British Equestrian (BEF) has announced its Equine Welfare Action Plan 2026–2028, reinforcing its commitment to improving horse welfare, ethical care and responsible guardianship across the equestrian sector.
The plan provides a framework for continued improvement, focusing on education, stronger welfare standards, better reporting systems and greater accountability across British Equestrian and its 19 member organisations.
At the heart of the plan is the principle that the welfare, health and wellbeing of horses must always come first. The initiative builds on the existing Charter for the Horse, Equine Ethics and Welfare Policy, and ongoing work to ensure equestrian activities are carried out responsibly.
Key areas of focus include:
Improved welfare reporting and monitoring
A new welfare reporting and case management system has been introduced to help identify, track and respond to concerns more effectively. Data collected will help improve understanding of welfare issues and support better decision-making.
Stronger welfare support and education
Member organisations now have dedicated Welfare Officers to help manage concerns and promote best practice. Training and education programmes are also being updated to include areas such as:
- Ethical horse training
- Equine behaviour and learning theory
- Horse welfare responsibilities
- Coaching practices that prioritise the horse’s needs
Higher standards and accountability
British Equestrian has strengthened its rules, policies and compliance processes to ensure welfare expectations are clear and consistently applied.
Work is also underway to improve horse traceability through registration processes, supporting areas such as welfare monitoring, biosecurity and safeguarding.
What does this mean for livery yards and riding schools?
Although the action plan is focused on British Equestrian activities and member organisations, the principles are relevant to everyone involved in caring for horses.
Livery yard owners and riding schools play a vital role in equine welfare every day. Maintaining high standards of care, communication and education helps protect horses and builds trust with owners, riders and the wider community.
This includes:
- Ensuring horses have appropriate care, nutrition, exercise and living conditions
- Supporting responsible training methods
- Encouraging ongoing learning for staff, coaches and riders
- Having clear procedures for concerns or welfare issues
- Working with professionals such as vets, farriers and behaviour specialists where needed
For riding schools, the focus on ethical coaching and education highlights the importance of helping riders understand horse behaviour, welfare needs and responsible interaction.
For livery yards, strong welfare practices can enhance reputation, improve client confidence and create a positive environment where horses and people can thrive.
A shared responsibility
British Equestrian’s action plan reflects the wider direction of the industry: a move towards greater transparency, education and continuous improvement.
Whether involved in competition, coaching, livery, leisure riding or horse ownership, everyone has a role to play in ensuring horses receive the care, respect and consideration they deserve.
The future of equestrianism depends on putting horses first — through knowledge, responsibility and a shared commitment to welfare.
Want to learn more?
Understanding your legal and moral responsibilities as a yard owner is essential to protecting the health and wellbeing of the horses in your care. Visit the Yard Owner Hub for dedicated sections on Welfare Legislation and Equine Welfare Guidance, where you’ll find practical advice, up-to-date legal information, and best practice resources to help you meet your responsibilities and maintain the highest standards of equine care.
British Equestrian has expanded the ethics and welfare section of their website and added a reporting hub to raise safeguarding, welfare, anti-doping or integrity concerns in complete confidence, which is accessible from any web page. For member body-specific equine welfare policies, rules, initiatives and frameworks, please visit their respective websites.