Competitive equestrian sport raises complex welfare questions about training methods, injury rates, and the use of painful equipment and procedures on horses.
Horses in competitive sport face welfare challenges that range from obvious abuses like soring to subtle but significant issues like training methods that cause pain or restrict natural movement. The welfare of racehorses killed on tracks receives media attention, but the chronic welfare problems of training, transport, and the disposal of horses at the end of their athletic careers are less visible. High-profile competitions set standards and norms — meaningful welfare reform requires action from governing bodies, trainers and spectators.