Changing Rein Podcast
Latest episode
Under Pressure:
Rein Contact, FEI Blood Rules and Who's Really in Charge
A Conversation with Cristina Wilkins
In this episode, we're joined by Cristina Wilkins to explore some fascinating - and important - questions emerging from elite equestrian sport. Drawing on her recent article in Horses and People magazine, Cristina walks us through the revised FEI blood rule in show jumping and what it signals about the direction of welfare policy at the top level.
From there, we get curious about what new photographic evidence is revealing: that some elite riders may not be releasing rein pressure the way classical training principles suggest they should. So what does that mean for the horse? And could it help explain why we're seeing signs of hypersensitisation in the mouth and flanks? Cristina helps us connect the dots between training technique, sensory experience, and competitive performance - and asks the kind of questions that can help all of us become more thoughtful horsemen and women.
Listen
Cristina Wilkins
Cristina Wilkins is a PhD candidate at the University of New England (UNE), Australia, researching the One Welfare outcomes of human-horse interactions. Her work in exploring how equipment-related pressures affect equine welfare led to an invited presentation to the FEI Veterinary Committee earlier this year. Cristina collaborates with leading welfare scientists on practical tools for assessment, including the Mellorater app, and she developed UNE’s online course Applying the Five Domains Model to the Welfare Assessment of Sport and Recreation Horses. A former international eventing competitor, coach, official, and long-time editor of Horses and People magazine, Cristina combines academic research with deep industry experience. Her science communication and advocacy have supported welfare initiatives across equestrian and racing organisations. She served on the ISES Council (2011–2019) and is a co-author of The 2020 Five Domains Model: Including Human–Animal Interactions in Assessments of Animal Welfare. Cristina lives in Queensland, Australia.
All Episodes
The Innate Health Assessment tool developed by Prof Dan O'Neill and a team from the Royal Veterinary College has been described as revolutionary. In a podcast dedicated to the sustainability of horse sport from a welfare perspective, why are we talking about flat-faced dogs? Because we humans do things to and with animals in our lives that are not always in the animals' best interests, and breeding dogs for extreme conformation is one of those things. The IHA is designed to encourage responsible breeding of dogs so that future generations can lead full and happy lives, free from pain and discomfort.
Lucinda Creighton truly bridges two worlds - a former member of the Irish Parliament and a Government Minister with responsibility for European affairs, she also served on the board of Horse Sport Ireland, the governing body for equestrian sport in Ireland.
The episode emphasizes the need for respect and engagement with the horse industry's stakeholders, the impact of corporate governance, and the significance of animal welfare as a political concern.
Nat is an internationally acclaimed animal behaviour and welfare scientist, educator and opinion leader. Over the past 30+ years, she has researched and published across a range of species, but her special interest is in equine welfare and she has worked on a variety of topics including; horse transport, indicators of equine stress andpain, equine problem behaviour, equine quality of life and welfare assessment as well as editing a book ‘The Welfare of Horses’ published by Springer.
In this episode we talk about working with the FEI, creating change at an international level, and the everyday things we all can do to give horses a better life.
Meet our co-hosts
Karen Luke, PhD
Karen is an equine scientist specialising in horse behaviour, welfare and rider safety, and has a lifetime of experience owning, riding and competing horses. She is has a keen interest in helping riders and organisations develop new approaches to horse training and competition that improve horse welfare, rider safety and rider enjoyment.
Meta Osborne, MVB
Meta has almost 40 years experience as an equine reproduction vet, and is a passionate horse welfare advocate. She is co-owner of a successful thoroughbred stud and is keen to help create a better future for horses and the racing industry.
Not Barefoot or Bust!
Master Farrier talks all things hoof - from treating lameness to improving long-term soundness and everything in between.
Andrew Bowe is a master farrier with an keen interest in bringing hoof care into the 21st century. Take a listen!
Listen
