The issue of horse welfare has taken center stage in the equestrian world, particularly in light of recent scandals involving top riders like Charlotte Dujardin. The video of Dujardin striking a horse led to her withdrawal from the Olympics and a provisional suspension from the FEI. This incident, along with others like Carlos Parro’s hyper-flexing of a horse’s neck, has sparked public backlash and calls for stricter regulations in the sport.
The horse racing community has also faced its share of challenges when it comes to animal welfare, with a spate of deaths around the Kentucky Derby last year prompting Churchill Downs to suspend racing and launch an investigation. While reforms like the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) have helped reduce fatalities, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance in ensuring the well-being of horses in competitive sports.
Prominent figures in the equestrian and horse racing worlds, like Lisa Lazarus and Graham Motion, emphasize the importance of prioritizing horse welfare above all else. Transparency and accountability are key in building trust with the public and regulators, as demonstrated by figures like Carl Hester, who maintains an open training yard to showcase his commitment to horse welfare.
Vicky Leonard, a marketing expert in the thoroughbred racing industry, advocates for proactive measures to address welfare concerns, such as sharing behind-the-scenes footage of daily routines to demonstrate the care and effort put into looking after horses. She believes that building trust with the public through transparency and storytelling is crucial in shaping a positive narrative around horse sports.
HISA’s efforts to improve safety for horses and jockeys, such as limiting the use of the riding crop during races, have been lauded by industry insiders like Motion and Leonard. While challenges remain, there is a growing recognition within the horse racing community of the need to prioritize welfare and embrace change to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sport.
Overall, the conversation around horse welfare in equestrian sports is evolving, with a greater emphasis on transparency, accountability, and a culture of welfare. As stakeholders continue to work towards ensuring the well-being of horses in competitive sports, the hope is that these efforts will lead to a more sustainable and ethical future for the industry.
