The news was spread only recently, but it dates back to 5th December 2011: following an appeal filed by ENGEA and SEF Italy against the Health Ministry, the TAR (Administrative Regional Tribunal) of Lazio has suspended till 30th May 2012 the Ordinance wanted by Undersecretary Francesca Martini. This ordinance, for the first time in Italy, set requirements for the organizations of palii races and historical events, directed toward the protection of equines and crowds. Requirements about the footing of the racecourse, its delimitations, the presence of veterinaries with equine ambulances, anti-doping procedures, and more. Thus an ordinance that didn’t ban the palii, but gave them a few rules, in the interest of the involved animals, riders and spectators.

Rules that from now and at least till 30th May will no longer exist ... and this – incredible to say – thanks to two organizations that introduce themselves to the public by flaunting their love for horses.

ENGEA (a national organization of equestrian guides) in its document of presentation doesn’t spend a single line to talk about the protection of the equines. More, it explicitly says the relationship with the horse is directed to “permitting to all their members to do all the various equestrian activities, promoting across the nation events such gymkhanas, horse trekking, endurance, cross-country, driving, western riding, stock work, Orienteering, riding for handicapped people, military etc.”

SEF Italy (Equestrian Formation School), which, along the above activities also promotes dressage, show-jumping, Horse-Ball, jousts and palii, has instead adopted an ethical code. It says (among other things): “Sef-Italia, in its role of Equestrian Formation School, promotes fist of all the ultimate well-being of the horse. This well-being must be more important than any situation, than the needs of owners, breeders, trainers, instructors, sponsors, event organizers, and, certainly must be more important than the speculative needs of any individual.”

The question is: how is it possible that these two organizations started the battle to cancel the bit of protection given to the horses by the Palii Ordinance? An imperfect tool, yes, but that still represented a signal that even in this country the horse could become object of protection. Instead, because of this appeal, we risk taking huge steps backward.

In the hope that, on 30th May, the Ministry will defend its reasons for maintaining the Ordinance, we would appreciate if, in the meantime, ENGEA and SEF would show us the courtesy to explain us and especially their members the reasons behind an action that puts at risk the horses and donkeys exploited in the palii.