Working Animals

Welfare of Performing Horses in Equestrian Sport

Competitive equestrian disciplines including show jumping, dressage, and racing carry welfare risks from training methods, competition pressure, and equipment use.

Key Facts

Rollkur — hyperflexion of the neck in dressage — has been banned by the FEI but enforcement is inconsistent
Tight nosebands that prevent mouth opening are common in competition despite welfare concerns
Jumping horses face injury risks including tendon damage and refusal-related falls
Racehorses begin intense training at 18-24 months when their skeletal systems are still developing
Equestrian welfare science is increasingly documenting stress indicators in competition horses

Welfare Considerations

Competitive equestrian sports involve welfare trade-offs between the natural abilities of horses and the demands of competition. Training methods that cause pain or suppress natural movement expression including rollkur compromise welfare for performance gains. Equipment including tight nosebands may prevent horses from communicating discomfort. Welfare-based judging criteria that reward relaxation and willingness could fundamentally improve equestrian welfare standards.

What You Can Do

Support equestrian organizations advocating for welfare-based training and competition standards
Oppose training methods including rollkur that cause pain or restrict natural movement
Advocate for equipment use standards based on welfare evidence in equestrian sport regulations
Choose equestrian events and trainers who prioritize horse welfare over performance metrics
Learn about equestrian welfare science to evaluate competition horse welfare more effectively