Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Endurance Competition Welfare Monitoring

Endurance riding pushes horses to physiological limits, and welfare monitoring during events is critical for preventing fatigue, metabolic collapse, and death.

Key Facts

Elite endurance events cover 160 km in 24 hours or less
Horses can develop exertional rhabdomyolysis, metabolic alkalosis, and cardiac events during events
Mandatory veterinary holds with inspection allow identification of compromised horses
Metabolic scoring systems at holds enable objective disqualification of at-risk horses
FEI has strengthened welfare protocols following high-profile fatalities at events

Welfare Considerations

Endurance competition can take horses beyond safe physiological limits. Robust veterinary monitoring, mandatory holds, and low-threshold disqualification protect welfare. The sport must prioritize horse welfare over completion rates and competitive interests.

What You Can Do

Support FEI and national federation initiatives to strengthen endurance welfare protocols
Advocate for transparent reporting of metabolic pull rates and horse fatalities at events
Report welfare concerns at endurance events to governing body stewards