The welfare of horses in competition contexts has come under increasing scrutiny, with research identifying that ridden pain is more prevalent than previously recognized and is often misinterpreted as training resistance.
Ridden pain is among the most significant but underrecognized welfare issues in the equestrian world. The tendency to attribute conflict behaviors to training problems rather than pain delays veterinary investigation and perpetuates suffering. Applying the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram as a routine assessment tool - before and after training interventions - creates a welfare culture of investigation before correction. Sports federations that mandate pain assessment in horses showing behavioral conflict are leading meaningful welfare change.