A video of Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin repeatedly whipping a horse has caused a major stir in the equestrian world, leading to her withdrawal from the Paris Games and a provisional suspension from the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI). This incident has also sparked a wider conversation about animal welfare in equestrian sports, particularly in horse racing.
Horse racing leaders are taking the recent events as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need to regain public trust by prioritizing the well-being of horses. Lisa Lazarus, CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), which oversees the sport in the US, stresses the importance of animal welfare being a top priority, stating that failure to do so could jeopardize the future of the sport.
This incident comes on the heels of other controversies involving equestrian sports. Carlos Parro was issued a warning after being accused of using the prohibited ‘Rollkur’ technique, which can compromise a horse’s breathing. Three years ago, a German coach was suspended from the Tokyo Olympics for striking an uncooperative horse.
The public backlash following these incidents is a reflection of a changing societal view on animal sports. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has called for the removal of equestrian events from the Olympics, and horses will no longer be part of the modern pentathlon starting in 2028.
Horse racing, too, has faced similar scrutiny. The Kentucky Derby saw a string of horse deaths last year, leading to a suspension of racing and an investigation into the causes. Despite reforms implemented by HISA to reduce fatalities, the Dujardin incident highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing the sport with animal welfare.
Leaders in horse racing are acknowledging the need for greater transparency and are taking steps to demonstrate their commitment to horse welfare. Graham Motion, a thoroughbred trainer, emphasizes the importance of showcasing their dedication to animal well-being, especially in a time when public perception is more critical.
Lazarus, who previously served as General Counsel and Chief of Business Strategy and Development for FEI, emphasizes the importance of transparency and active engagement in communicating their commitment to animal welfare. British rider Carl Hester, who has an open training yard, advocates for transparency by allowing people to observe their training methods.
HISA has implemented reforms to make the sport safer for both horses and jockeys, resulting in a decrease in fatalities. However, the whip, used for steering, remains a controversial aspect of the sport. While there is no evidence proving the whip’s effectiveness, its use is often perceived as cruel by the public.
Vicky Leonard, a marketing specialist for thoroughbred racing, believes the industry needs to be proactive in addressing public concerns and suggests using mobile phone videos to showcase the care and dedication involved in raising and training horses.
While horse racing is still working to address public concerns, there is a growing awareness of the need for better horse welfare. The Dujardin incident serves as a reminder that the industry must continue to evolve and demonstrate its commitment to animal welfare if it wants to thrive in the 21st century.
