Welfare Horse Sports by Ashton, Lisa;

Short description:

This transformative book offers an evidence-based approach to the use of horses in sport. She presents a compelling blueprint for integrating welfare within the very heart of equestrian practice,  signposting coaches, riders and trainers to four pillars of social license to operate (SLO); legitimacy, transparency, communication and trust.

Long description:

What if horse sports didn’t just include welfare, but were built around it?

In this timely and transformative book, equine educator and welfare advocate Lisa Ashton offers an evidence-based approach to the use of horses in sport. She presents a compelling blueprint for integrating welfare within the very heart of equestrian practice.

Through a clear and actionable ‘welfare map’, Ashton guides riders, coaches and trainers who are ready to shift their mindsets and skillsets toward more ethical, sustainable approaches. Rather than treating welfare as an add-on, she introduces the concept of welfare horse sports: a model where equine well-being is foundational, not optional.

Drawing on an intersectional and empowering approach, Ashton emphasises that meaningful change doesn’t require a title or a platform. It starts with one equestrian – one coach, one rider, one trainer – bringing their unique voice, influence, and compassion to a shared mission: a better life for sport horses.

Welfare Horse Sports is not just a call to action. It’s a roadmap for a more ethical and informed equestrian future. For anyone ready to earn public trust, elevate standards and future-proof horse sports, this book is your starting point.

"The book's focus on making equestrians leaders of positive change through welfare-driven practices is both timely and necessary in today’s climate. Its interdisciplinary approach—combining welfare science, human behaviour change, and equitation science—fills a gap in the existing literature and offers actionable strategies to future-proof equestrian sports."

Debbie Busby MSc GMBPsS MBACP CEBC CCAB ABTC-CAB, Doctoral Researcher in Horse-Human Relationships at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

"A book that needs to take priority on your reading list! Lisa generously shares her depth knowledge and insight, enabling us all, professionals and amateurs alike, to work together to ensure better safeguarding of horses in sport (and everyday life). This book provides the tools you need to speak on behalf of the horse. Lisa’s words give you the confidence to be curious, to ask questions that will influence change in us and others alike. We should all be open to critically reassess what we know and how we can make it better for the horse. Lisa’s book does just that."

Claire Whitfield, Sylvia Loch Accredited Weight Aids Instructor, BHSAI, Classical Rider & Teacher, UK

Table of Contents:

Glossary of Key Terms. How to Use this Book 1. The Shift: Setting the Stage for Change 2. The Welfare Horse Sport Mindset 3. Equitation Science Literacy 4. Communities of Practice Appendix I Lesson Plans. Appendix II Resources