The Fédération Equestre Internationale Bureau suspended the national federation of the United Arab Emirates on March 12 for an indeterminate period following an investigation by the FEI into major horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI rules and regulations in the discipline of endurance.

The Bureau, chaired by FEI President Ingmar De Vos, was unanimous in its decision to suspend the UAE National Federation.

The Fédération Equestre Internationale is looking into allegations regarding fake events and the duplication of results at FEI endurance events in the United Arab Emirates.

Costa Rican combination Claudia Romero Chacon and Dorado suffered a fall during the first loop of the endurance competition of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games shortly after 8:30 a.m. local time.

The Fédération Equestre Internationale’s campaign to clean up endurance has suffered a setback due to an escalating outcry over a “skeletal” horse at the 160-kilometer CEI in Compiegne, France, on May 23.

The FEI has defended officiating veterinarians for allowing Shakla’s Sudden Impact, an entry from Bahrain, through the first horse inspection, but other experts have described the 12-year-old Arabian’s condition as “disturbing” and “disgusting” as debate still rages on social media 11 days after the event.

Allegations that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum rode a “ringer” on the winning United Arab Emirates team at the 2012 Longines World Endurance Championships at Euston Park, Great Britain, are being re-investigated.