These are real exchanges — sent, received, and published here in full. They document what happens when you ask the governing bodies of equestrian sport to account for the welfare implications of their rules.

The question put to each institution is essentially the same: you claim to care about horse welfare. What does that mean, in practice, when a rule requires a bit?

Equestrian Australia

Correspondence · Equestrian Australia
On the mandatory bit rule and welfare obligations

[Exchange to be added. This section will contain the full email thread with Equestrian Australia regarding the mandatory bit requirement in dressage and eventing, and EA's obligations under Australian animal welfare legislation.]

FEI — Fédération Équestre Internationale

Correspondence · FEI
On welfare standards and the bit

[Exchange to be added. This section will contain the full email thread with the FEI on international dressage rules, the welfare basis for the mandatory bit, and what scientific evidence, if any, the FEI has considered.]

RSPCA Australia

Correspondence · RSPCA Australia
On equestrian sport and the duty of care

[Exchange to be added. This section will contain the full email thread with the RSPCA regarding the use of bits in competitive sport, the RSPCA's position on equestrian welfare, and its capacity to act on complaints relating to sport horse management.]