British showing needs change. Not another committee. Not more empty promises. Real, independent reform that puts horse welfare, integrity and fairness before politics, personalities and personal interests.

Across the country, thousands of owners, riders, producers and supporters dedicate their time, money and passion to showing horses and ponies.

Yet British showing remains divided between numerous independent associations and societies, each operating under its own governance arrangements, rules, disciplinary procedures and administrative structures.

Is this fragmented system really serving the best interests of our horses, our competitors and the future of showing?

Serious concerns about equine welfare, medication control, transparency, accountability and the handling of complaints raise important questions about whether the current system provides sufficient independent oversight.

When welfare concerns are reported, they must be investigated fairly and independently. Those raising genuine concerns should be protected from retaliation, not discouraged from speaking out.

When rules are broken, disciplinary procedures must be applied consistently, regardless of who is involved.

The welfare of a horse should never depend on who owns it, who produces it, who judges it or which association it competes under.

What are we asking for?

We are calling upon British Equestrian (BEF) to lead an independent review and fundamental reform of the governance of British showing.

We believe the sport would benefit from one central, independently accountable national governing authority, with responsibility for consistent standards across all affiliated showing organisations.

This should include:

1. Independent horse welfare oversight

Consistent, enforceable welfare standards, independent investigations into serious concerns and meaningful sanctions where breaches are established.

2. A properly funded national anti-doping programme

Regular random and targeted medication testing, independently administered, with consistent disciplinary procedures and transparent publication of outcomes.

3. Education and training

Compulsory and ongoing education for judges, officials and relevant participants, covering equine welfare, soundness, ethical training methods, medication rules and professional responsibilities.

Particular emphasis should be placed on preserving and promoting the history and traditions of British showing, including the original purpose and development of individual classes, traditional breeding, correct type, conformation and established breed standards.

4. Transparency and accountability

Independent disciplinary procedures, fair appeals, effective conflict-of-interest policies and meaningful protection for those reporting genuine welfare concerns.

5. Better use of funding

Rather than maintaining numerous separate administrative structures, we want an independent review of how resources could be pooled and directed towards horse welfare, medication testing, veterinary expertise, training and education.

6. One consistent standard for British showing

Individual showing and breed societies could retain their identities, traditions and specialist competitions, while operating under a single national framework for welfare, integrity and accountability.

Why does this matter?

Showing is a wonderful sport with a proud history, dedicated competitors and much-loved traditions.

But tradition should never stand in the way of progress, nor should the independence of individual organisations prevent effective scrutiny and accountability.

The Showing Council already exists as an umbrella organisation for showing. However, we believe its current role and effectiveness require independent review, particularly in relation to its ability to ensure consistent welfare standards and governance across member societies.

British showing needs more than an umbrella organisation. It needs a structure with genuine authority, independence and accountability.

We are not calling for the destruction of showing or the loss of its traditions.

We are calling for a better future.

A future where welfare comes first.

Where competitors can trust that rules apply equally to everyone.

Where genuine concerns are heard and investigated impartially.

Where funding is used effectively to protect horses and improve standards.

And where those governing our sport are accountable for the decisions they make.

What do we want British Equestrian to do?

We ask British Equestrian to:

• Commission an independent review of the current governance and welfare arrangements across British showing.
• Examine whether The Showing Council and the existing fragmented association structure are fit for purpose.
• Consult openly with owners, riders, producers, judges, veterinary professionals and independent welfare organisations.
• Develop a viable proposal for a unified national showing authority with independent welfare and disciplinary oversight.
• Publish its findings and establish a clear timetable for meaningful reform.

Our horses cannot speak for themselves. We have a responsibility to speak for them.

 British showing deserves a governing structure that protects horses, supports competitors, promotes fairness and earns the trust of everyone involved.

It is time for British Equestrian to take the lead.

Please sign and share this petition to help secure a safer, fairer, more transparent and accountable future for British showing.

We cannot allow the continued erosion of welfare standards, public confidence and accountability within showing to jeopardise the social licence of equestrian sport as a whole.

Please sign and share this petition to help secure a safer, fairer, more transparent and accountable future for British showing.

ONE SPORT. ONE STANDARD. HORSE WELFARE FIRST.