Being transparent is key to securing equestrian sport

Experts discuss acceptance of horses in sport, after the most recent survey on the public's opinion of it

- ELEANOR JONES

CAMERAS in warm-ups and yard inspections were among suggestions to boost public confidence in horse sport – as the sector is urged to be brave.

Experts discussed acceptance of horses in sport, at a conference hosted by World Horse Welfare on 12 June, sharing the results of the charity’s most recent survey of perception of the industry.

H&H has reported on independent surveys commissioned by World Horse Welfare, in 2022 and 2023. This year’s results showed that public opinion has not changed significantly: 20% still do not support involvement of horses in sport, 41% only support it if welfare improves and 56% said there should be more safety and welfare measures. But there were positives.

“Public confidence is slowly growing, based on what people see and hear in the media,” World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers said. “It’s a small change over three years but it appears to be growing steadily.”

The survey looked at where people get information on horse sport from, and who influences them. It found that television and newspapers are the most common sources.

“What influences trust in horse sport to protect welfare?” Mr Owers asked. “It’s not so much what regulators say and do, but what those involved in the sport say and do.”

He added: “Horse people can be in a bit of a bubble. We can be more supportive of the status quo than the public, and we get a lot of information from the potential echo chambers of equestrian and social media.

“But what we see is not necessarily what the public sees. It’s vital we step outside our horse world and, when we think about welfare, seek independent perspectives.”

Mr Owers looked at initiatives in the past year such as the British Equestrian charter for the horse, and racing’s HorsePWR campaign.