Zaventem, Belgium – April 18, 2023 – At the beginning of this year, we held a conference titled “Protecting horses welfare at home”. In response to numerous new, well-known situations, along with the current studies of the Equine Ethics & ; ; Wellbeing Committee, we felt the precise nature of at-home security should be discussed with our people, our National Federations, in more detail.
Behind closed doors, away from the watchful eyes of national institutions and officials, strategies are being employed to push the boundaries of achievement. These covert activities not just compromise the integrity of the game, but they also put a strain on the animals involved.
The answer to our more survey was significant. The results clearly demonstrate that this is not just an Li matter, a competition matter, or anything else, because the majority of the respondents are from Europe and identify as federal riders or horse owners. Nearly half of the respondents said they had witnessed behaviors they believed compromised the horses ‘ happiness at home, and about half of those incidents occurred in the last six months. Our National Federations need to take actions against this illness that exists at both the grass and aspiring levels.
Finding effective ways to manage this is a problem for regional institutions. Constanze Winter from Germany outlined the difficulties in trying situations and imposing sanctions during our conference. The level of data and analysis needed to successfully sue is large, limited by authority and authority. In addition, many of these cases are not “severe ” enough to warrant the involvement of criminal or other authorities, but we are aware that they are inappropriate, cause harm to the animal, and should not be used.
A paradigm change is necessary now; a visit to stop the violence of those who tarnish the sport’s status. Despite the fact that dressage has received a lot of attention, we cannot ignore the dangers that exist across all of our subjects and the possibility for poor equestrian at all levels as well.
You might wonder what part does the EEF play in all of this. We have no control over our actions, have no established connections with our competitors, or have any laws for our actions. We must use our circle of influence to spark the discussion and sway our associate National Federations, and when necessary, to offer support to the Yi who can create rules. Our national organisations are crucial, in our opinion, given that this difficulty far exceeds the international place.
Beyond the world of police, the substance of education and awareness is found. National federations had spear initiatives to inform trainers, riders, officials, and other stakeholders about the moral limits of training practices. By fostering a culture of clarity and responsibilities, we can maintain a society where the horse’s security reigns supreme.
Sweden made a note of some of the activities they already have in location, including one involving training on parts and the effects on the horse’s mouth. The EEF may continue to look at these kinds of projects that are already underway as a figure and discuss them with our member organizations so we can learn from best practices and incorporate similar systems in all Gradient nations.
Every animal deserves to be trained with respect and dignity, so the stakes are high. In the quest for success, their well-being should never be compromised. It is our shared responsibility as the sport’s guardians to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ensure that the nature of the game endures for generations to come.
This need to motivate is not just for our institutions. Every person involved with horses, riding horses, men, garden managers, and riding teachers all need to be empowered to take responsibility for this problem. Our partner at World Horse Welfare, Roly Owers, spoke at length about this topic. This need for a structural society shift, for people to become what we call “active bystanders”. You are actually accepting things that you do n’t agree with and that you do n’t do as they do. Do we really think this is good for the horses, or do we want to foster a movement of anger and conflict? ”. Germany served as an example of how you can, as a National Federation, work together to facilitate this by creating a dedicated person ( a” Tierschutzvertrauensperson” ), a representative of each district, who can act as an intermediary for those who wish to raise concerns and act.
In the centre of opposition, let us not forget the noble nature of the game, a party of harmony, joy, and partnership between horse and rider. Let’s rise to the occasion and be united in our commitment to preserve the sacredness of the game we value dearly. It is time to provide light to the darkness, to enable our organisations, and to honour the noble nature of our game.
A good horse activity embodies principles of dignity, respect, and happiness for both the horse and the rider. It involves a level playing field that is characterized by integrity and dressage, which place the horse’s well-being first and foremost above all else. The true nature of the game is not just winning, but also the pursuit of excellence with dignity and compassion.
Resource: Press Release from EEF– Western Equestrian Federation
Banner: © EEF – German Equestrian Federation
