26.10.2026

Egyptian Equestrian Federation, Longines Global Champions Tour and partners commit to long-term programme supported by independent oversight.

Cairo, 26 October 2026 – A five-year initiative aimed at improving the welfare of working horses and other animals in the Pyramids area and wider Giza region has been announced by the Egyptian Equestrian Federation (EEF), Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) and their partners.

“The programme brings together the EEF, LGCT, the General Organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS), the Egyptian government, Orascom Pyramids and international equine welfare charity Brooke, with independent oversight to support its implementation.

Building on existing measures brought in by the EEF and its partners, including registration, microchipping, vaccinations and veterinary examinations, the programme will focus on sustained improvements in animal health, care and working conditions.

It will initially focus on approximately 700 horses, with a second phase intended to extend support to approximately 2,000. A detailed roadmap is being developed, with priorities including:

• Improving access to feed, water, veterinary treatment and essential medication
• Delivering education and training for horse owners and those responsible for the daily care of working animals
• Establishing ongoing welfare monitoring and clear expectations for responsible horse ownership
• Developing a dedicated funding mechanism to support long-term improvements, with contributions from participating organisations and opportunities for riders, owners, sponsors and members of the public to contribute

Jenny Ellis, Europe Representative of the International Grooms Association (IGA), has been appointed as an independent representative to support oversight of the programme. Drawing on her experience of equine welfare work in Cairo, she will help ensure that the initiative remains focused on practical improvements and measurable outcomes.

QUOTE – Dr. ISMAIL SHAKER, PRESIDENT, EGYPTIAN EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION

“This initiative marks an important step forward in our ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of working horses in Giza. By bringing together the relevant authorities, veterinary professionals, welfare organisations and the international equestrian community, we have a great opportunity to build on the progress already made and establish a coordinated, long-term approach that delivers meaningful improvements for these animals.”

QUOTE – JAN TOPS, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR

“Bringing international showjumping to Cairo provides an opportunity to make a positive contribution beyond the competition itself. Horse welfare is fundamental to our sport, and we are committed to supporting the Egyptian Equestrian Federation and its partners in developing a sustainable programme that improves the lives of working horses in the area. We know that lasting change takes time, and we want to play a constructive role in that process.”

QUOTE – JENNY ELLIS, EUROPE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE INTERNATIONAL GROOMS ASSOCIATION (IGA)

“Meaningful improvements in equine welfare require more than short-term interventions. They rely on consistent care, education, accountability and a clear understanding of the challenges facing working horses and their owners. As someone who has worked extensively on equine welfare issues in Cairo, I welcome the opportunity to contribute to a programme that brings together the relevant expertise and resources, with a focus on delivering practical, measurable improvements over time.”

As an immediate practical step, unused feed from LGCT partner Red Mills, alongside unused hay from the Cairo event, has been made available for distribution to working horses through the EEF. Grooms attending the event have also offered unused equipment and veterinary supplies, subject to appropriate checks and distribution arrangements.

The EEF and LGCT have pledged to contribute financially to the initiative, with a dedicated donation mechanism also planned to enable wider support from the equestrian community and public.

Further details of the programme's governance, funding arrangements and phased implementation roadmap will be announced as these are finalised.