Show jumping imposes physical and psychological demands on horses that require careful welfare monitoring and management.
Show jumping horses face welfare risks from both training and competition. Physical risks include falls, overuse injuries, and premature training. Psychological risks include aversive training methods, travel stress, stabling away from conspecifics, and the demands of performing in novel environments. The welfare of elite sport horses requires ongoing monitoring — both behavioral and physiological — and retirement planning that considers the horse's long-term needs after competition ends. Horse welfare in sport is improving but gaps between welfare science and practice remain significant.