Animal Welfare in Equestrianism — Practical Guide

Updated: June 2026. Guidance information on best practices and regulations.

Animal welfare in equestrianism is a topic of increasing relevance in both professional and recreational spheres. Spain has specific regulations on animal protection, and international federations —FEI especially— have developed codes of conduct that structure what is considered good practice with horses.

The Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare

The most widely accepted conceptual framework for assessing animal welfare is the "Five Freedoms," developed by the British Farm Animal Welfare Council and adopted internationally. Applied to horses:

Freedom from hunger and thirst. Access to clean water and appropriate feed to maintain health and vigor.
Freedom from discomfort. An appropriate environment with shelter and comfortable resting areas.
Freedom from pain, injury, or disease. Prevention and rapid veterinary treatment.
Freedom to express natural behaviors. Space, adequate facilities, and companionship of other animals of its species.
Freedom from fear and distress. Conditions and treatment that avoid mental suffering.

Regulations in Spain

Animal protection in Spain is regulated at several levels. Some relevant milestones:

State Animal Welfare Law

Law 7/2023, on the protection of animal rights and welfare, establishes general principles. Equids are part of this framework, with specific provisions for their use in sports and recreation.

Autonomous Community Legislation

Each autonomous community has specific regulations that complement the state law. Requirements for identification, transport, welfare, and sanctions vary among autonomous communities.

European Regulation

Regulation (EU) 2016/429 on animal health and specific transport regulations (EC Regulation 1/2005) establish common obligations within the EU.

FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has a Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse that sets out principles for all international competitions. Key points:

At all times, the welfare of the horse must be paramount and must never be subordinated to competitive or commercial interests.
Horses must be treated with all due consideration for their welfare throughout their lives.
The demands of training and competing must not compromise the welfare of the horse.
Any evidence of abuse, deliberate or otherwise, must be investigated and consequences must follow.

The FEI Code applies directly to international competition and, by extension, sets the ethical benchmark for the industry.

Specific Good Practices

Housing

Stall size. As a minimum reference, 3x3 meters for standard horses (larger for big or pregnant horses).
Ventilation. Sufficient air circulation. Ammonia buildup damages the respiratory tract.
Access to natural light. Essential for the horse's circadian rhythm.
Clean and absorbent bedding. Renewed as needed.
Visual or physical companionship with other horses. Total isolation leads to behavioral problems.

Exercise and Socialization

Daily turnout. Horses are not designed to be in a stall 23 hours a day. Turnout in a paddock, hand-walking, or lunging are basic needs.
Paddock time with other horses. Physical contact with other equines is important for mental well-being.
Variety of exercise. Not just arena work. Hacking, cavaletti work, varying the environment.

Training

Gradual progression. Work demands should be increased gradually, not suddenly.
Appropriate to the horse's level. Demanding more than the horse can give is counterproductive and harms its welfare.
Scheduled breaks. Rest days, holidays, periods without intense work.
Clear and consistent aids. The horse needs to understand what is being asked. Ambiguity causes frustration.

Equipment

Well-fitting equipment. Saddle, bridle, bit adapted to the horse. Poorly fitting equipment is a frequent cause of pain.
Equipment in good condition. Dry leather breaks; worn velcro loosens; blankets with rubs harm the horse.
Change of equipment when there is clear refusal. If the horse shows persistent refusal of a bit or saddle, review it.

Signs That Something Is Wrong

Early detection of problems is key. Some signs to watch for:

Change in behavior (apathy, new aggression, withdrawal).
Rapid weight loss or gain without apparent management change.
Persistent refusal of equipment (bridle, saddle).
Dull coat, dull eyes, abnormal postures.
Lameness or difficulty moving.
Stereotypical behaviors (weaving, crib-biting, stall walking).
Loss of appetite or changes in hydration.

Any of these signs warrants veterinary review and management review.

"Ethical Horsemanship" as a Trend

In recent years, there has been a growing movement in the industry that questions traditional practices and proposes more respectful alternatives for horse welfare. Aspects discussed:

Use of bits. There is a movement advocating for bitless riding when possible.
Use of spurs and whips. Excessive or improper use is under scrutiny.
Stalls vs. semi-liberty. The stall system is questioned compared to the more natural system of continuous paddock with shelter.
Age of starting training. Very early ages for training are debated.

These discussions evolve and are part of the ethical debate in the sector. The RFHE and FEI participate in these conversations and update regulations.

What Each Rider Can Do

Without needing to revolutionize anything, each rider can contribute to the welfare of their horse or the horse they ride:

Learn to read the horse's signals.
Seek technical advice (saddle-fitter, bit-fitter, veterinarian, equine physiotherapist).
Refuse to force what the horse cannot give.
Maintain well-fitting equipment.
Prioritize adequate rest.
Take care of the housing if it's their own or demand minimums if boarded.
Continuously educate themselves.

Animal welfare is not a moral label applicable only to others. It is a daily practice for every rider with their horse or the horses they ride.