FEBRUARY 2026 THE RIDER /37 EC Statement On Horse Welfare


EC Strengthens our Commitment to Equine Welfare with updates to Rules for 2026 • All rules, definitions,


At the heart of our


sport, is the horse. In 2025, in honour of our commit- ment to ensure humane, eth- ical and safe treatment of horses, Equestrian Canada advanced several equine welfare practices and re- sources. These included strengthening welfare-fo- cused rules, increasing edu- cation for riders, owners and officials, updating the Horse Welfare Code of Conduct, empowering earlier, more proactive


interventions


through clearer definitions, and ensuring stronger au- thority to protect horses through the addition of recorded warnings. Coming into effect in


2026, Section A has been strengthened to centralize and align equine welfare rules across all EC rule books. This change, com- bined with those above achieves the following: • Reaffirms Section A as the parent authority for all rules relating to equine welfare across every discipline. • Clarifies standards of hu- mane treatment and defini- tions of abuse including Canada’s definition of horse overuse in competition. • Recognizes horses as sen- tient beings that can feel, perceive and experience both positive and negative emotions appropriate to its species, environment and circumstances. • Adds broad responsibilities for all Individuals under the Horse Welfare Code of Con- duct. • Provides officials with ad- ditional pathways to address violations of the rules relat- ing to equine welfare In addition, EC has


updated the Fostering Healthy Equestrian Envi- ronments education curricu- lum for all sport licence holders to include expanded horse welfare content; has updated the LearnTo cur- riculum to add a horse care pathway (launching in spring 2026) and has part- nered with Equestrian Global Symmetry to pro- duce a free training module exclusively for sport license


holders to improve under- standing and knowledge about social license to oper- ate. The module will launch in the spring of 2026 through the ECampus. For more on the Equestrian Global Symmetry program visit https://bit.ly/3ZmoTdn. These


important


changes reflect our commit- ment to the ethical partner- ship between rider and horse and reinforce that horse wel- fare is not a “checkbox,” but a foundation of our sport- based on ethical behaviour, values, respect and respon- sibilities. EC also acknowledges


the recent changes adopted by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) – in particular the revision of Ar- ticle 259 of the Jumping Rules. Although EC is not completely aligned with all parts of Art 259, having voted against the rule at the 2025 FEI General Assem- bly, we do applaud the added veterinary safeguards and extension of the rule ap- plication to both competi- tion and warm-up rings. At this time, EC will not be in- corporating Article 259 into the Canadian national rule book.


Through these


changes, Equestrian Canada is proud to strengthen our horse welfare standards, el- evate clarity and consis- tency across disciplines, and reaffirm our collective re- sponsibility together with athletes, owners, grooms, coaches, officials, and sport organisers to safeguard the well-being of the horse in sport.


Summary of Horse Wel- fare Rules and Policy Changes in effect 2026


These changes rein-


force the priority of horse welfare, the ethical partner- ship between rider/driver and horse, and the consis- tent application of welfare standards across disciplines.


1. Strengthening Section A of the EC National Rule Book


and obligations related to horse welfare previously dispersed among discipline- specific sections (Sections B, C, D, E, F, G, J, K, L) shall be consolidated within Section A: “General Regu- lations ”. • Statement of Principles: “3. Section A Horse Welfare rules apply to all disciplines and all Section Rule Books. Rule exceptions in other Sections that contravene Section A Horse Welfare rules are not permitted and will not be approved.” • Discipline sections shall be amended to remove any rule exceptions which now du- plicate or conflict with Sec- tion A. • Rationale: This structural change ensures that welfare is treated as a core, universal principle


2. Definition and Recogni- tion of Sentience and Over-use • Insert into the Horse


Welfare Code the recogni- tion of sentience: Code.Pre- amble&Purpose.3.a) “EC recognizes Horses as sen- tient beings, defined by the ability to feel, perceive or experience subjectively (ie. the animal is not only capa- ble of feeling pain and dis- tress but also can have positive psychological expe- riences, such as comfort, pleasure or interest that are appropriate to its species, environment and circum- stances). To state that ani- mals are sentient accepts that they can experience positive and negative emo- tions.” • Adds definition of


