Rules and regs
QIs horseboarding a regulated sport? What rules are in place to help manage horse welfare?
Daniel says... In short, yes. However, it is currently a self-regulating sport with its own rule books. While Horseboarding UK is governed by Horseboarding International (along with Horseboarding Holland, Germany and so on), it’s not yet affiliated to any organisations, such as the BEF, FEI or Sport England, although Horseboarding UK is working towards this.
Writing the rule book
In the beginning when the idea for the sport was first conceived, there were no rules — common sense prevailed. But as the sport gained in popularity, it became apparent that not everyone’s idea of common sense was like for like. So 13 basic rules soon became two books of rules (available in PDF format on the Horseboarding UK website). In addition to this, the sport’s officials needed rules in place so that they could step in where they felt it necessary.
Welfare comes first
The sport has taken its lead on welfare from members’ vast experience with horses, but also from rules that apply to showjumping, racing and other disciplines — for example, in the areas of blood rules and rider weight. The biggest concern is over-running horses, so they are monitored carefully by officials. An ex-racehorse, for example, may be capable of six good runs in one day, whereas a less fit horse may only manage two. Weather conditions also come into play.