A five-year Giza horse welfare initiative has been announced by the Egyptian Equestrian Federation (EEF), Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) and their partners to improve the health, care and working conditions of horses and other animals in the Pyramids area and the wider Giza region of Egypt.
Announced in Cairo on October 26, 2026, the programme will initially target approximately 700 horses, with a second phase planned to extend support to around 2,000. The initiative will bring together government authorities, veterinary professionals, animal welfare organisations and the international equestrian community to establish a coordinated, long-term approach to working animal welfare.
The programme will build on existing measures introduced by the EEF and its partners, including registration, microchipping, vaccinations and veterinary examinations. Its focus will extend to sustained improvements in animal health, access to essential care and the conditions in which working horses are kept.
Giza Horse Welfare Initiative Targets Better Care for 2,000 Horses
A detailed roadmap is being developed to guide the programme, with several priorities identified for the coming years. These will include improving access to feed, water, veterinary treatment and essential medication for working horses in the region.
Education and training for horse owners and those responsible for the daily care of working animals will also play an important role. The programme will seek to establish ongoing welfare monitoring and clear expectations for responsible horse ownership.
A dedicated funding mechanism is planned to support long-term improvements. Participating organisations will contribute to the initiative, while riders, owners, sponsors and members of the public will have opportunities to provide additional support.
The programme will bring together the Egyptian Equestrian Federation, Longines Global Champions Tour, the General Organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS), the Egyptian government, Orascom Pyramids and international equine welfare charity Brooke. Independent oversight will support implementation and help maintain a focus on measurable improvements.
Jenny Ellis, Europe Representative of the International Grooms Association (IGA), has been appointed as an independent representative to support oversight. Her experience of equine welfare work in Cairo will help ensure that the initiative remains focused on practical measures and outcomes for working horses.
Egyptian Equestrian Federation and LGCT Pledge Support
Dr Ismail Shaker, President of the Egyptian Equestrian Federation, described the initiative as an important step in the federation’s ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of working horses in Giza.
He highlighted the opportunity to bring together authorities, veterinary professionals, welfare organisations and the international equestrian community to build on existing progress and establish a coordinated, long-term approach.
Jan Tops, Founder and President of the Longines Global Champions Tour, said bringing international showjumping to Cairo offered an opportunity to make a positive contribution beyond the competition itself.
Tops reaffirmed LGCT’s commitment to supporting the Egyptian Equestrian Federation and its partners in developing a sustainable programme to improve the lives of working horses. He also stressed that lasting improvements would require time and continued cooperation.
Ellis emphasised that meaningful progress in equine welfare depended on consistent care, education, accountability and an understanding of the challenges facing working horses and their owners. She welcomed the opportunity to contribute to a programme that would combine relevant expertise and resources to deliver practical, measurable improvements over time.
Immediate Assistance Reaches Working Horses
Alongside the longer-term plans, the partners have already taken practical steps to support working animals in the area.
Unused feed supplied by LGCT partner Red Mills, together with unused hay from the Cairo event, has been made available for distribution to working horses through the Egyptian Equestrian Federation.
Grooms attending the event have also offered unused equipment and veterinary supplies, subject to appropriate checks and distribution arrangements.
The EEF and LGCT have pledged financial contributions to the initiative, while a dedicated donation mechanism is planned to encourage further support from the equestrian community and the public.
Further details concerning the programme’s governance, funding arrangements and phased implementation roadmap will be announced once they have been finalised.
Five-Year Programme Sets Long-Term Welfare Goals
The Giza horse welfare initiative will combine immediate assistance with a longer-term framework for improving animal care across the region. Its planned measures will cover veterinary access, essential supplies, owner education, welfare monitoring and sustainable funding.
The initial target of approximately 700 horses will provide the starting point for the programme, with the second phase intended to extend support to around 2,000. Continued cooperation between the Egyptian authorities, equestrian organisations and welfare specialists will be central to delivering the initiative’s objectives.
The five-year Giza horse welfare initiative will initially target approximately 700 working horses, with plans to expand support to around 2,000. Led by the Egyptian Equestrian Federation, Longines Global Champions Tour and their partners, the programme will focus on veterinary care, essential supplies, owner education, welfare monitoring and long-term funding.
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