Horse welfare sparks debate following allegations of mistreatment at Paris Olympics and Kuninkuusravit in Jyväskylä

The treatment of racehorses has once again become a topic of discussion following allegations of mistreatment against two riders at the Paris Olympics. Last week, the traditional Kuninkuusravit event in Jyväskylä also highlighted ethical concerns in harness racing. Elisa Aaltola, a researcher in animal and environmental ethics, expressed her worries about the welfare of harness horses in an interview, sparking a wave of angry reactions on social media.

In an interview with Yle Radio, dressage rider Ville Vaurio and veterinarian Inka Tuominen from the Finnish harness racing federation provided insight into why criticism of equestrian sports often elicits strong defensive reactions. The emotional investment involved in working with horses—both as a hobby and in competition—leads some to take criticism personally, resulting in harsh social media responses. Tuominen emphasized the shared goal among participants of ensuring healthy and well-cared-for horses, suggesting that fostering calm discussions around differing viewpoints would be beneficial.

The pressure to succeed can lead to unethical practices in equestrian sports, where significant financial incentives exist. Criticism of horse racing can also question the legitimacy of state support for the sport. Vaurio noted that the combination of money, reputation, and competition can push people to act unethically, similar to doping in other sports.

Incidents like that of Austrian show jumper Max Kühner, who has been accused of inflicting intentional pain on his horse to improve performance, illustrate these ethical dilemmas. An increasing awareness of horse welfare issues has emerged, challenging long-standing practices. Both Vaurio and Tuominen agreed that it’s crucial to raise awareness of these issues as society reevaluates what constitutes ethically acceptable behavior in horse sports, with a growing understanding of equine welfare.