Rodeo welfare review has relevance for the wider equestrian community

Pony Club members, coaches and event organisers are encouraged to read the proposed Code of Welfare for Rodeos and consider the questions it raises about horse welfare across equestrian sport.

The consultation concerns rodeos, including proposed changes to cover smaller and non-public rodeo events. It does not introduce new requirements for Pony Club or other equestrian disciplines. However, the approach taken to matters such as rider weight, horse age, training, equipment and event welfare support warrants attention from the wider horse community.

If similar provisions were considered in a future review of the Horse and Donkey Code, or in a code for another equestrian discipline, they could have broader implications.

Proposals worth reading

The draft contains proposed minimum standards, example indicators and recommendations for best practice. These have different purposes and should be read carefully.

The proposed minimum standards include ensuring riders are an appropriate weight for the animal, riding horses in a manner that minimises pain, injury or distress, and allowing sufficient recovery between races. Other provisions address substances that may modify performance, veterinary attendance and contingency planning.

Example indicators under the animal selection standard include a rider weight of no more than 20 per cent of the horse’s live weight and weighing animals before competition. These are presented as example indicators, rather than standalone minimum standards.

Recommendations for best practice include horses being at least five years old, avoiding the use of spurs, having two animal welfare officers, making an equine ambulance available and establishing animal drug testing programmes.

For those involved in equestrian activities, these proposals raise practical questions about how welfare is assessed, the evidence supporting particular measures, and how those measures would work across different activities and settings.

Why the distinction matters

Minimum standards set out the minimum level of care required to meet animal welfare obligations. Example indicators provide guidance on how a standard may be met. Recommended best practice encourages a higher standard of welfare and is not compulsory.

Although recommendations and indicators have a different status from minimum standards, they can influence expectations about horse care and event management. Their wording, evidence base and practical application therefore deserve consideration alongside the minimum standards.

Supporting good horse welfare includes contributing informed feedback on how standards and guidance can be clear, effective and workable.

Have your say

Anyone can make a submission, and you can comment on individual provisions without responding to the whole draft. Identify what you support or oppose, explain your reasons and suggest alternatives where appropriate. Practical examples and relevant evidence can help explain your position.

Read the full draft alongside the consultation questions so you can consider the minimum standards, example indicators and recommendations for best practice. Written submissions can identify the specific provisions you wish to address.

Submissions close at 5pm on 9 December 2026. You can submit through MPI’s online survey, email animal.consult@mpi.govt.nz, or post your feedback using the details on the consultation page.

Read the draft code and find out how to make a submission.

Article added: Monday 02 November 2026