The Ethics of Horse Riding, Sports, and Leisure

Abstract:This article examines whether the use of horses for riding, sports, and leisure purposes is inherently morally objectionable and argues that, whilst riding may be enjoyable for some horses under very specific circumstances, too often animals within this industry are reduced to mere commodities. The current conditions and welfare standards for horses are documented in three settings—riding schools, competition grounds, and livery yards. This article identifies a series of practical interventions which could significantly improve the lives of horses, achievable either through educational or legislative reform, and argues for the necessity of radically re-evaluating our relationships with horses so that our behaviors reflect their intrinsic value.