British Equestrian updates action plan

Equine welfare and the ethical care and use of horses are at the heart of British Equestrian (BEF).

Reflecting this commitment to continuous improvement and evolving equine welfare and ethics expectations, the federation and its member bodies have intensified efforts to raise standards, strengthen compliance and drive meaningful change.

British Equestrian is now proud to provide further details of the Equine Welfare Action Plan 2026–2028 - a clear roadmap for continuous progress within the federation over the current four-year Olympic cycle and beyond.

Key recent progress and current priorities include:

Enhanced welfare reporting: Welfare concerns can now be reported to a dedicated reporting and case management system (Globocol). Additionally, all equine fatalities that occur in federation events under member bodies’ auspices are now reported and reviewed to enable data-led decision making and improved safety measures.

Equine Welfare Officer Network: Nominated Welfare Officers work collaboratively with organisations such as the RSPCA, SSPCA and World Horse Welfare to strengthen alignment and best practice.

Equine medication principles: Prepared with input from the British Equestrian Veterinary Association, the federation has developed a set of principles regarding the ethical use of medication in horses.

Stronger governance: British Equestrian revised its rulebook in 2025 to include stricter regulation on the protection of equine welfare.

Coaching reform: Equine welfare content such as ethical training, welfare models and equine learning theory and ethical roles and training for coaches has been embedded in an updated coaching framework to be used across the federation.

Disciplinary alignment: Clearer, more consistent and more robust processes include looking at existing ‘return to play’ requirements for those who receive equine welfare sanctions.

Horse registration ambition: Work is underway to improve traceability across a horse’s involvement within federation activities via registration processes, supporting biosecurity, welfare and safeguarding.

Communications: A coordinated approach to proactive and reactive communications has been implemented to promote welfare education, raise awareness and share positive equine experiences, and those who champion them. This includes showcasing best practice, while also celebrating the unique bond and partnership between horses and humans.

This action plan is being continuously reviewed, ensuring progress remains measurable and aligned with emerging challenges and opportunities.