Equestrian:Expected behavior and responsibilities - Equestrian specific responsibilities - Horse welfare

Horse welfare

1. Each owner/participant is responsible for assuring that their horse is, at all times, treated humanely, and with dignity, respect, and compassion. The standard by which conduct or treatment will be measured is that which a reasonable person, informed and experienced in generally accepted horse training or veterinary procedures would determine to be cruel, abusive, or inhumane.
2. Horses must be serviceably sound to participate in equestrian activities.
3. Horses must be provided water, food, proper handling, health care, and an environment appropriate to their care and use, with thoughtful consideration for their species-typical biology and behavior.
4. If valid concerns about horse welfare arise:
   1. When possible, the equestrian marshal should point out the concern and ask the participant to correct it.
   2. An equestrian marshal may remove a horse from an activity if they judge safety or the welfare standard is being violated.
   3. The equestrian marshal-in-charge may require a horse be removed from the event due to safety or welfare concerns.
5. Nothing in this handbook may be used to limit official animal abuse reporters from carrying out their required responsibilities.