As part of its new strategy "Together for Horse Welfare" the Danish Equestrian Federation has launched the updated ethical guidelines for the use of horses in sport.
"The use of horses must not compromise the welfare of the horses, so the new guidelines are based on the latest professional knowledge and evidence, which should ensure a common understanding and anchoring," the DRF posted.
The Danish Equestrian Federation's purpose is, among other things, to develop and spread the interaction between horse and human, with a focus on safety for both parties, well-being and health for the horse, and harmony between everyone. It is part of the Danish Equestrian Federation's overall vision to strengthen horse welfare in Danish equestrian sport.
Chairman of the Danish Equestrian Federation, Kimi Nielsen, stated, "The new ethical guidelines describe the Danish Equestrian Federation's expectations and guidelines for the use of horses. Since the new board was elected in December, we have been working on an update, which we are now ready with. The new guidelines will guide how we train and show our horses in the future."
Based on Expertise and Evidence
The update of the professional basis for the correct use of horses in sport is based on recommendations from the Danish Equestrian Federation's expert group consisting of researchers as well as veterinary and riding experts. The guidelines will be continuously updated based on the expert group's analyses of the latest professional knowledge and evidence.
" It is the Danish Equestrian Federation's ambition that Denmark both competes at the top level in terms of sport and at the same time stands as an international role model for the sport and for horse welfare in practice ," says Kimi Nielsen.
In Denmark, all forms of animal husbandry are regulated by law, including the Animal Welfare Act and the Executive Order on minimum animal welfare requirements for keeping horses. Members of the Danish Equestrian Federation's member clubs are expected to comply with applicable legislation in all respects.
The Danish Equestrian Federation's ethical guidelines for the use of horses are a supplement to the current legislation. The ethical guidelines set the framework for a professionally founded and ethically correct use of horses in sport, both in daily training and for competition.
Download the updated ethical guidelines here.
Use of Double Bridle
The Danish Equestrian Federation's board of directors has decided at the board meeting on July 8, 2025 to change the premise for the use of the double bridle in dressage competitions. The change will come into effect on September 1, 2025 and should be seen as part of the implementation of DRF's strategy "Together for Horse Welfare".
From September 1, the use of the double bridle at events will only be permitted from difficulty level 4 in dressage. The purpose is, among other things, to support a responsible and gradual development of the rider's and horse's skills before the use of bridle is introduced in a competitive context.
A single exception is made for junior riders, who participate in B-events, in specifically junior classes (e.g. ECCO Cup). These riders will still be able to ride with a double bridle in accordance with the current regulations.
"The change is part of a professionally based development of the sport, where the rider's preparation and the horse's welfare go hand in hand. The Dressage Committee supports the fact that this adjustment supports a more balanced progression in the education of both horse and rider," said the DRF's Dressage Committee.
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