World Horse Welfare Statement in response to the FEI Sports Forum 2024
A statement following the FEI's response to the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission's report 'A Good Life for Horses - A vision for the future involvement of horses in sport'
Posted on 30/04/2024

With representation on the FEI’s Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission we have released the statement below following the FEI’s response to the Commission’s report ‘A Good Life for Horses – A vision for the future involvement of horses in sport’ at their 2024 Sports Forum. The independent commission was established in June 2022 in response to growing public concern over the welfare of horses involved in sport.
World Horse Welfare Statement following the FEI’s response to the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission’s report ‘A Good Life for Horses – A vision for the future involvement of horses in sport.’
The FEI’s adoption of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission’s vision that all sport horses should have a good life was heartening, as was their commitment to base this on the Five Domains Model for animal welfare assessment. And it is encouraging that the FEI is taking action on the six immediate priority areas identified by the Commission.
We fully recognise that this is a marathon and not a sprint, but maintaining a real sense of urgency in addressing all 30 of the recommendations is vital. These include developing a wider welfare strategy to ensure a good life for horses over the long term – from birth to death, and both inside and outside of competition – and collaborating with others to fill the many research gaps to ensure we truly listen to the voice of the horse.
We believe it is also fundamental for there to be independent external oversight of the FEI’s action plan and wider strategy, as experience shows this is central to the maintenance of social licence, and more importantly should reap faster and more effective improvements to horse welfare. We look forward to working further with the FEI to help bring the Commission’s recommendations to reality.”
Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare
Topics
Related News

World Horse Welfare statement in response to Charlotte Dujardin’s provisional suspension
"We know that a successful future for horse sport has public trust at the centre of it..."
Recommended Blog Posts

Bringing horses back into work: how to restart youngsters, progress a horse’s rehab or get an all-rounder fit
Want to find out more about bringing horses back into work? Check out expert advice from Adam Cummins, Centre Manager at Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

The Trafficked 20 – life in our care
Our Hall Farm Manager fills us in on how the horses rescued from illegal smuggling have settled into our care and continue to recover.

Meet some of our often-unsung heroes on Groom Appreciation Day – Abi at Belwade Farm
“All of us love the horses we care for and when things go wrong, we really feel it, as this isn't just a job for us. If we didn't love them all, we wouldn't be working here to try and make a difference.”
Enjoy reading stories like this?
Join over 65,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter

Join over 65,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Sign me up now