The public is becoming more and more critical of horseback riding, as clearly shown by the public outreach of recent scandals in competition sports. Research has clearly shown that sports can be detrimental to horse welfare, e.g. linked to pain and stress as shown, amongst others, by conflict behaviours expressed. These include, for example, uneven gait, tail swishing, mouth opening and head tossing. Some clear indicators of harsh riding and suffering have also been implemented as unacceptable in competition situations such as visible blood leading to disqualification.