More than 150 equestrian leaders from around the world gathered at the start of June to discuss public attitudes towards horse sport, training methods and equine welfare, following the release of a new YouGov survey.
The survey found that most people view horses as companions or leisure animals rather than sporting animals, and 70% believe horse welfare should always take priority over performance. Around half of respondents also expressed concerns about whether horses in sport are trained in ways they consider acceptable.
Speaking at the event, World Horse Welfare Chief Executive Roly Owers said the industry must continue to improve welfare standards as understanding and research evolve.
A key theme throughout the discussion was the importance of being open to learning and embracing new evidence. British Equine Veterinary Association Chief Executive David Mountford highlighted the need for greater humility across the industry, encouraging horse professionals to continually update their knowledge and learn from both research and experience.
The panel also discussed the importance of transparency in building public trust. David O’Connor of the US Equestrian Federation suggested that training methods should be able to stand up to public scrutiny, noting that if practices could not be comfortably demonstrated and explained in a public setting, the industry should question whether they are appropriate.
Panellists agreed that better communication, greater consistency in welfare standards, and a willingness to adapt as knowledge develops will be essential in maintaining public confidence in horse sport.
The discussion concluded with a shared view that good welfare is not only the right thing for horses, but is also fundamental to the future success and public acceptance of equestrian sport.
Read more on the World Horse Welfare Report on the Survey