Show Jumping Horse Ethics Welfare Update

Current reforms in show jumping welfare including training method transparency and horse health monitoring at competitions.

Key Facts

FEI Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission has accelerated welfare reform in international show jumping since 2022
Joint injection monitoring programs track therapeutic medication use in competing horses at international events
Rideability scoring in show jumping judging now includes behavioral welfare indicators alongside technical performance
Banned training techniques include tight nosebands that prevent swallowing and rollkur hyperflexion of the neck
Veterinary inspection at major events includes behavior observation alongside physical soundness assessment
Public pressure and media scrutiny of training practices has accelerated industry self-regulation beyond regulatory requirements
Athlete welfare declarations requiring disclosure of horse health status are being piloted at major championships

Welfare Considerations

Show jumping welfare reform is accelerating as public awareness of training practices, combined with strong advocacy from welfare organizations and progressive riders, creates pressure for genuine change. The FEI Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission represents institutional recognition that the sport must address welfare proactively rather than reactively. Transparency measures including training video requirements, medication monitoring, and behavioral welfare scoring are all moves in the right direction. Consumer and spectator pressure that rewards welfare-positive riders and sponsors, and withdraws support from those associated with aversive practices, is an important complement to regulatory change in transforming sport equine culture.

What You Can Do

Support equestrian organizations and competitions that demonstrate welfare leadership
Follow FEI Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission developments and support their welfare initiatives
Withdraw support from riders, trainers, or sponsors associated with documented aversive training practices
Advocate for transparent training practice disclosure as a condition of competition eligibility
Support welfare-focused equestrian education that embeds positive training principles from the earliest levels