Farm Animals

Horse Welfare in Show Jumping Competition

Show jumping welfare encompasses training methods, competition surface management, and management of horses that show reluctance or fear. Understanding welfare indicators helps spectators advocate for change.

Key Facts

Electric shock devices including spurs and whips are regulated but enforcement is inconsistent
Obstacle falls cause significant injury risk to both horse and rider
Arena surface management is critical for preventing tendon and ligament injury
Rollkur or hyperflexion training is prohibited in competition but difficult to police in warm-up arenas

Welfare Considerations

Show jumping welfare requires clear regulation enforcement, surface quality standards, health checks for competition horses, and observation of warm-up arena practices where welfare abuses are most common. Spectators and judges both play roles in welfare enforcement.

What You Can Do

Report suspected welfare abuses in competition warm-up areas to the FEI
Support British Equestrian welfare policies on rollkur and warm-up arena management
Advocate for arena surface quality standards in equestrian competition venues