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Public trust in horse sport: latest study shows positive results

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The largest and most in-depth study into UK public attitudes towards horse sport and equine welfare confirms strong public support for equestrianism while reinforcing the need for continuous improvement in horse welfare and safety.

Commissioned by leading equestrian organisations and funded by the Racing Foundation, the independent research represents a landmark moment, demonstrating the sector’s united commitment to safeguarding the future of horse sport. Conducted by engagement science specialists Voconiq, the study involved more than 5,000 participants, making it the most comprehensive of its kind in Britain.

Public confidence and welfare priorities

The study found that the UK public recognises the deep cultural and social significance of horses, with this sense of heritage being a major driver of trust in equestrian sport. However, trust is also influenced by key welfare factors, including fairness in regulation, transparency in welfare standards, and ensuring horses experience positive, enriching lives.

Key findings include:

  • Public appreciation for equestrianism – A strong majority believe horses play an important role in UK society.
  • Commitment to welfare – 78% of respondents agree that a horse’s mental wellbeing is as important as physical welfare.
  • Injury prevention – 69% support making competitions safer for horses, even if it means modifications to the sport.
  • Concerns about the future of horses in sport – The public is particularly worried about injuries, fatalities, and the fate of horses bred for competition but not meeting performance expectations.

These findings offer reassurance that equestrianism continues to hold public trust, but they also highlight clear areas where improvements must be made to ensure a sustainable future for horse sport.

A collaborative approach to welfare

Jim Eyre, Chief Executive of British Equestrian, welcomed the research, saying: “The confirmation that we still have public acceptance, despite the difficulties that equestrianism has faced in recent years, is very positive. As an industry, we are united by our passion for the horse and everything we do must have the wellbeing of our equine partners at its heart. However, we know there is still more we can do.

Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare, reinforced the importance of listening to public sentiment: “With society changing around us, it is so important that we in the horse world listen to how others see our relationship with horses. What is especially encouraging is how the sector has come together to learn from these results and is committed to work together to act on them.”

James Hick, Chief Executive of The British Horse Society said: “We are always working on activities to promote and protect the future of horses in society, and it’s also important that we collaborate as an industry too. This research captures valuable insight that I hope will inspire meaningful change and help us all to build public trust. Sharing a positive narrative and ensuring that welfare is at the heart of all we do, is so important. Proactive steps are being taken to do this and it is encouraging to see how these findings will guide even greater actions to advance social importance across our sector.”

Progress and future commitments

The study confirms that British horse sport has already made significant strides in improving welfare, with key developments in recent years including:

  • 2019 – British Racing establishes an independently chaired Horse Welfare Board.
  • 2020 – British Racing’s Horse Welfare Board publishes its strategy ‘A Life Well-Lived’.
  • 2022 – British Equestrian supports the creation of the FEI’s Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission and establishes an Equine Welfare and Ethics Advisory Group.
  • 2023 – British Racing partners with the Royal Veterinary College to develop a data-driven Racing Risk Model to reduce risk.
  • 2024 – British Equestrian launches the ‘Charter for the Horse’, strengthening welfare commitments across its 19 member bodies.
  • 2024 – The Pony Club introduces new rules restricting the use of spurs in competition.
  • 2024 – British Dressage implements its Equine Welfare Action Plan.

Looking ahead, the sector has ambitious plans to strengthen equine welfare further, including updates to British Racing’s Horse Welfare Board and the implementation of the FEI’s Equine Welfare Action Plan.

David Mountford, Chief Executive of the British Equine Veterinary Association, said: “We welcome the findings of this important work. If the horse sector is to evolve and thrive, we need wider society to be confident that we ‘do the right thing’ by these amazing animals that we are privileged to work alongside. The survey shows that, as vets, we are uniquely trusted by the public and we must ensure that we continue to both justify that faith and work with industry to ensure that horses’ lives are rich, engaging, and dignified from start to finish.”

A bright future for horse sport

The findings reinforce that while horse sport still holds a valued place in UK society, continued evolution is essential to maintaining public confidence. By taking proactive steps towards greater transparency, enhanced safety measures, and a deeper commitment to lifelong equine welfare, the industry is demonstrating that it is both willing and capable of meeting the expectations of modern society.

For those dedicated to horses, this research provides a strong foundation for shaping the future of equestrian sport – one where welfare and competition exist in perfect balance.

To access the full report National Survey of UK Citizen Attitudes Towards UK Equestrian Sport Industries, visit https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/results-released-of-largest-and-most-in-depth-study-into-uk-public-attitudes-towards-horse-sport-and-equine-welfare?utm_source=press_release&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=voconiq_report&utm_content=pr_280125

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