EQUINE WELFARE DAY GL EVENTS EQUESTRIAN SPORT AND EQUINE WELFARE

Equine welfare has been the focus of intense debate in recent years. From the outset, GL events Equestrian Sport has made this cause its priority and continues to innovate through its commitment, respect for animals, and exemplary practices in an industry where the company now stands as a global leader.

In 2007, Equita Lyon, the Salon du Cheval de Lyon, led the way by creating its Health Area, in partnership with the Equine Hub of the Lyon Veterinary Campus (VetAgro Sup), the Equine Clinic of Champ du Perier, Boehringer Ingelheim, the world’s second-largest company in the animal health sector and the global leader in horse health and a representative of human sports medicine. The Health Area features an educational and fun tour which informs riders and the general public about equine health and dispels preconceived ideas through conferences and demonstrations.

Florence Chaury, who is in charge of equine welfare at GL events Equestrian Sport and is herself a rider and horse owner, explains: “Equine welfare should extend beyond what is visible to the public and be fully integrated into every aspect of the horse’s experience at our events.” Many measures have been taken over the past 30 years to continuously improve the care of horses at all events: stewards on duty at night, more comfortable stalls, managing lighting in the stables, etc.

In 2021, Equine Welfare Day, organised with the FFE, became one of the exhibition’s highlights. Its objective: developing a deeper understanding aimed at achieving continuous improvement. "Taking horses' needs into account can only be achieved through a better understanding of them by everyone involved with horses. Equestrian centres are often the place where a love of horses and riding begins. By sharing their knowledge, the professionals who work there play a key role in teaching the youngest riders the right way to ride and ensuring they have a better understanding of horses and ponies. So it is important for us, as well as the FFE, to highlight riding clubs’ best practices and help instructors enhance their understanding of them during this day focused on equine welfare,” confirms Florence Chaury.

At the end of 2023, GL events Equestrian Sport created the Equine Welfare Committee with the support of the FFE. The group of experts – veterinarians, ethology researchers, sociologists and institutional representatives – works in three areas: informing the public, raising awareness among professionals and making recommendations to the authorities. Its considerations helped the preparation of the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the most recent modifications introduced by the Fédération Équestre Internationale in terms of animal welfare. 

This collective spirit is more than a statement of intent, and has been expressed through sustained actions for many years. Supported by Equita Lyon and GL events Equestrian Sport, it aims to inspire the whole equestrian world so that passion and respect go hand in hand.

PROGRAMME 2025