Learning Theory, Compan- ionship with other Horses and Distress: “Distress” – refers to the state of being (a) in need of proper care, water, food or shelter (b) in- jured, sick, in pain or suffer- ing or (c) abused or subject to undue physical or psy- chological hardship, priva- tion or neglect. “Learning Theory” – refers to how horses learn and respond to training. “Companionship with other Horses” – refers


to providing either tempo- rary or permanent social benefits of belonging to a herd, to the minimum level of allowing visual contact with other Horses. • Adds definition of


Overuse: Code.10.o) “ex- cess of use, also known as overuse, in activity, lesson, training, or competition to which physical or emotional impacts are demonstrated, Overuse in Horses may be defined by calendar year, competition period, month, week, competition or by day. A Horse is considered to be in a situation of over- use when there is a notice- ably observable decline in performance, physical capa- bilities, movement and/or mental well-being. These declines may be combined with physical signs of dis- comfort, exhaustion, lame- ness,


stride length,


resistance to move forward, use of both leads, decline in jumping style. The above is not an exhaustive list of symptoms or combinations thereof and it is imperative that an official use their horsemanship skills and equine knowledge to make an informed, non-bias deci- sion when determining whether a Horse or pony is being abused through over- use, when being observed in the show rings or elsewhere on


the competition


grounds.” • Rationale: By formally defining these terms, EC en- hances codes of conduct and policy with evidence and science-based data and em- phasises our commitment to proactive welfare-monitor- ing and prevention of harm.


3. Consolidated Horse Welfare Code of Conduct Reference • Section A now refers all participants (owners, train- ers, riders/drivers, officials, competition organisers) to the EC “Horse Welfare Code of Conduct”, as the binding framework apply- ing to all EC-sanctioned ac- tivity. • Inserted clause: A517.2. “EC requires that all Indi-


CTHS News


January 2026 Newsletter In the Chinese zodiac, the Fire Horse symbolizes energy, confi- dence, and forward motion and in- vites us to look ahead with optimism, strength, and purpose. Known for its spirit, independence, and drive, it reflects the energy we see throughout our organization and industry as we continue to evolve and grow. We are grateful for the dedication and passion of our mem- bers, breeders, owners, partners, and stakeholders, whose support strengthens our industry year after year. We extend our sincere appre- ciation to everyone whose commit- ment and collaboration made the past year so impactful. Board of Directors


New Tool For Breeders CTHS National launched its new interactive Stallion Directory,


a powerful resource designed to make exploring stallions across Canada easier than ever. The plat- form offers searchable listings, de- tailed stallion information, and user-friendly navigation in one cen- tralized location. Whether you’re planning your next breeding season or simply researching bloodlines, this tool puts valuable information right at your fingertips. Many thanks to the National team for this great initiative providing breeders with a modern, accessible resource to support informed breeding deci- sions.


https://www.cthsnational.com/stal- lion-directory


Upcoming Events • Jockey Club of Canada Sovereign Awards - April 23 • CTHS Annual General Meeting -


June 3 • CTHS Awards Night - June 10


Membership Renewal Don’t miss out! Renew your


CTHS membership by January 31 to stay connected to Canada’s Thor- oughbred community and continue enjoying access to newsletters, dis- counts, educational events, and more. Keep your membership ac- tive and be part of supporting Cana- dian breeding and racing in 2026. You don’t have to be a breeder


to join our community. Membership is open to anyone who shares a pas- sion for Thoroughbreds. Pass along the link below! For additional details click the


link below or contact CTHS Na- tional at 416-675-1370


or


info@cthsnational.com https://www.cthsnational.com/cths-


membership#TypesofMemberships


Join The Conversation A quick survey will be hitting


your inbox soon. Share your ideas and help shape CTHS events and programs for the year ahead! Keep in mind, you can always give us a call at 416-675-3602 or email info@cthsont.com to share your thoughts anytime!


