Health, Safety and Welfare - October Update

Highlighting Horse Welfare

The FEI Equestrian Charter was developed as part of the Equine Ethics & Wellbeing study the results of which were presented at the Sports Forum last year.

The Charter

Equine welfare involves the physical, psychological, social and environmental wellbeing of the horse, and all horses involved in sport and leisure activities should be able to live a good life. The FEI requires all those involved in sport involving horses adhere to the FEI Code of Conduct, and to acknowledge and accept that at all times the welfare of the horse must be paramount by pledging to the FEI Equestrian Charter.

 1. I understand that it is a privilege to involve horses in sport and this comes with responsibilities to the horse.

 2. I commit to respecting the horse as a sentient creature capable of feeling both positive and negative emotions, and to ensuring its welfare is always my priority.

 3. I undertake to continually develop my understanding of horse behaviour and welfare needs, and to proactively use this knowledge to provide a good life for horses with which I am involved.

The Code of Conduct

The FEI CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE WELFARE OF THE HORSE is referred to in all Equestrian Australia sport rules and additionally can be found HERE.

Education for improved understanding

There are more than a dozen Horse Welfare related short courses on the FEI Campus that will improve your understanding of your horse and its welfare needs. These courses can easily be accessed by going via this link on the EA website HERE or accessing the FEI Campus directly HERE. 

In either case, when you arrive at the campus home page, we suggest you highlight “explore” and click on” collections” to see horse welfare specific content and then log in to view a course of interest. Creating an account is free and there is no requirement to have an FEI number-anyone can view.

Helmet Standards Change reminder

The FEI has mapped out a path to improved helmet standards to be implemented progressively over the next 2 years beginning 1 January 2026 and concluding 1 January 2028. 

The standards found HERE replace the FEI List of the applicable international testing standards for Protective Headgear, which remains in effect until 31 December 2025. 

EA follows the recommendations of the FEI on helmet standards and encourages members to review and understand the information in the FEI documents to make informed decisions regarding purchase and replacement of helmets.

If you have any questions for our Health, Safety and Welfare team please contact us at [email protected]