Big news

H&H news editor Eleanor Jones recaps this year's big stories, and assesses what lies ahead in 2026

- Eleanor Jones

HORSES' VALUE TO SOCIETY

WELFARE is foremost in terms of public acceptance of horse sport, but emphasising horses' value to society is also vital.

The results of research into the UK public's views on riding horses were released in January, facilitated by World Horse Welfare and conducted by engagement science specialists Voconiq. The aim was to discover what drives public trust in and acceptance of equestrianism, and what can help maintain them.

It found that social importance of horses is the main driver of public trust, followed by the extent to which people feel that horse sport listens to and respects their concerns, and transparency about welfare.

This was emphasised at the National Equine Forum in March, in a session on the difference equine-assisted therapy makes to people's lives.