08/10/2026
KENWICK SHOW JUMPING RESPONSIBLE RIDING AND WHIP RULES STATEMENT.
HORSE WELFARE & RESPONSIBLE RIDING
At Kenwick Show Jumping the health, welfare and well-being of every horse and pony attending our shows is of the highest importance to us.
We are committed to providing a safe, respectful and enjoyable environment for horses, riders, owners, trainers, parents, supporters and spectators.
There is no place at Kenwick Show Jumping for abusive, excessive or inappropriate treatment of horses.
BRITISH SHOWJUMPING WHIP / PADDED BATON RULES
All riders competing at Kenwick Show Jumping are expected to comply with the current British Showjumping rules relating to the use of whips and padded batons.
For clarity, the following requirements apply:
The permitted Padded Baton must be between 45 cm and 70 cm in length and must comply with the British Showjumping specification.
It must not exceed the permitted weight or have an inappropriate hard point or construction.
The padded contact area must comply with the British Showjumping requirements and must be smooth and made from appropriate shock-absorbing material.
The Padded Baton may only be used as an aid to support the natural aids and encourage the horse forward, or, where appropriate, to support the shoulder to encourage the horse in the desired direction.
It must never be used to punish or discipline a horse or pony, or to vent a rider's anger or frustration. The rider's arm must not come above the shoulder when using the Padded Baton.
When using the Padded Baton on the horse's shoulder, the rider must retain both hands on the reins. The Padded Baton must not be used in a manner that causes pain, distress, injury or unnecessary discomfort.
If the horse's skin is broken or marked as a result of its use, this is considered excessive use.
The Padded Baton must not be used immediately following a refusal, run-out or elimination, either in the competition arena or practice arena.
The Padded Baton must not be used excessively or repeatedly.
It may be used no more than three times in total whilst in the competition arena.
Any misuse of the Padded Baton in the competition arena, practice arena or elsewhere on the showground may result in disciplinary action.
These requirements are based on the current British Showjumping rules and welfare guidance and may be updated in accordance with any subsequent British Showjumping rule changes.
# # # RESPONSIBLE RIDING
We expect riders to use appropriate riding techniques and natural aids at all times.
Any behaviour that causes, or appears likely to cause, unnecessary pain, distress or injury to a horse will be taken seriously.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Excessive or inappropriate use of a whip or Padded Baton;
excessive use of spurs;
Deliberately using the bit or other tack as a means of punishment;
Striking or kicking a horse excessively;
Deliberately frightening, intimidating or causing unnecessary distress to a horse; or
Any other behaviour that compromises the welfare of the horse.
British Showjumping's conduct rules specifically prohibit ill-treatment of horses and the misuse or excessive use of whips or spurs.
# # # BEHAVIOUR OF RIDERS AND SUPPORTERS
Horse welfare is everyone's responsibility.
Any rider, trainer, parent, supporter or other person associated with a competitor who is seen using abusive riding methods, behaving aggressively towards a horse, or using abusive, threatening or inappropriate language or behaviour may be challenged by a Kenwick Show Jumping steward or show official.
Such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Depending on the circumstances, individuals may be required to leave the showground, and serious matters may be referred to the relevant governing body or other appropriate authority.
We ask everyone attending Kenwick to treat horses, fellow competitors, officials, staff and volunteers with respect.
# # # IF YOU SEE SOMETHING – PLEASE SPEAK UP
We would encourage anyone who witnesses behaviour that causes them concern about the welfare of a horse to report it confidentially to a Kenwick Show Jumping steward.
You do not need to confront the person involved.
Please provide the steward with as much information as possible, including the horse/rider concerned and where and when the incident occurred. Our stewards will consider concerns carefully and deal with them appropriately.
We would much rather receive a genuine welfare concern and investigate it than have someone remain silent because they were unsure whether they should report it.
# # # OUR COMMITMENT
Kenwick Show Jumping is committed to maintaining high standards of horse welfare and responsible riding.
We ask every rider, owner, trainer, parent, supporter and spectator to help us achieve this.
The welfare of the horse must always come before competition, results or winning.
KENWICK SHOW JUMPING
Respect the horse. Ride responsibly. Speak up for welfare.
