Are equestrian qualifications supporting equine welfare? A thematic analysis of british horse society’s stage 3-5 examination syllabi

The aim of equestrian coaching qualifications is to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to effectively train, coach, and manage riders and horses. To promoting safe, ethical, and evidence-based practices in equestrian sports and activities, equestrian qualification must include the most up-to-date, ethical, and scientifically supported methods. The aim of this study is to evaluate the inclusion of the 5 Domains Model (Mellor, 2020) and ISES first training principles, and to identify gaps in current practices. This process will enhance the quality of equestrian education and professional standards, ensuring graduates are equipped to promote horse welfare effectively. The online and publicly accessible 2024 British Horse Society Stage 3-5 qualification specification documents underwent a reflective qualitative analysis, where the content were coded and themed. Areas of alignment and discrepancy to the Five Domains (D#) and ISES First Principles (P#) were identified, with higher and lower order themes emerged. Results identified that all the qualifications demonstrated a level of conformity related to the domains of health and nutrition (D1,2 &3), and safety for the rider (P1). Other aspects of the ISES First Training Principles and 5 Domains are not widely considered or included, specifically mental and sensory capacities of horses (P3, D4), emotional states (P4, D4), and modes of learning such as habituation (P5), operant (P6) and classical conditioning (P7). These results demonstrate a need to revise the current qualifications documents to ensure comprehensive welfare education across all levels. In addition, the study also identified specific practices within the syllabi that conflict with ISES First Principles, including the use of some aversive training equipment, and certain methods of restraint. These conflicts indicate a lack of rigour in updating the specifications with humane and scientifically validated training methods. Analysing equestrian qualification syllabi and identifying gaps is key to improving the relevance, quality, and ethics of equestrian education. By recommending the integration of evidence-based practice, the Five-Domain Model, and ISES First Training principles ensures future professionals are equipped to support rider success and horse welfare. This promotes a more informed, humane, and science-driven equestrian industry.
Layperson message
The 2024 British Horse Society Stage 3–5 qualification documents were reviewed to identify gaps in how equine welfare and training principles are addressed. While there is a strong emphasis on physical health, nutrition, and rider safety, there is limited focus on other key aspects of welfare, such as the horse’s mental and sensory experiences, as outlined in the Five Domains Model. Additionally, the correct use of operant and classical conditioning, as promoted by the ISES First Training Principles, is not consistently integrated. This study highlights discrepancies between current qualifications documents and ethical, evidence-based practices, pointing to the need for revisions to ensure comprehensive welfare education and alignment with scientifically supported training methods, improving professional standards in equestrian education.