Public acceptance of horses participating in sport appears to be continuing its gradual decline, according to the latest annual survey commissioned by World Horse Welfare.
The fifth annual YouGov survey, involving 4,310 respondents, was presented during a recent panel discussion examining public acceptance of horses in sport and perceptions of good training practices.
The findings suggest that while many members of the public remain supportive of equestrian sport, increasing numbers are questioning whether horse welfare standards are sufficient.
Almost one in four respondents (24.4%) said they do not support the involvement of horses in sport under any circumstances, an increase from 19.5% in 2024. Meanwhile, support for the continued involvement of horses in sport fell from 23.3% to 20.9%.
Perhaps most notably, almost two in five respondents (39.4%) said they would support horses in sport only if welfare standards continue to improve.
The results highlight what many within the equestrian sector describe as a growing expectation from the public that welfare must remain at the centre of decision-making.
Speaking during the discussion, World Horse Welfare Chief Executive Roly Owers said that while the changes year-on-year are relatively small, the overall trend is one the industry should continue to monitor closely.
The survey sparked discussion among representatives from across the equestrian world about how the industry responds to changing public attitudes.
British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Chief Executive David Mountford suggested the industry needs to approach the issue with greater humility, despite significant welfare progress already being made within regulated sport.
“We can all learn every week,” he said, highlighting the importance of embracing new science, evidence and opportunities for improvement.
Other panellists echoed the need for continued progress. US Equestrian Federation Chief of Sport David O’Connor pointed to the fact that fewer people now have direct experience of horses in their daily lives, making education and communication increasingly important.
Racing broadcaster Lydia Hislop also stressed the importance of continuing to challenge established practices and embracing new technology, research and data where these can improve welfare outcomes.
For the equestrian sector, the survey serves as a reminder that maintaining public trust may depend not only on continuing to improve welfare standards, but also on demonstrating those improvements transparently and effectively.
As discussions around social licence continue across equestrian sport, the message from the survey appears clear: welfare remains central to public acceptance, and expectations are continuing to evolve.
