LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- The International Equestrian Federation has acted on reported horse abuse in endurance racing by removing two meetings in the United Arab Emirates from its calendar.

The FEI says its executive board "took an emergency measure to protect horse welfare and to preserve the integrity of the FEI rules."

The international races in March were scheduled at Bou Thib, Abu Dhabi and the Crown Prince Cup in Dubai.

The FEI board was asked to "urgently investigate horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI rules and regulations in the UAE."

Images of a horse's death in a national-level race held Jan. 31 in Abu Dhabi caused a furor in equestrian circles.

Splitters Creek Bundy broke both forelegs and died, provoking calls for the FEI to act despite not controlling the race.