Italy Becomes First Country to Legally Recognise Horses as Athletes
In a landmark development for equine sport and welfare, Italy has become the first country in the world to legally recognise horses as athletes. The legislation, which came into force on 6th June 2025, marks a fundamental shift in how sport horses are treated under Italian law.
Under the new framework, horses are no longer defined solely as property within the sporting context. Instead, they are recognised as “athlete horses”—with legal acknowledgment of their physical and emotional needs, similar to those of their human counterparts. This change establishes an entirely new legal identity for horses involved in equestrian sport, offering enhanced protection for their welfare.
To be officially recognised as an “athlete horse” under Italian law, a horse must meet the following criteria:
- Be registered in an official equine registry;
- Be formally declared not for human consumption;
- Be included in FISE’s official athlete horse register.
FISE (Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri) has described the legal reform as a “historic achievement,” stating that it sets a new precedent for equine welfare in sport. The reform is expected to impact not only how horses are cared for and trained, but also how their role in sport is understood both culturally and legally.
To coincide with the legal shift, FISE has published a bilingual book titled “The Horse Athlete: Protections and Prospects.” The book explores the evolving legal and ethical role of horses in equestrian disciplines and was launched at a dedicated conference in Rome. The event brought together legal experts, veterinary professionals, and international equestrian authorities to examine the implications of the new legislation and to encourage broader discussion around welfare standards in sport.
While this change applies only in Italy for now, the move is expected to influence welfare conversations globally and may serve as a benchmark for future legal reforms elsewhere.
At Equitas, we ask:
- Should all sport horses be legally recognised as athletes?
- What legal protections currently exist elsewhere—and are they enough?
- Could this model help reshape equestrian sport into a more welfare-focused industry?
The discussion has begun. How far will it reach?
