‘A wake-up call’: 20% of public do not support horses in sport, survey finds

Close up of brown horse being caressed by female hand. Shot on black background.

(Image credit: credits-unknown)

A fifth of people do not support the continued involvement of horses in sport in any circumstances, in research described as a “wake-up call” for equestrianism.

World Horse Welfare is hosting a panel discussion today (21 June) to discuss what can and must be done for horse sport to maintain its social licence to operate, or public support.

40% only supported the continued involvement of horses in sport if their welfare is improved,
60% said there should be more safety and welfare measures in place in horse sports.
16% felt their confidence in protection of horse welfare in sport had been affected negatively over the past two to three years in response to media coverage.
52% felt horse welfare should be prioritised more in communications.
20% did not support the continued involvement of horses in sport under any circumstances.

Eventer Pippa Funnell will be joined by Madeleine Campbell, a senior lecturer in human-animal interactions and ethics at the Royal Vet College, Barry Johnson, chair of British racing’s Horse Welfare Board, Christian Landolt, a dressage and eventing rider, trainer and FEI ground jury member, and David Morley, chair of the Hurlingham Polo Association pony welfare committee. Former H&H editor Lucy Higginson is chairing the debate.

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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.

‘A wake-up call’: 20% of public do not support horses in sport, survey finds

“I am afraid that the results of our survey reflect the reality of the UK public’s perception of welfare in horse sport but we can and must turn this around.”

Today’s discussion, which starts at 11am, features key figures in horse sport.

The survey involved 2,057 adults, representative of the UK population in gender and socio-economic background. Of respondents, 94% had little or no recent contact with horses and 45% had never had contact.

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