Advocates Rally for Historic Animal Welfare Reform at Paris 2024 Olympics

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As the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games approach, a coalition of distinguished figures, including Olympic medalists and veterinary experts, calls for unprecedented focus on equine welfare. This initiative seeks to leverage the global platform to advocate for humane treatment and sustainable practices in equestrian sports.

The image of an athlete mistreating a horse during the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games has reignited concerns over equine welfare in competitive sports. With the Paris 2024 Olympics set to host equestrian events in the historic gardens of Versailles, a group of 40 influential personalities has issued a powerful plea in “Le Parisien/Aujourd’hui en France.” They demand that these games become a turning point for horse welfare, aligning with societal values of animal rights and welfare.

The Call for Change

Led by notable figures like Dutch Olympic medalist Albert Voorn, and backed by veterinary authorities such as Vincent Boureau and Laurent Mangold of the French Equine Veterinarian Association, the movement seeks to implement the recommendations of a 2022 parliamentary report.

This report, sparked by the global outcry over the treatment of horses at Tokyo’s Games, suggests comprehensive reforms to ensure the well-being of equine athletes. The Paris Games, marking the last to include equestrian events in modern pentathlon, present a unique opportunity to redefine the relationship between humans and equine competitors.

The Path to Equine Welfare

The initiative highlights the necessity of evolving beyond seeing horses merely as tools for human achievement. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the sentience and emotional capabilities of horses, advocating for training and competition practices that prioritize their well-being.

The proposed reforms address the use of restrictive gear, harsh training methods, and the need for regulatory measures that genuinely protect equine athletes. This shift towards ethical treatment reflects a broader societal move towards recognizing animal rights and welfare as paramount.