International equestrian experts consider ‘Whose opinion matters?’

World Horse Welfare Chief Executive, Roly Owers, asks: “The sheer volume of opinion out there can be both overwhelming and deafening. In horse sport, welfare has again sparked fierce debate in the media: from that photo of Gordon Elliot to revelations in Panorama to treatment of horses in Modern Pentathlon at the Olympics, but strong views can be found wherever horses come into contact with people. But whom should we listen to? How open are we to views that challenge our own way of seeing?  And when – if ever – should opinion overrule fact?” 

How we manage and use horses has developed as understanding has increased, but some aspects of equestrianism are also entrenched in tradition. The line-up of speakers will explore this complex and evolving relationship and consider why it can be difficult to find and recognise the right advice and sources of information. 

Speakers include:  

• Pammy Hutton, Dressage rider and trainer on ‘The powerful role of opinion in equestrianism’ 
• Dr Monique Eloit, Director General of the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) on ‘The importance of evidence in animal health and welfare’ 
• Ed Chamberlin, ITV Racing Lead Presenter on ‘The media and opinion’  
• Jordan Headspeath, former World Horse Welfare Groom on ‘When opinion runs riot’  
• Charlie Unwin, a leading performance psychologist and mental coach on ‘Knowing your own mind’ 

The live discussion panel features representatives from a diverse cross-section of the equestrian world: well-known DJ and horse-owner Sara Cox; veterinary surgeon and MP for Penrith and The Border, Dr Neil Hudson; Camie Heleski, Equine Lecturer at University of Kentucky; Mariano Hernandez-Gil from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Chris Tufnell, Vet and World Horse Welfare Trustee. The panel will consider the points raised in the morning’s sessions and take questions from the audience. 

The charity’s President, HRH The Princess Royal, will provide her views at 13:25 and the conference will run until 15.00.   

Anyone with an interest in horses, animal welfare, racing or equestrian sport can watch World Horse Welfare’s annual conference on the charity’s YouTube channel.

World Horse Welfare would like to thank the headline sponsor of the Conference, The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, and the events other supporters, the Horseracing Betting Levy Board and MSD Animal Health.