A sharp proverb highlights the difference between rigorous equine welfare research and flawed, agenda-driven studies.| Horses and People
This week, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) announced an emergency ban on artificial foam-producing substances used in horses’ mouths. The new veterinary rule, effective July 1, 2025, prohibits all products that artificially induce or imitate natural foaming, replacing a narrower ban that only targeted marshmallow-like or shaving foam-style products. The emergency resolution follows […] The post Foam, Fear, and False Signals: Why the FEI’s New Ban on Artificial S...| Horses and People
Footage of Olympic rider Heath Ryan whipping a horse has reignited calls to ban whipping in Australia. There are more ethical alternatives.| Horses and People
Drawing on decades of research in this area, David Mellor says it's time that horse riders acknowledge that some methods they use cause pain.| Horses and People
Nicole knew she had a problem. As a professional rider and coach, she juggled the endless responsibilities of horse care—vet visits, farrier appointments, training schedules, competition prep. But no matter how many whiteboards, sticky notes, or phone reminders she used, things still slipped through the cracks. Then came the breaking point. On the eve of […] The post From Chaos to Clarity: How EquiCare is Transforming Horse Management appeared first on Horses and People.| Horses and People
Bit Blindness The term “bit blindness”, coined in 2020, emphasises that after its inception four millennia ago, bit use in horses has long been normalised [1,2]. Moreover, not only has the use of bits been normalised, so too were the distinctive behaviours associated with that use. Indeed, this dual normalisation was so widely accepted that […] The post Bit Blindness and Questioning the Concept of Pain-induced Musculoskeletal Lameness appeared first on Horses and People.| Horses and People
A critique of “The Role of the Equestrian Professional in Bridle and Bit Fit in the United Kingdom“ In this compelling critique, Professor Emeritus David Mellor examines a recent study published in Animals by Kathryn Nankervis, Jane Williams, Diana Fisher, and Russell MacKechnie-Guire. Mellor questions the almost complete absence of references to bit-induced mouth pain, […] The post Bit-Induced Mouth Pain and Wider Equine Welfare Assessments Ignored in a Paper on Bridle and Bit Fit appe...| Horses and People
A critique of the Horses and the Science of Harmony film by Emeritus Professor Robert Cook, FRCVS, PhD. “Horses and the Science of Harmony” is, as stated in its introduction, a “Full length feature film, seen through the lens of cutting-edge science and groundbreaking research to educate about equine behavior and optimal wellbeing, while simultaneously […] The post Critique of the film Horses and the Science of Harmony appeared first on Horses and People.| Horses and People
Summary of the FVE position statement emphasising how behaviour and training practices impact the welfare of dogs, cats and horses.| Horses and People
Scenario Consider a prominent international organisation that has global leadership and regulatory roles in a well-known area of competitive activity involving animals. Participants are members of a global elite, lauded and applauded for their mastery of the exceptional animals they use in their sports activities, some at Olympic levels. Others, not the primary focus here, […] The post Seven Pillars of Deception to Delay Action on Horse Welfare appeared first on Horses and People.| Horses and People
A series of haikus by James Garnham that highlights that much of what the racehorse sector would like us to believe is not true.| Horses and People