Testing and Refining the Ethical Framework for the Use of Horses in Sport.
Authors: Brown Bluebell, Cardwell Jacqueline M, Verheyen Kristien L P, Campbell Madeleine L H
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Testing and Refining the Ethical Framework for the Use of Horses in Sport Campbell's 2021 theoretical ethical framework for competitive equestrian sport underwent rigorous practical testing through a three-round modified Delphi study involving stakeholders across multiple disciplines, who applied the framework to predetermined ethical dilemmas and provided iterative feedback on usability and application. The research team refined the framework after each round based on participant responses, ultimately developing a practical decision-making tool designed for consistent application across diverse equestrian contexts. Stakeholders reported that perceived usability and applicability improved with each round, and qualitative analysis highlighted that the framework successfully broadened thinking, prompted consideration of multiple information sources and perspectives, whilst remaining sufficiently concise for practical use. The refined framework demonstrated particular value as a structured approach to group decision-making, enabling stakeholders to navigate complex welfare and ethical questions with the horse's interests as a central priority. For farriers, veterinarians, physiotherapists, nutritionists and coaches working within competitive environments, this tool offers a standardised method to resolve ethical conflicts that may arise between sporting objectives and equine welfare—potentially strengthening consistent, welfare-centred decision-making across the entire equestrian industry.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •A standardized ethical framework is now available to support consistent decision-making across equestrian disciplines, helping practitioners navigate complex welfare dilemmas in sport
- •The framework works best as a group decision-making tool that encourages consideration of multiple perspectives and stakeholder inputs rather than individual application
- •Practitioners should expect the framework to deepen their ethical thinking by systematically examining issues from various angles and information sources, though implementation requires commitment to a structured process
Key Findings
- •A theoretical ethical framework for horse sport was tested and refined through a three-round modified Delphi study with multi-disciplinary equestrian stakeholders
- •Participant perception of framework useability and application increased with each round of testing
- •The refined framework facilitates consistent ethical decision-making across multiple equestrian disciplines by broadening thinking and considering multiple information sources
- •The practical decision-making tool has potential to improve equine welfare by prioritizing horse interests in competitive sport contexts