Regulators

Working with Regulators

We work constructively with regulators to put the welfare of the horse first.

We work constructively with regulators to put the welfare of the horse first.

We support the responsible involvement of horses in sport, and work alongside independent welfare advisors and regulators such as the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) – and encourage all those involved in the world of horse sport to meet their responsibilities to their horses. 

The FEI and IE federations

We have a “Memorandum of Understanding” with the International Equestrian Federation (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 standards of horse welfare. 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. We have also been involved in efforts to improve welfare in some parts of International Endurance. 

World Horse Welfare is a member of the British Equestrian Federation, and regularly works with other national equestrian federations to advise on welfare provisions, guidelines and rules in particular disciplines.

British Horseracing Authority

World Horse Welfare also advises the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) on welfare matters 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.  We have taken part in their reviews on the whip (2011), Aintree’s review of the Grand National (2012) and the review of Cheltenham (2018). We also informally advise racing authorities in other countries worldwide on an ad hoc basis.

See our involvement in 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

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