Equine Welfare

EQUINE WELFARE

The British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) member bodies have joined together in forming a collaborative Equine Welfare Group which seeks to continue to improve standards of equine welfare at shows and events and to share good practice with external organisations.

This Code of Practice is supported by The Pony Club, British Dressage, British Show Jumping Association, British Eventing, British Horse Driving Trials Association, Mounted Games Association, Riding for the Disabled, Endurance GB, British Breeding and United Kingdom Polocrosse Association.

The Code of Practice covers passports, conduct of competitors in the ring, use of the whip and spurs, provision of water and shelter, veterinary treatment and responsibilities of show organisers, show judges, stewards and spectators.

The governing body of a particular discipline is likely to have their own rules pertaining to the use of tack and equipment such as whips and spurs. In all cases where there are differences between the rules of a governing body and the guidelines contained within this Code of Practice, the rules of the governing body take precedence and supersede the Code.

However, in all cases the welfare of the horse or pony at events should remain paramount at all times.

Please see Codes of Practice below.

Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies at Events