Show jumping is a demanding equestrian discipline that places high physical and mental demands on horses, raising welfare questions about training methods, competition schedules, and injury rates.
Show jumping horses at elite level are highly valued animals and generally receive excellent veterinary care. However, the competitive pressures of the sport create incentives that can conflict with individual horse welfare - pushing horses through injuries, overtraining young horses, and using training methods that cause stress. The FEI's welfare regulations have strengthened over time, and stewards monitor for prohibited training aids. Welfare in the sport also depends on horses being given adequate recovery time and being retired or downgraded to lower competition levels when physical demands exceed their capacity.