The exciting equestrian races that make many hearts beat fast have come under the lights a number of times in the past years. The concern about equine safety and welfare due to deaths on racing track in recent months has put the game in a tight spot. The equestrian community has worked towards spreading awareness about the sport and measures to safeguard equine health through various events, training, and charity programs from individuals, associations, and training schools, but it seems falling short.

Recently, the need for more involvement of the public and incorporating their views on racing sports the concept of ‘Social License’ has emerged. With the advancement and need for change with times the equestrian community is thinking on this issue. In the recent, international conference that is going to be held in Paris, this concept shall be discussed.

Equestrian community opens up to address social license

The equestrian industry and community are not living in a vacuum, but are actively involved in public interaction. There has been criticism from the public and society about the treatment of equines and the lack of their proper welfare. In this direction, the equestrian world is formulating plans to address the issue and bring more safety to equine welfare which shall act as a catalyst to change public view of the game.

According to Horse Talk, on the 2nd of October, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities is conducting the 57th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities at Saint-Cloud Racecourse, Prais, France. At the conference, the discussion will take place on the topic and also the future actions to promote and preserve horse welfare. According to the chairman of IFHA, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, “The importance of our sport embracing an even more active role in public discourse on the issue and ensuring that our sport remains as a fully engaged and integral part of our communities cannot be understated“.

In the conference,  Professor Natalie Waran will provide key points for equestrian sports to work on to change societal expectations.  Charles Scheeler of HISA shall shed light on HISA’s  Anti-Doping and Medication Control program application and the future plans of the organization. The conference will be attended by executives of racing administration, bodies, and veterinary organizations. With the recent deaths and animal welfare issues raised by the rights groups and pressure from society, the need to look at the social license topic has become even more pertinent.

What is a Social License?

Social license is basically the ability of the public to accept and undertake horse and equestrian sports. It is changing the attitude and perception of the public towards the sport. Equine welfare is the focus and responsibility of both the public and people involved in the sport whether rider, trainer, or owner.

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To have a common ground for that view of responsibility and work for it is the idea behind the concept of social license. A non-legally binding, unwritten contract of acceptance from the public for an individual to take up the sport. Built that trust with the public and work ethically.

The sports exist because and for the society and the equestrian community’s acceptance of their perception and the discussion on the concept of social license is a step forward to building positive and trustworthy relations with the public.

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