Ethical horse riding

A groundbreaking change is taking place in the world. New sympathies, ecological and ethological sustainability have become a priority aspects. The well-being of the animals and of the environment means also the well-being of mankind. This inevitably involves the management of horses throughout the ‘horse industry’.

Starting from breeding programmes to competitions, a consciousness and awareness of the change that is happening are necessary if we want equestrian sports to continue to exist. It is essential to perceive a new way of horse riding, taking the side of the horses and understanding their natural needs based on the principles of Ethology.

Equestrian sports will only have a future if we will be able to build a relationship which completely excludes violent methods, encouraging a relationship based on understanding and knowledge of the nature of the horse, resulting in an optimal communication based on mutual respect.

A change that must affect every discipline, level and sector that we are witnessing, joining the many horsemen (breeders, trainers, technicians, riders) who already represent a unified association, which bases itself on ethics and respect of the horses from every point of view. Practicing all activities involving horses will certainly still be possible, but on the condition of making their lives peaceful, happy, in harmony with their nature, avoiding any form of exploitation.

It is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the horse to ensure that all the skills in the sector come together to flow into more aware and conscientious riding. The essential difference will be not what we do with horses, but how we do it.