Welfare action plan 'change that's needed in horse sport'

British Dressage says it has used this year’s events as a catalyst for positive change, and that all have a role to play

-  LUCY ELDER

BRITISH Dressage (BD) has called on everyone to take responsibility and uphold the highest standards of equine welfare, as it launches an action plan to take the sport forward.

BD's four-year welfare plan scrutinises governance, training and education and sport development.

The news has been welcomed by World Horse Welfare, whose CEO Roly Owers told H&H that the action plan is the "kind of change needed in horse sport".

BD is "determined to use the events of this year as a positive catalyst for change", and CEO Jason Brautigam said it is "our collective responsibility to ensure we maintain the highest standards of equine health, care and wellbeing".

"To achieve this, we must all consider our own values, attitudes and behaviours," he said. "We all have a role when it comes to equine welfare, from officiating at a show to watching - we can no longer be passive bystanders.