Safeguarding our sport, horse welfare and social licence workshop and seminar
Press Release:
Eventing Ireland will host a dedicated Workshop and Seminar on Horse Welfare and Social Licence on Wednesday 7th February 2024 at Punchestown Racecourse, with registration beginning at 09:30am.
The workshop is designed for athletes, officials, and wider stakeholders across equestrian disciplines, and comes at a time of increased public and regulatory attention on the role of horses in sport.
The session will feature presentations from key speakers in the welfare and regulatory space, including:
- Eric Winter, FEI International Course Designer, Former 4* Rider
- Sharon Hunt, Olympic Bronze Medalist, 5* Eventer, UK CC Level 3 BE & BS Coach
- Dr Meta Osborne MVB CertESM MRCVS, Former President of the Veterinary Council of Ireland, Turf Club Senior Steward
Each speaker brings a distinct and authoritative perspective on the future of equestrian sport and the responsibilities of those within it.
“Social Licence is already having a huge impact on all equestrian disciplines. It is vital that we all work together to ensure the perception that 'using horses for sport is cruel' does not become reality, and to highlight the positives in our industries. This workshop will examine what we, as athletes and officials, can do to ensure that our horses' safety, welfare and wellbeing are at the centre of everything we do.”Alison Packman, General Manager of Eventing Ireland
The event reflects a growing movement within the sport to foreground equine welfare and maintain public trust through transparency, education, and standards-driven practice.
Eventing Ireland has extended the invitation to all members and stakeholders who wish to engage constructively with the evolving expectations surrounding equestrianism today.
Equitas is supporting the announcement and visibility of the event as part of its publishing commitment to accurate, welfare-centred updates from across the equestrian landscape.
For more information please contact Eventing Ireland directly.
