Endurance racing is one of the most welfare-intensive equestrian sports, with metabolic emergencies and fatigue affecting significant numbers of horses.
Endurance racing welfare depends on the interaction of conditioning quality, race management, veterinary oversight and rider judgement. Well-conditioned horses with experienced riders and robust veterinary checks can compete with acceptable welfare. Poorly prepared horses, inadequate veterinary oversight and riders who push beyond elimination thresholds create serious welfare risks. Regulatory strengthening and enforcement are essential for ensuring welfare standards are maintained in competition.