The partnership of Boehringer Ingelheim and the FEI is intended to raise standards of equine health and knowledge of the subject ©Getty Images

Boehringer Ingelheim (BI), a global pharmaceutical company and the world’s biggest equine health business, has joined forces with the  International Equestrian Federation (FEI)  to promote equine health and education.

The announcement was made in Barcelona during the Longines FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final.

As part of a three-year commitment, BI has become FEI equine health partner and campus partner.

FEI Campus, the successful elearning gateway, is free to access and is designed to enhance education on equestrian matters.

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

The German-based company has 146 affiliates around the world and more than 47,700 employees.

Dr Erich Schött, left, head of strategic business unit equine at Boehringer Ingelheim, with Ralph Straus, commercial director of the International Equestrian Federation, after agreeing the new partnership ©FEI
Dr Erich Schött, left, head of strategic business unit equine at Boehringer Ingelheim, with Ralph Straus, commercial director of the International Equestrian Federation, after agreeing the new partnership ©FEI

"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 the strategic business unit equine at BI 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."