines to second career opportunities for retired racehorses, are further objectives.

WBFSH president Jan Pedersen commented: “Without the Thoroughbred, there would be no modern sport horse. It is thanks to the vision and intuition of those pioneering breeders recognising the athleticism, speed and light-footedness, but also the sheer beauty and elegance, that the thoroughbred brings to our breeding population, that we have the performance horses we love today.”

Simon Cooper, ISBC vice-chairman said: “The clear signal from the breeding and sport horse community to recognise and appreciate the thoroughbred horse, its athleticism, attitude and adaptability that so often make for a successful second career in equestrian sports around the world.”