Whips will not be used to self-discipline horses in new showjumping guidelines with a welfare focus

Padded whips could solely be allowed to again up leg aids – and to not punish the horse – in British Showjumping (BS) from 1 January, in a part of rule adjustments with a “sturdy concentrate on equine welfare”.

BS revisions to come back into power in 2025 embrace adjustments to make use of of the padded batons, which replaced whips in BS competitors 5 years in the past.

“As everybody shall be conscious there’s a sturdy concentrate on equine welfare and it’s the accountability of everybody who rides, trains or cares for horses to make sure that they’re all the time handled accurately,” a BS spokesperson stated.

From 1 January, the padded baton “could solely be used as an assist to assist the pure aids in encouraging the horse ahead; [it] could also be used to assist the shoulder to encourage the horse within the desired path.

“The padded baton should not be used to self-discipline or punish the horse/pony nor to vent an athlete’s mood,” the foundations add. “Such use is all the time extreme.”

The baton will not be used greater than thrice in whole whereas within the area, nor could or not it’s used instantly after elimination, or a refusal, run-out within the competitors or follow area.

The rider’s arm could not come above the shoulder, and the baton ought to make contact with the horse behind the rider’s leg.

If used to assist the horse’s shoulder, the rider should maintain each palms on the reins. If the horse’s pores and skin is damaged or masked on account of baton use, that is “all the time thought-about extreme”. Misuse of the baton wherever on the showground will end in disciplinary motion.

In one other change, members will solely be allowed to make use of tools allowed within the competitors area for the leaping warm-up. Draw reins are allowed in prizegivings if wanted.

“The intention is to make clear how the padded baton must be used,” BS CEO Iain Graham instructed H&H, including that equine welfare is the driving force for the adjustments. “The intention is for folks to make use of them to again up the leg assist, not for punishment.”

One other change entails provision for riders with hidden disabilities, after it was highlighted by the BS equality, variety and inclusion group

“We’re happy to verify that it has been agreed to permit members to have a caller at Membership and Only for Faculties competitions/lessons if the athlete dispensation panel has granted dispensation that this member has ample medical wants to allow the usage of a caller in competitors,” the spokesperson stated.

“The caller will stand with the course-designer within the area, and they’re going to solely have the ability to give instructions to the rider, no different steerage or directions shall be allowed.

“It has been agreed {that a} British Showjumping yellow ribbon within the horses tail shall be supplied for individuals who have been granted a dispensation, this could alert different riders to offer the horse/rider extra space within the follow area.”

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Captivated with equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all facets of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of selection is showjumping, wherein she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals via to worldwide championships.