Boehringer Ingelheim, a global pharmaceutical company and the world’s biggest equine health business, has joined forces with the FEI – the global governing body for horse sport –  to promote equine health and education. 

The news on this brand new partnership was announced in Barcelona at the Longines FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final, just weeks after the FEI announced its long-term title partnership of the sport’s favourite team series by the FEI’s Top Partner.

As part of a three-year commitment, Boehringer Ingelheim has become FEI Equine Health Partner and FEI Campus Partner. 

FEI Campus, the successful e-learning gateway – www.feicampus.org – is free to access and is designed to give everyone involved with horses an immersive experience led by experts in their fields, with all courses and connection with tutors and peers just a click away from any device.

The agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim marks a major development for FEI Campus, which went live just three months ago. 

"For me as an athlete, the gap between the top and the bottom is very small, and if we are looking at an advantage, horse welfare is a massive part of that," William Whitaker commented. "I am forever looking every day, every week, how I can make my horse feel better, how I can get him fitter. I have been working with Boehringer Ingelheim for a few years now and I have had access to their seminars and presentations, where I have gotten information I need. I think, that to share this with something like the FEI Campus, that everyone can use, is fantastic. And being able to have it in your pocket, where ever we are in the world, it will be fantastic." 

Former world no. one Scott Brash said: "I have been working with Boehringer Ingelheim for the last 7-8 years now and I feel like my knowledge about my horses' wellbeing and welfare has gotten much better. I think it is so important to have this partnership. Unfortunately us riders, we don't have time to sit in lecture rooms and we have a job of improving the health of our horses and this will help us. To be honest, riding in the ring is easy, but the management and all the work in the background - I have a fantastic team behind me. I think this is really going to help the grooms also, and they are the first ones to notice signs of problems. I think the most important part of having your horse ready in the ring, is that they are feeling the best they possibly can. The management and healthcare of the horses is the most important part of our sport." 

As part of this new partnership, Boehringer Ingelheim will collaborate with the FEI on content and courses relating to equine health.

“Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies with a long-standing track record in equine health, and is one of the few that is still family owned,” FEI Commercial Director Ralph Straus said.

“We share many values and will be drawing on over 100 years of expertise for the benefit of the global equestrian community who want to look after their horses in the best possible way with information that can be easily accessed through FEI Campus.”

Dr Erich Schött, Head of Strategic Business Unit Equine at Boehringer Ingelheim said: “We are passionate about equine health and as the global number one in this sector, we recognise the critical importance of continual education and knowledge sharing. By working with the FEI we can share expertise globally through FEI Campus, and we are confident that this will be of enormous benefit to equine health worldwide."

“The FEI has worked very closely with our teams to find the perfect fit for us in FEI Campus, and we are now looking forward to working hand-in-hand to provide vital equine health information for equestrians around the world.”

Source: Press release from FEI // Picture © FEI/Liz Gregg