WBFSH and Hartpury launch major welfare study

The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) has partnered with Hartpury University to carry out a far-reaching research project focused on enhancing equine welfare in sport horse breeding. Representing 86 studbooks across 36 countries, the WBFSH is uniquely positioned to drive progress on a global scale, and this initiative marks a significant step toward evidence-based, ethical breeding practices that prioritise equine wellbeing.

The study, titled Evidence-based recommendations for the enhancement of sports horse welfare in breeding, was led by Professor Jane M. Williams, Head of Research at Hartpury University, with contributions from Janet Forbes, Lorna Cameron, Maria Donovan, and Erica Febery. Together, the team developed recommendations that will inform the creation of a WBFSH Welfare Charter, a set of draft Welfare Codes of Conduct, and future research priorities aimed at improving welfare outcomes throughout the breeding cycle.

The research followed a three-stage methodology, beginning with interviews involving 17 WBFSH member organisations to gather insights into industry concerns and current welfare challenges. This was followed by a systematic review of academic literature, which found that most existing studies in equine reproduction focused on efficiency and health outcomes rather than overall welfare. The study concluded with focus groups featuring global equine welfare experts and academics, which helped refine practical guidelines and implementation strategies for the breeding industry.

Three key welfare areas were identified: the selection of breeding stock, the management of breeding mares and stallions (including the use of artificial reproductive techniques), and the care and early training of foals and youngstock. Across all stages, the research highlighted a critical need for more welfare-centred, scientifically-informed practices. Current guidelines, while promoting best practice in theory, often lack specificity and actionable steps for breeders to follow.

Using Mellor’s Five Domains Model as a framework, the team created ten core welfare principles. These include responsible selection of breeding stock based on health and longevity, ethical and age-appropriate training, socialisation of young horses, thoughtful weaning strategies, and committed end-of-life care. The principles are supported by four foundational enablers: education, evidence, ethics, and practical execution. Together, they form the backbone of a long-term strategy to ensure every horse bred within the sport horse industry has the opportunity for a good life.

WBFSH President Jan Pedersen expressed deep gratitude to the Hartpury team, stating: “We are fully committed to supporting all our member studbooks and 150,000 breeders worldwide in making the best choices in breeding for welfare.” He emphasised that this commitment spans every aspect of breeding, from stock selection to retirement.

Professor Williams added, “Our research has demonstrated that welfare in horse breeding practices is still under-researched. We need a strong implementation strategy that is both accessible and achievable if we are to see real-world improvements.”

The WBFSH now plans to work with member studbooks to integrate these welfare principles into breeding strategies, supported by translations and practical tools to help ensure global adoption. As part of its next steps, the organisation will incorporate a welfare statement into its statutes and promote welfare-based traits such as health, behaviour, and longevity in breeding goals.

Executive summaries of the research findings are available in six languages—including English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, and Portuguese—and can be accessed via the WBFSH welfare project page.