According to Maurizio Soverchia in an article published on the website www.cavallo2000.it, Voconiq, an Australian company specialising in civil society analysis, has carried out research funded by the NGO World Horse Welfare, which prepared the project in collaboration with British Equestrian – the British FISE – the British Horseracing Authority (the galloping federation), the British Horse Society, the Hurlingham Polo Association, the British Equine Veterinary Association and other small organisations.
This research analysed a sample of 5,000 responses from the British public and aimed to understand not only what the public thinks about sports in which horses are involved but also how they would like them to be.
The results revealed some specific beliefs of the British public:
* The recognition of the social importance of horses in Britain and the key factors in having confidence in the sporting competition sector;
* Fairness of regulations and transparency of welfare are additional key factors of trust in equine welfare standards, which play a significant role in building regularity in sport;
* Confidence regarding welfare and an understanding of the complexity of this issue, which is not only the prevention of harm to horses, but also the belief that the entire life of the animal is rich, compelling and dignified;
* The understanding that horses should have positive experiences and that mental well-being is as important as physical well-being;
* The belief that sports should enhance the horses’ safety, even if this means sacrificing the sporting challenge.
The path model that resulted from the research shows that confidence is the central element in the acceptance of sports with horses, riding and racing.
The current level of trust provides a solid foundation on which the industry can build to strengthen its relationship with the public.
The sector notes that the public recognises the cultural and social value of sports and their contribution to the enrichment of national culture.
Reliance on regulation to ensure that sports operate fairly, including through external measures or internal policies and procedures, in every way increases the impact on the public; if community trust diminishes, this inevitably impacts the productive sector.
Thanks to Cavallo2000 for the kind permission
