World Horse Welfare and horses in sport

Our work recognises the full breadth of the horse-human partnership and our practical approach sets us apart from other horse welfare organisations. This is clearly illustrated in our support of the responsible use of horses in sport. We have a significant amount of sporting expertise across our charity, and work with experts and outside organisations to ensure our sport welfare policies are informed, practical and collaborative - with the welfare of the horse at their heart.

 

We see horses’ involvement in sport as just one of many facets of our unique and evolving partnership. For millennia, horses and people have worked together for mutual benefit. While working horses still sustain the livelihoods of people across the world, in more developed countries the role of horses has moved beyond agriculture, transport and war to leisure and sport. We believe the role of horses in sport is legitimate and right, as well as mutually beneficial.

 

Nowhere else is the partnership between horse and human as complete as when these two athletes compete as one. Sport horses have been bred for hundreds of years to excel in in the challenges of training and competition. These horses are also exceptionally well cared for, thanks to the significant investment that flows into the industry and the vigilance of regulators. Standards of welfare in horse sport can be the highest in the world.

 

When horses are used in sport, a heavy burden of responsibility for their welfare rests on the shoulders of those who own, train, ride and care for them. As a charity that seeks to promote and protect the welfare of horses worldwide, we have played a role in ensuring those involved in equestrian sport meet this responsibility. We believe our work with sports regulators over the years has helped to make their welfare standards as high as they are today.

 

There are still horse welfare challenges in sport. Overbreeding, training methods, use of appropriate tack, course design, environment, whip use, pre- and post-race care and retirement are all hot areas of debate within the horse community. These are issues we strive to address practically and responsibly using our existing collaborative approach.

 

If you have any comments regarding our views on horses in sport or on the use of the whip, we would like to hear from you. Please email us at info@worldhorsewelfare.org