NEW BHS Welfare Code of Practice for shows

By Vanessa Butterworth

General news

14 July 2008 14:05

The British Horse Society, in conjunction with the British Equestrian Federation’s Welfare Group, has launched a voluntary code of practice to set out acceptable welfare standards for horses at shows and events.

It was devised as a result of the number of concerns reported to the BHS Welfare Department regarding the treatment of horses at shows. Lee Hackett from the BHS says: “Hopefully, these guidelines will provide the back-up that show organisers need as well as making things clear for competitors and, most importantly, improving horse welfare.”

Originally intended for use solely at unaffiliated shows, the code has now been adopted by many members of the BEF Welfare Group and British Dressage Chief Executive, David Holmes said: “As part of our role we are keen to work with unaffiliated dressage to improve riders’ competitive experience and enjoyment across the whole sport.  This Code of Practice aims to support show organisers in running good quality shows and we’re delighted to offer the BHS Welfare department our input and support with this initiative.”

The Code includes guidelines on all aspects of the welfare of horses at events such as transport, use of the whip, conduct in and out of the show ring and the provision of feed, water and shelter. If a show organiser finds that a competitor is in breach of the Code, they will then have firm grounds to issue a formal warning or disqualify that individual from their classes. In severe cases, individuals may be asked to leave the showground or be reported to a welfare agency. 

The BHS Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies at Events is available to download from the BHS website, www.bhs.org.uk. Show organisers are invited to state that their event is being run under the BHS Code and request that competitors read the full code.

A shorter version is also available and could be incorporated into show schedules.