Town Halls throughout the summer and autumn have been scheduled at a number of shows across the country by the U.S. Equestrian Federation, with the idea of discussing equine well-being among those who compete in a variety of breeds and disciplines.
In July, forums on equine well-being were held at HITS in New York and the Oaks in California. Here are some of the suggestions offered at those sessions:
- Evaluate judging criteria for hunters and encourage judges not to penalize horses for expressiveness that’s appropriate for the level
- Increase the number of shows and horses that are drug tested
- Drug test the top placed horses in all classes
- Require horses on the grounds for 24 hours prior to competing in any class $10,000 or more
- Task USEF with assigning stewards to competitions to reduce concerns about conflicts of interest
- Guidelines for blood (a rule change will be considered by the USEF board Aug. 26)
- Minimum requirements for horses and/or riders to demonstrate aptitude at a level before they can move up to a new level
- Installation of surveillance cameras at stalls, in wash racks, in lunging and schooling areas
- Offer educational programs for grooms on ethical treatment, and also educational programs helping trainers know how to teach new grooms about proper handling.
One town hall has already led to an initiative. After the audience brought up concerns about the treatment of horses in the wash racks at shows, the Oaks show organizer Nilforushan Equisport Events posted signs at the wash racks in both English and Spanish the next day, letting grooms and competitors know that spraying horses in the face is prohibited.
More town halls are scheduled this year. In August, the sessions are set for the USEF Pony Finals Aug. 5 in Lexington, Ky., and on Aug. 22, for the Dressage Festival of Champions in Wayne, Ill.
During September, they will be at the Arabian Sport Horse Nationals Sept. 8-13 in Wilmington, Ohio; the All-American Classic Sept. 10 or 11 in Indianapolis and the Oktoberfest at Stable View, Aiken, S..C. Sept. 27,
Oct. 4-11, the session will be during the Morgan Grand Nationals in Oklahoma City and Oct. 30 at the U.S. Dressage Finals in Wilmington, Ohio. Dates are yet to be decided for December through February.
For those who can’t make one of the sessions at a show, an on-line forum will be held before the end of the year. Send any thoughts about the state of welfare for show horses, or how to improve it, to feedback@usef.org.