COMMITMENT TO GOOD HEALTH OF HORSES

An epoch-defining initiative in the equine world has been introduced to ensure horses have a good life in and out of competition. The FEI-appointed equine ethics and wellbeing commission made recommendations to the 2023 FEI sports forum (24–25 April). According to a report made public by Horse and Hound, last year the magazine’s commission carried out research involving thousands of people inside the industry and the general public. It found that nearly three-quarters of equestrians felt horse welfare in sports needs to be improved. Commission chair Natalie Waran told Horse and Hound that there has since been a huge amount of work. “The commission has worked hard to develop a proposed vision and strategic approach to ensure a ‘good life for horses’ and to sustain equine participation in the sport now and the future,” Dr Waran said. The specific recommendation is to publicly commit to ensuring a good life for horses, as the “fundamental tenet of an FEI equine wellbeing strategy”.