Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission

6.5.2025

The Commission is aware that animal welfare issues arise in equestrian sporting activities and has been engaging in discussions on this topic with the International Federation for Equestrian Sports and other actors representing equestrian sports.

However, at EU level, the welfare of Equidae is covered by Directive 98/58/EC[1] concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes.

Directive 98/58/EC is only applicable to animals kept for farming purposes and not to animals kept for other activities such as equestrian sports.

The welfare of Equidae used for such activities is therefore subject to Member States’ national legislation, and it pertains to them to adopt such legislation if they deem it necessary.

Currently the Commission is not considering revising the scope of Directive 98/58/EC nor introducing measures applicable to Equidae kept for equestrian sporting activities.

• [1] Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998 concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes (OJ L 221, 8.8.1998, p. 23).