Equine Welfare at Bramham

At the Defender Bramham Horse Trials, we are deeply committed to the highest standards of horse welfare. We adhere to the FEI Welfare Code of Conduct, which has been drafted with the independent charity, ‘World Horse Welfare’. The code prioritize the well-being of our equine athletes above all competitive or commercial interests.

When horses are used in sport, a heavy burden of responsibility for their welfare rests on the shoulders of those who own, train, ride and care for them. Sport horses are generally exceptionally well cared for, thanks to the significant investment that flows into the industry and the vigilance of regulators. As Event Organisers, our dedication to horse welfare is reflected in our comprehensive approach to event management and planning. We ensure that all horses are provided with clean, high-quality forage, feed, and water, and that their stabling and training environments meet the highest standards. Our courses are meticulously designed and maintained to ensure safety and minimize injury risks, while our transportation protocols are designed to protect horses throughout their journey. We work closely with the FEI to ensure all areas of the event are safe and secure.

There are still horse welfare challenges in sport and the FEI works with its federations and World Horse Welfare to address some of these challenges. For instance, World Horse Welfare helped the FEI set limits on practices such as Rolkur (‘hyperflexion’) and advocates the importance of a sport free from doping. We enforce strict guidelines to ensure that only fit horses and competent athletes participate in our events. Any concerns about a horse’s health are addressed promptly with veterinary expertise, and we strictly prohibit doping or any actions that may harm the horse. Our on site Veterinary Team are always on hand for any queries that our riders/owners may have.

Eventing’s commitment to horses has helped to ensure that the horses competing at Bramham are among the best cared for in the world. Eventing has also led the way in developing a number of safety features in the design of Cross Country Fences to help protect horses and riders. At Bramham, our focus is on creating a safe, supportive environment that upholds the highest standards of horse welfare, ensuring that the well-being of every horse is our foremost priority.

About World Horse Welfare

World Horse Welfare (Registered charity no: 206658 and SC038384), is an international charity whose values are grounded in pragmatism and compassion that strives to support and improve the horse-human partnership in all of its guises.

Since it was founded in 1927, World Horse Welfare’s approach has been practical, based on scientific evidence and its extensive experience, and focused on delivering lasting change across the full spectrum of the horse world.

World Horse Welfare supports the responsible use of horses in sport, and has been an independent welfare advisor to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) for more than 30 years, helping to draft its Welfare Code of Conduct. It is also a welfare advisor to the British Horseracing Authority.

For more information see https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/sport