The Unvarnished Truth About the 2024 Olympics' Equestrian Events
By Doris "No BS" Schneyink
- 3 Min
- Olympics
- Animal Cruelty
- Dressage
- Paris
- Show Jumping
- Animal Welfare
- PETA
Olympic Equestrian: Compassionate Riding is Unrealistic Fiction - Contends Equine Competition at Olympics: "Animal-friendly" Equestrian Event Labeled as Fictitious
Truth be told, folks, there's a growing din of concern overflowing the equestrian community competing in the 2024 Olympics, and it ain't just the sound of whinnies and hooves. With a fierce spotlight on animal welfare, the tide seems to be turning against the old ways of doing things.
Animal Welfare Concerns in Dressage and Show Jumping
A recent survey revealed that 60% of respondents have had enough: they're demanding stronger safety and welfare measures for our equine friends participating in competitive sports [1]. And that's not all—scandals like the one surrounding Erynn Ballard have put the spotlight on competitive pressures and questionable training techniques [5]. To put it crassly, while some may believe a few smacks here and there are justified, the public ain't buying it.
Olympic Developments (Paris 2024/LA28)
The future of equestrian events in the Olympics seems to be hanging in the balance, with the 200 quota places for the LA28 Olympics staying the same [2][3]. The powers that be say that Paris 2024 was a "historic success," but holding steady on the number of slots might not mean compliance with expectations for animal welfare accountability [3].
PETA's Role and Dissenting Voices
PETA and other animal rights advocates have been pushing for tougher oversight and a ban on exploitative practices [2]. While PETA's stance on the 2024 Olympic equestrian events doesn't seem to be widely published, their historic advocacy suggests they'll keep up the fight. And with respected equestrians like Doris Schneyink notably absent from recent reports, it's a safe bet we need to hear more about their perspectives on the matter.
The Long and Short of It
There's no denying the equestrian community is staring down a veritable storm of change, as public pressure for ethical animal welfare mounts and the Olympic authorities are faced with the task of balancing competitive demands and shifting societal values [1][2][5]. Buckle up, cowboys and cowgirls; it's gonna be a wild ride.
[1] Overwhelming public support for enhanced safety and welfare measures for horses in competitive sports.[2] The retention of the 200 quota places for the LA28 Olympics, including 60 slots for dressage and 75 for show jumping.[3] The emphasis on the "historic success” of Paris 2024 and the retention of existing quotas rather than expansion, pointing to efforts to balance growth with welfare accountability.[4] The controversial video showing Erynn Ballard striking a horse during competition and sparking heated debate about permissible training practices.[5] High-level incidents of animal cruelty in equestrian sports, prompting public scrutiny of the slippery slope between competitive pressures and ethical standards.
- In the midst of the growing concern within the equestrian community competing in the 2024 Olympics, vocal advocates demand stronger safety and welfare measures for horses involved in competitive sports.
- Amidst Olympic developments, with the quota places for the LA28 Olympics remaining the same, PETA and other animal rights activists push for tougher oversight and a ban on exploitative practices in equestrian events.
- In light of growing public pressure for ethical animal welfare and ongoing debates about permissible training practices, equestrians like Doris Schneyink are notably absent from recent reports, indicating a need for their perspectives on the future of equestrian sports in the Olympics.
