British Equestrian has unveiled its new Equine Welfare Action Plan 2026-2028, a roadmap aimed at continuing to raise equine welfare standards during the current Olympic cycle and in the years ahead. The document reinforces the British federation's commitment to the ethical care of horses and sets out a series of priorities to improve governance, education, monitoring and coordination among its 19 member organisations.
Among the main measures already implemented, the creation of a specific system for reporting and managing incidents related to equine welfare (Globocol) stands out, which allows cases to be recorded, monitored and analysed more efficiently. In addition, all horse deaths occurring in competitions organised under the federation's umbrella are now reviewed with the aim of extracting information that contributes to improving safety.
The plan also includes the development of a network of welfare officers across the various member organisations, who will act as a point of reference for any concerns relating to horses and will work in collaboration with specialist bodies such as the RSPCA, the SSPCA and World Horse Welfare.
Another of the project's key areas is the regulation of the use of medication. British Equestrian has drawn up principles stating that any veterinary treatment must be clinically justified and comply with anti-doping regulations.
At the regulatory level, the federation has strengthened its rulebook with new welfare requirements, codes of conduct and common policies for all member organisations. In addition, specific content on welfare, equine learning and ethical training has been incorporated into the training programmes for coaches and officials.
The plan also includes measures to harmonise disciplinary procedures relating to equine welfare, improve horse traceability through registration systems, and develop a communication strategy aimed at disseminating good practices and increasing awareness of the horse's role in society.
To coordinate this work, British Equestrian relies on the Equine Welfare and Ethics Advisory Group, established in 2022, and the Equine Welfare Steering Group, set up in 2024, which brings together representatives from member organisations, veterinary experts, athletes and federation staff.
British Equestrian President Fields Wicker-Miurin emphasised that «the horse must always come first» and assured that the organisation will continue to adapt its policies as scientific knowledge on equine welfare and behaviour evolves, with the aim of continuing to place horse care at the heart of all its activities.
