US Equestrian Releases Veterinary Best Practices White Paper Emphasizing Long-Term Horse Welfare
In a significant development for equestrian sports, US Equestrian (USEF) has published a comprehensive white paper outlining veterinary best practices for sport horse welfare. The document, developed following a March 2024 summit of 28 leading equine veterinarians, represents a concerted effort to elevate care standards across all competitive disciplines.
The Veterinary Summit on Sport Horses, held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, brought together specialists to address critical issues in equine sports medicine. Their collective expertise has now been distilled into a formal set of recommendations that balance competitive demands with long-term animal welfare considerations.
Core Principles for Equine Athlete Care
The white paper establishes several fundamental principles that should guide veterinary care for sport horses. Foremost among these is the concept of "fitness to compete," which the document defines as encompassing a horse's overall health status, training condition, and compliance with anti-doping regulations. Veterinarians are encouraged to utilize advanced diagnostic tools and emerging biometric technologies to make objective assessments of a horse's competition readiness.
Science-Based Treatment Recommendations
A significant portion of the document addresses the proper application of various therapeutic interventions. While recognizing the value of treatments like targeted joint injections and shockwave therapy when used appropriately, the authors emphasize these should always follow thorough diagnostic evaluation and adhere to competition regulations.
The paper takes a particularly cautious stance toward unregulated treatments, noting that most dietary supplements and homeopathic remedies lack both FDA oversight and scientific validation. "Rest remains the most effective tool for muscle recovery," the document states, underscoring the importance of proper recovery periods in training schedules.
Identifying Research Priorities
Recognizing gaps in current knowledge, the white paper highlights several critical areas requiring further study. These include:
The relationship between competition frequency and long-term health outcomes
Development of objective biomarkers for recovery monitoring
Validation of wearable technology for fitness assessment
Nutritional strategies to optimize performance and recovery
To support this research, USEF has partnered with the American Association of Equine Practitioners and The Foundation for The Horse to establish the Chromatic Fund. Named after the champion horse Chromatic BF, this initiative will finance studies aimed at improving sport horse welfare.
Implementation and Industry Impact
The release of these guidelines comes at a time of increased scrutiny regarding equine welfare in competitive sports. The white paper positions veterinarians as key advocates for the horses in their care, encouraging them to resist competitive pressures that might compromise animal welfare.
For trainers and owners, the document serves as a valuable resource for developing individualized care plans that balance performance goals with health considerations. The recommendations may also inform future rule changes as governing bodies continue to refine competition standards.
As the equestrian community absorbs these guidelines, their implementation will likely shape the future of sport horse medicine. The full white paper is available for download on the USEF website, offering veterinarians, competitors, and regulators a common framework for advancing equine welfare.
This initiative represents more than just a set of recommendations—it reflects a growing consensus within the veterinary community that sustainable competitive success must be built on a foundation of rigorous, science-based horse care. As Dr. Turner notes, "When we prioritize the horse's well-being, the entire sport benefits."
For those interested in supporting continued research, information about contributing to the Chromatic Fund can be found on the USEF website. Additional resources on sport horse welfare are available through EquiManagement's research publications and veterinary practice updates.
