Theo Ploegmakers, president of the European Equestrian Federation, emphasizes the importance of rules and regulations to safeguard horse welfare in equestrian sports. The FEI has introduced a tool to check the tightness of nosebands following reports of excessive tightening, despite some top riders claiming they know best for their horses and should not be subject to such rules.
Ploegmakers argues that horse welfare rules are essential to ensure ethical treatment and the health and safety of horses in training and competition. Without standardized regulations, there is a risk of mistreatment, inconsistency, and a lack of oversight that could harm horses. The FEI rules act as a counterbalance to ensure horses’ needs remain a priority over competition success or financial gain.
The belief that top riders are exempt from the need for rules is short-sighted, as even experienced riders can make mistakes, prioritize competition success over welfare, or fail to recognize signs of stress or injury in their horses. The FEI rules are crucial for maintaining public trust in the sport, reflecting evolving standards of care for animals, and preventing the normalization of abusive practices that could harm horses.
