THE World Breeding Federation for Sports Horses (WBFSH) is employing its unique position as the representative body of 86 studbooks in 36 countries to become a driving force for better equine health and welfare in the sports horse industry worldwide.

The WBFSH has commissioned a far-reaching research project by Hartpury University. ‘Evidence-based recommendations for the enhancement of sports horse welfare in breeding’ were developed to inform the preparation of a WBFSH Welfare Charter and a series of draft Welfare Codes of Conduct, alongside recommendations for areas requiring future research to enhance the welfare of sport horses within breeding.

WBFSH President Jan Pedersen said: “The WBFSH is committed to ensuring the welfare of horses involved in breeding, as well as those produced through breeding by adhering to ethical, evidence-informed and responsible breeding practices, management and care that provide horses with a good life.”

“We are very grateful to the team at Hartpury University for their hard and groundbreaking work. We are fully committed to supporting all our member studbooks and 150,000 breeders worldwide in making the best choices in breeding for welfare. This starts with the selection of breeding stock most likely to produce horses able to lead a long and healthy life, but it affects every aspect of our activities, from breeding techniques to ongoing management to end-of-life care.”

Initial interviews highlighted three key welfare areas based on the different stages of the breeding cycle. In the area of selection of breeding stock, main themes for consideration were genetics, grading assessments and end of life management.

In the field of management of breeding stock, key areas were conception and use of artificial reproductive techniques, as well as the welfare of mares and stallions. In the area of foal and youngstock management, foal and youngstock socialisation and training were seen as important, among other management considerations.

In the next phases of the research, the WBFSH will work with its member studbooks on implementation strategies for the project findings. This includes integration of a welfare statement into its statutes. In consultation with its member studbooks, the WBFSH will support the inclusion of behavioural, health and longevity-related attributes within breed strategies to promote responsible and sustainable breeding.