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Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Regulatory Integrity and Welfare in Horse Sport: A Construct...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2025; 15(13); 1934; doi: 10.3390/ani15131934

Regulatory Integrity and Welfare in Horse Sport: A Constructively Critical Perspective.

Abstract: This commentary evaluates contemporary equestrian sport governance through the lens of equine welfare science. Drawing on evidence from the FEI Sport Forum 2025 debates, the IFHA Racing Integrity Handbook, media coverage of horse sport, recent scientific presentations, regulatory texts, and published research, we identify systemic shortcomings in how horse welfare is assessed, prioritised, and protected. Key issues include reliance on performance as a proxy for welfare, inadequate "fit-to-compete" protocols, neglect of horses' mental states, coercive tack and equipment practices (e.g., double bridles, tight nosebands, ear hoods), pharmacological and surgical interventions that mask pain, euphemistic regulatory language (e.g., whip "encouragement"), and inconsistent implementation of welfare rules. Through a series of case studies, from dressage and show jumping forums to racing integrity handbooks, we illustrate euphemistic language, defensive group dynamics, dismissive rhetoric towards evidence-based criticism, and a troubling "stable blindness" that sidelines the horse's perspective. We conclude that meaningful reform requires (1) embedding validated behavioural and physical welfare indicators into all competition and pre-competition protocols, (2) transparent, evidence-inclusive rule-making under a precautionary principle, (3) genuine engagement with independent equine welfare experts, and (4) establishment of empowered, impartial oversight bodies to ensure that stated codes of conduct translate into consistent, enforceable practice. Only by catering to the horse's subjective experiences and applying modern ethological and bioethical standards can equestrian sport retain its social licence and ensure integrity in all areas of competition management.
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Publication Date: 2025-06-30 PubMed ID: 40646833PubMed Central: PMC12248743DOI: 10.3390/ani15131934Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research aims to critically evaluate the current approaches to horse welfare in equestrian sports, highlighting several deficiencies and suggesting potential improvements to better protect horse wellness.

Key Issues Identified

  • The authors express concern for the weight many organizations place on performance as an indicator of a horse’s welfare, implying that as long as a horse is performing well, its welfare is not in jeopardy. This, they argue, overlooks potential issues of minimal noticeable effect on performance but significant welfare implications.
  • The analysis questions the adequacy of current “fit-to-compete” protocols, which might not be comprehensive enough to assure the horse’s overall health.
  • There’s neglect concerning the psychological welfare of the competing horses, disregarding potential distress during competitions.
  • The choice and use of certain equipment, such as double bridles, tight nosebands, and ear hoods, are criticized as potentially uncomfortable or harmful to the horses.
  • Some practices involve the use of pharmacology or surgical intervention to suppress signs of pain, which may allow a horse to continue competing while suffering.
  • Issues with the language used in regulatory texts, such as referring to whip use as “encouragement”, potentially downplay the actual implications on the horse’s welfare.
  • The inconsistent enforcement of welfare rules is also identified as a major concern.

Illustrations of Systemic Issues

  • The commentary cites case studies from dressage and show jumping forums to horse racing handbooks, illustrating various problematic practices, such as the use of euphemistic language, dismissive reactions to criticism, and “stable blindness”—a metaphorical term referring to neglect of the horse’s point of view in the routine of horse care and training.

Recommendations for Progress

  • The authors propose incorporating validated behavioural and physical welfare indicators into all competition and pre-competition protocols.
  • They recommend a transparent rule-making process that incorporates evidence-based principles.
  • The commentary calls for engagement with independent equine welfare experts to inform decisions and policymaking.
  • The establishment of impartial oversight bodies is suggested to enforce consistent practice and adherence to stated codes of conduct.
  • The authors emphasize the importance of considering horses’ subjective experiences, arguing that equestrian sport can only maintain its social license if it upholds ethical standards in how it treats horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Uldahl M, Mellor DJ. (2025). Regulatory Integrity and Welfare in Horse Sport: A Constructively Critical Perspective. Animals (Basel), 15(13), 1934. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15131934

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 13
PII: 1934

Researcher Affiliations

Uldahl, Mette
  • Vejle Equine Practice, Fasanvej 12, 7120 Vejle Oest, Denmark.
Mellor, David J
  • Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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