Competition Horse Warm-Up: Welfare and Regulation

Examining welfare risks in the warm-up arena at equestrian competitions and what rules and practices protect horses effectively.

Key Facts

The warm-up arena is the site of some of the most reported welfare concerns at equestrian competitions
Hyperflexion (Rollkur) remains controversial — FEI prohibits aggressive LDR but short-duration use is permitted
Warm-up areas at major events may have dozens of horses working simultaneously, increasing collision risk
Overwork in warm-up to tire a horse into submission is a documented abusive practice
Welfare stewards at FEI events have authority to intervene when horse welfare appears compromised
Scientific evidence shows sustained hyperflexion causes ocular and musculoskeletal strain

Welfare Considerations

The warm-up arena exists in a regulatory grey zone where competitive pressure creates conditions for welfare compromise. Riders and trainers under performance pressure may push horses beyond physical limits, use excessive repetition or apply forceful techniques that would be prohibited in the main arena but are harder to monitor in busy warm-up conditions. Horses cannot consent to or escape this pressure. Welfare-protective strategies include robust stewarding with clear visible criteria for intervention, video monitoring in warm-up areas, athlete education on equine pain indicators and transparent reporting mechanisms for observers. The welfare of the horse must always take precedence over competitive ambition.

What You Can Do

Report observed welfare concerns in warm-up areas to the designated welfare steward at the event
Familiarise yourself with FEI welfare guidelines and the prohibited techniques list before competing
Ensure your horse is fit, conditioned and technically prepared before competition — never warm up to exhaustion
Allow adequate warm-up time — arriving late creates pressure to rush a horse that is not ready
Support federations and organisations that fund independent welfare stewards at competitions
Encourage transparent post-event welfare reporting to identify patterns across venues and disciplines