Companion Animals

Horse Competition Welfare Assessment Frameworks

Competition welfare assessment frameworks aim to identify and address welfare compromises in equestrian sport before, during, and after competition.

Key Facts

The FEI has developed Clean Sport and welfare frameworks for international competition
Horse welfare assessment at competition includes ridden indicators and post-competition checks
Over-collection and hyperflexion (rollkur) remain contested welfare issues in dressage
Pre-purchase examination requirements in sport horses protect welfare by preventing unsound horses competing
Post-competition monitoring catches welfare impacts that may not be apparent during performance

Welfare Considerations

Competition horses may experience pain, fear, and exhaustion that is masked by training or physical coercion. Robust welfare frameworks that include independent assessment rather than self-regulation provide better protection for these animals.

What You Can Do

Support independent welfare assessment at equestrian competitions
Report welfare concerns at competitions to official stewards
Advocate for updated FEI welfare standards based on current evidence
Learn about equine pain and stress indicators in ridden work