Obligations

The first and lowest bar of horse welfare and responsible business is that we live up to all present law on animal welfare, keeping of horses, use of animals and general business conduct.

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In addition to that:

I support regulation on use of horses in sports (and any other use).

I encourage use of the updated 5 domain model for a comprehensive evaluation of horse welfare.

I recognise the 2023 "Statement of use of horses in sports" by Danish Animal Ethic Counsil.

I acknowledge the recommendation of themes for regulation by Horse Ethic Association.  

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Most practices are about the person behind it and most normal practices can be executed in a good or bad manner. However, some practices must be withheld for precautionary reasons. Any doubt if a method can be used in a horse-friendly manner and with which risks, must benefit the horse. Here are some examples that I consider important lower boundries for all horse training:

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There is in principle no space for a bit in a horse's mouth. If you decide to use a bit, avoid bits with lever and never put two bits in the mouth of a horse.

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Do not use indirect lever methods such as exaggerated knee pads for anything other than para-riding.

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Not ever trap a horse with physical or mental pressure. A pressure the horse can't or don't understand how to free itself of is unfair.

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If a noseband/caveson needs to be used, place it correctly and never tighten it more that the 2-finger rule - preferably 3-fingers or above, if stability allows.

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Don't use reenforcement to consciously cover over welfare issues - like to "train away" lameness or other health issues.

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There are many more examples, and I try in general to position my practices well above those.