Anna Haines, Equine Behavioural Lead, chats to LBC

We were shocked and disturbed by this footage. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary would never consider using such training methods and none of the professional equine governing bodies we are affiliated with would sanction it.

We will await the outcome of an investigation by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports before any further comment.

Ethical training is a core aspect of our work here at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and we care for many horses and ponies with difficult backgrounds and complex training needs.

Anna Haines, our Equine Behavioural Lead, spoke to Nick Ferrari on LBC radio about the benefits of positive reinforcement in training and why we as a Sanctuary use the ‘carrot’ rather than ‘stick’ approach. As a charitable organisation, welfare is at the heart of all we do and we will always offer non-judgemental advice and support on the very best ethical practice in care and training.

Listen here…

As part of our ethical handling and training approach we do not use artificial aids as standard equipment. This includes whips, spurs, martingales, draw reins and other training aids. We believe that these can cause distress to horses and ponies and are not necessary.

We believe the highest welfare standards must be applied to all equines involved in any competitive sporting activity. The regulation of horse sport in the UK is well established and many regulators seek independent welfare advice from the National Equine Welfare Council, of which we are a member.

We are deeply saddened when horses in sport experience distress, injury or death. We recognise horses and ponies as sentient beings with physical, psychological and social needs. We consider them to be equine partners who willingly choose to participate in activities with us. We use only modern, ethical, evidence-based observation, handling and training methods to care for horses and ponies at The Mare and Foal Sanctuary and we expect the same professional standards to be applied across all horse sports.

Sadly, we have needed to rescue and provide lifelong sanctuary to equines from sporting backgrounds for more than 30 years. We expect responsibility, care and consideration from owners of all competing equines and those retiring from sport.

We are dedicated to developing deeper knowledge and better practice on how to give every horse and pony their best life. We welcome and encourage collaborative working with members of the horse sport industry to share our expertise and champion welfare excellence.