Animalweb is delighted to be supporting the Welfare Stewarding Group and the Animalweb Good Horsemanship Award, which is now being presented at equestrian events across the UK throughout the 2026 season.
The initiative was launched to recognise and celebrate riders, owners, handlers and equestrians who demonstrate exceptional horsemanship, outstanding horse handling, empathy, partnership and a clear commitment to putting their horse first.
The Welfare Stewarding Group has already attended several major events this summer, including the Royal Cornwall Show and Royal Three Counties Show, where the first Animalweb Good Horsemanship Awards have been presented. We have been delighted to see some truly deserving recipients recognised for their horse-first approach and commitment to welfare.
Special bespoke rosettes, sponsored by Animalweb, are awarded to individuals who stand out to the stewarding team, not necessarily for winning classes, but for demonstrating exceptional care, understanding and respect towards their horses. Every recipient also receives a £10 feed voucher kindly provided by Dengie Horse Feeds, further recognising and rewarding positive horsemanship and welfare-first partnerships.
Amanda Stoddart-West, founder of the Welfare Stewarding Group, explained:
“Good horsemanship is about far more than results or placings. It’s about the relationship between horse and rider, the way horses are handled and cared for, and the respect shown to them at every stage of competition and preparation.
“Rewarding the positive has to be the best way to promote best practice and to encourage excellent horse welfare, and these awards are designed to shine a light on the people quietly doing things the right way, those who consistently put welfare, patience and partnership first.
“Sometimes it’s simply the people who stand out because you can clearly see they are thinking about the horse first above everything else. It’s not about the most polished horse or the biggest name, it’s about genuine horsemanship.”
As part of the initiative, every winner is featured on the official Animalweb Good Horsemanship Award Wall of Fame, helping to celebrate and showcase positive horsemanship throughout the equestrian community.
Dr David Marlin, President of the Welfare Stewarding Group and founder of Animalweb, said:
“At Animalweb, promoting evidence-based horse welfare and responsible horsemanship sits at the core of everything we do.
“Supporting the Welfare Stewarding Group and the Animalweb Good Horsemanship Award is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the riders, handlers and supporters who consistently demonstrate kindness, empathy, professionalism and exceptional care for their horses.
“We hope these awards encourage conversations around what great horsemanship truly looks like and help inspire others across the industry to lead by example.”
The Welfare Stewarding Group continues to be recognised for its supportive and proactive approach to welfare at equestrian events, working constructively with organisers, competitors and officials to promote positive horse-human partnerships and welfare-first competition environments.
The Animalweb Good Horsemanship Award will continue throughout the 2026 season, with further events planned across the summer and autumn.
