HOYS Welfare Policy

General Code of conduct for equine welfare   

Horse of the Year Show is supportive of the Equine Welfare and General Best Practice Guidance of the relevant societies and member bodies. For the avoidance of doubt this code of conduct and the rules of Horse of the Year take precedence and must be adhered to.   

• Grandstand Media expects all those involved in Horse of the Year Show qualifiers and at the final to always adhere to the code of conduct for equine welfare and always accept that the welfare of the horse must be paramount and must never be subordinated to competitive or commercial influences.   

• Equine welfare is the highest priority for Grandstand Media, and we will continue to review these codes of conducts and work closely with the relevant societies and member bodies to ensure our rules and regulations regarding equine welfare are respected and enforced.   

• The code of conduct on equine welfare has been developed to support responsible ownership, promote best practice.  It should be interpreted in the spirit it is intended and with common sense.  

• This code of conduct is applicable to horses of all ages.  At all stages of preparation, training, travel and competition equine welfare is paramount and must take precedence over all other demands.  

• The aim of showing is to enjoy the sport and develop riding skills.  

• Responsibility for the horse/pony is with the owner, regardless of whether they are in attendance, as well as the individual/s who is in charge of the horse/pony whilst at a show.  All individuals responsible for a horse/pony have a duty of care in all circumstances to meet their horse’s welfare needs.    

Welfare – tack  

• Tack should always be fitted and used in a way that protects and safeguards welfare and safety of both horse and rider/handler. This applies at all times whilst on the event venue.  

• All saddlery or equipment is to be correctly fitted and used as intended in its manufactured state without adaptions.  Any saddlery or equipment used must be available for general purchase.  No item of saddlery or equipment is to be misused.   

• Abuse of a horse using natural or artificial aids (including riding aids, padded batons, bits, spurs, etc) will not be tolerated. 

Welfare – horse/pony  

• No person may abuse a horse/pony during an event or at any other time.   

• At all stages during the preparation and training of show horses, welfare must be paramount. This includes, but is not limited to, good horse management, training methods, farriery, use and fitting of tack and transportation.  

• Horses and competitors must be fit, competent and in good health and condition. This encompasses medication use, surgical procedures that compromises welfare or safety and the use of aids.  

• No horse showing symptoms of disease, lameness or other significant ailments or pre-existing clinical conditions should compete or continue to compete when to do so would compromise its welfare. Veterinary advice must be sought whenever there is any doubt.  

• If a horse/pony has blood in the mouth, on the flanks, on the legs or on any other part of the body the competitor should not compete or should cease competing and should leave the ring immediately.  The competitor should get their horse checked as soon as possible once blood has been noticed. The horse should be treated and where necessary the person responsible for the horse should seek veterinary advice and attention to ensure the animal can travel home or continue to compete in further classes on the day.  

• Obesity in horses and ponies must be avoided and all horses exhibited should be fit for purpose for the event or class they are competing in. Having a horse which is obese is extremely detrimental to its welfare and horses carrying too much fat are at a significantly increased risk of developing serious health and welfare issues.  

• General animal welfare provisions apply on all journeys. The horse must travel with its passport, be fit to travel, provided with feed, water and rest stops as needed. The vehicle and loading/unloading facilities must be safe and designed to avoid injury and those handling the horse must be competent and not cause the animal fear or distress.  Competitors must be aware of The Welfare of Animals During Transport Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005.  

• Under the Welfare Acts the parents/guardians of those under 16-years-old are responsible for the welfare of their children’s horses/ponies.  

• All riders should be a suitable size for their horse whether in the ring, or working in. Riders working in ponies for other competitors or children must also be a suitable size for the pony and suitably mounted. 

“Abuse” means an action or omission which causes or is likely to cause pain or unnecessary discomfort to a horse/pony.  

This Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse may be modified from time to time and the views of all are welcomed. Particular attention will be paid to new research findings and Horse of the Year Show encourages further support for welfare studies.