At the recent 2025 FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne, discussions centered on enhancing safety in equestrian sports, particularly regarding the use of safety vests and body protectors. A new working group has been established to evaluate the effectiveness of these protective gear items in reducing serious injuries among riders. While traditional body protectors have shown to decrease injury severity, the efficacy of air vests remains uncertain, highlighting the need for further research.

In addition to safety gear, the forum introduced a 37-part Equine Welfare Action Plan aimed at improving horse welfare in elite sports. The newly formed FEI Equine Welfare Advisory Group emphasizes ethical horse use, focusing on minimizing negative welfare impacts and ensuring compliance with regulations. However, the plan lacks a mandatory educational program to unify training methods and promote best practices, which is essential for preventing abuse and supporting horse welfare.

Overall, the article advocates for increased awareness and education within the equestrian community regarding safety and welfare practices. It stresses the importance of transparency in training methods and the need for a public commitment to equine welfare to maintain the sport’s integrity and popularity.