Endurance GB bans whips in bid to improve horse welfare

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The use of whips has been banned in some rides by Endurance GB (EGB) as it “remains committed to being at the forefront of equine welfare”.

The board and members of the national governing body for endurance voted “overwhelmingly” in favour of banning the use of whips, and the use of any other item as a whip, in all competitive endurance rides (CERs) affiliated to EGB from 2024. Whips will still be allowed in graded endurance rides.

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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.

Endurance GB bans whips in bid to improve horse welfare

“Key elements of the AGM are board and member proposals to make changes to the rules that govern the sport,” an EGB spokesman said. “These rule changes are voted on by the membership and ensure the sport remains agile and in touch with the environment in which it operates.

“Endurance riding in the UK remains committed to being at the forefront of equine welfare and biosecurity.”

EGB chair Phil Nunnerley told H&H the welfare of the horse is “considered to be paramount in endurance riding”, and that the ban on whips is “consistent with the priority attached to welfare”.

British international endurance rider Harry Ingram added: “We haven’t had whips at FEI level for a long time so this rule brings the more competitive national classes in line with the international rules.

“Horses generally want to eat up the miles in endurance, so there really is no reason to carry a whip and what better way to really put horse welfare first than to ban them altogether?”

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