By South Africa Equestrian Federation (SAEF)

Horse abuse in equestrian sports encompasses a range of harmful practices, from physical violence like whipping and spurring to neglect and inadequate care. The South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF) has rules and regulations in place to protect horse welfare, but incidents of abuse still occur, often due to pressure to win or a lack of understanding about proper training methods.

Horse Welfare is the foundation stone of the SAEF, and the collective responsibility of everyone involved in equestrian sport. Just like humans, horses have a right to be safe and treated with respect, and the SAEF is committed to ensuring that these principles are upheld at all times. This is why we encourage everyone to speak up and report any suspicion of horse abuse.

No person may abuse a horse during an event or at any other time. “abuse” means an action or omission which causes or is likely to cause pain or unnecessary discomfort to a horse, including, but not limited to:

1. To whip or beat a horse excessively

2. To subject a horse to any kind of electric shock devices

3. To use spurs excessively or persistently

4. To jab the horse in the mouth with the bit or any other device

5. To compete using an exhausted, lame or injured horse

6. To rap a horse

7. To abnormally sensitise or desensitise any part of a horse

8. To leave a horse without adequate food, drink or exercise

9. To use any device or equipment that causes excessive pain to a horse upon knocking an obstacle

10. Any other infringement as described and identified by the SAEF, FEI, or other international federation

11. Only designated areas supervised by a steward may be used for schooling, warm-up and training of horses at advertised times

An SAEF member found guilty of Horse Abuse can receive a suspension of three months to life, with a fine of up to R150,000.00.

Anyone who witnesses abuse should report it straight away. If it occurs during an event or is connected to one, please inform an official at the event.

If abuse is witnessed at any other time, it should be reported to the SAEF on horsewelfarehotline@saef.org.za.