Working with sports regulators

Sports regulators understand that they have a responsibility for horse welfare, which is why we have long worked closely with them to provide independent advice on horse welfare. We aim to work constructively with regulators to ensure that the welfare of the horse comes first, before commercial considerations. We believe this brings lasting benefits to the horses as well as the sport.

 

International Equestrian Federation

We formally advise the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) which regulates equine sports internationally, particularly Olympic sports such as dressage, show jumping and eventing. In our 30-year relationship, we have worked to help them reach the highest possible standards of horse welfare. They see the value in consulting an independent voice for the horse to ensure their welfare policies stand up to scrutiny. We helped them develop their welfare Code of Conduct and influence policies such as setting limits on practices such as Rollkur (‘hyperflexion’) and the importance of a sport free from doping. Recently we successfully influenced the debate around the use of the painkiller bute in sport, which resulted in the FEI keeping its ban on bute in competition – a decision that was good for horse welfare around the world.

 

British Horseracing Authority

World Horse Welfare also advises the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) on welfare matters and sits on its welfare subcommittee along with the RSPCA. We have a great deal of horseracing experience across the charity spanning practitioners, stewarding and wider regulation, which helps to ensure our advice and our policies are informed and practical while putting the welfare of the horse above all else.

 

The BHA review of the use of the whip

 

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