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Equestrian figures to discuss welfare of horses in sport
Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare, said the survey findings “should be a wake-up call to everyone involved in equestrian sports"
Online event will explore public perceptions and how to rebuild trust. 

Public concerns about the involvement of horses in sport are set to go under the spotlight today (21 June) in an online event hosted by World Horse Welfare.

During the meeting, leading equestrian figures will discuss public perceptions of the involvement of horses in sport and what more equestrian sports need to do to ensure continued public support.  

It comes after a survey commissioned by World Horse Welfare found that more than half of the UK population (60%) believes there should be more safety and welfare measures for horse sports.

The first-of-its-kind survey, which received more than 2,000 responses, also found that more than half of people feel that equine welfare should be better prioritised in communications.  

Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare, said the survey findings “should be a wake-up call to everyone involved in equestrian sports".

“I am afraid that the results of our survey reflect the reality of the UK public’s perception of welfare in horse sport, but we can and must turn this around," he said.

“As a charity that supports the responsible involvement of horses in sport we are, today, bringing together leaders in racing, polo and equestrianism to encourage a deeper conversation on how the different equestrian sports can work better together to address this issue and ensure the long-term sustainability of their respective activities.

“Horse sport can rebuild that trust with the public and maintain support - its social licence to operate - and have a bright future, but only if it opens itself to change. We look forward to having these conversations and importantly, seeing action.” 

Joining the discssion will be Madeleine Campbell, senior lecturer in human-animal interactions and ethics at the RVC, Pippa Funnell MBE, Olympic eventer, and Dr Barry Johnson, chair of British Racing’s Horse Welfare Board. 

Christian Landolt, dressage rider and eventer, trainer and FEI ground jury member and David Morley, Chair of the Hurlingham Polo Association Pony Welfare Committee, will also be on the panel.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."