Baby Face Whether they are taking their


first wobbly steps or striking a pose for the camera, we want to see your newest arrivals. Send us your foal photos along with the dam, sire, breeder and foaling location. We hope to feature many of them in up- coming newsletters and on our so- cial media channels. Email to info@cthsont.com.


viduals adhere to the Horse Welfare Code of Conduct and acknowledge and accept that the welfare of the Horse must always be paramount and must never be subordi- nated to competitive or commercial influences.” • Rationale: Elevating the Code to a universal require- ment aligns with human safe sport policy procedures and increases the speed and ver- satility for updating policy outside of the annual rule cycle process.


4. Duty to Report • Adds into Section A clarity around reporting equine abuse at EC sanctioned competitions: A517.4.a “Acts of Abuse at EC com- petitions must be reported immediately to the steward or organizing committee and may be subject to equine medication control.” • Rationale: Ensures welfare reporting at EC sanctioned competitions is standardised and consistent across all dis- ciplines.


5. General Welfare at EC Sanctioned Competitions Added clauses for


noseband laxity, forbidden foaming substances and conditions around removal of horses from competition: • A517.5.c) “Effective Janu- ary 1, 2026, the following provisions apply at all na- tional competitions regard- ing permitted noseband tightness: The noseband must be adjusted with suffi- cient laxity, as determined by an EC approved Measur- ing Device. The rule applies to all types of nosebands and to both the upper and lower noseband. Art. 1044.8 of the FEI Veterinary Regu- lations applies in relation to the permitted tightness of the noseband at all national competitions.” • A517.5.d) “It is strictly forbidden to use any type of substance/product inside or around the Horse’s mouth and/or tongue that may i) imitate, induce or cause foaming; and/or ii) coat or otherwise cover, or partially cover the bit. The prohibi-


tion excludes the use of products permitted in the FEI Tack App (available for public download: https://in- side.fei.org/fei/your-role/it- services/mobile-apps/fei-tac k-app) and the provision of permitted natural


treats


given in moderation. Con- travening this rule will en- tail an EC Yellow Warning Card and elimination.” • A517.5.e) “The officiating steward, judge technical del- egate, president of ground jury or appointed competi- tion veterinarian has the au- thority to remove a horse from the event for a period of up to 24 hours, if in their reasonable opinion the horse is unfit to compete, is in a situation of horse overuse or other, as defined in the Horse Welfare Code of Con- duct, or where, in their rea- sonable opinion, there is a safety concern regarding the horse. Officials will issue a Recorded Warning. The of- ficial’s decision is final and cannot be appealed or protested.” • Rationale: Clarifies wel- comed and unwelcomed


welfare practices in compe- tition, and the authority of officials to determine fitness to compete. About Equestrian Canada Equestrian Canada


(EC) is the national govern- ing body for equestrian sport and industry in Canada, with a mandate to represent, promote and ad- vance all equine and eques- trian interests. With over 15,000 sport licence hold- ers, 7500 horses, 11 provin- cial/territorial


organization partners and 10+ national equine affiliate organizations, EC is a sig- nificant contributor to the social, physical, emotional and economic wellbeing of the equestrian industry across Canada. EC is a Canadian registered charity as a Registered Charity Am- ateur Athletic Assocation (RCAAA) and thanks the Government of Canada for their financial support. Find


Equestrian


Global Symmetry on Insta- gram at @equestrianglobal- symmetry


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VETERINARY SERVICES


Equine Clinic (outpatient) Equine Hospital (inpatient)


General Anesthesia Surgeries Standing Surgeries Farm Calls


Small Animal Veterinary Services Bruce Watt DVM, DACVS Specialist – Equine Surgery


761 Davis Drive, Uxbridge ON L9P 1R3 905.852.0852


contact@maplecrestvet.ca www.maplecrestvet.ca


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