Five-Year Welfare Initiative Announced for Working Horses in Giza

A five-year programme to improve conditions for working horses and other animals around the Giza Pyramids and wider Giza was detailed in Cairo on October 26th. The initiative is being developed by the Egyptian Equestrian Federation and Longines Global Champions Tour in cooperation with the General Organization for Veterinary Services, Orascom Pyramids, animal welfare charity Brooke and other government partners.

The first phase will focus on approximately 700 horses, with a later phase intended to extend support to around 2,000. Planned measures include better access to feed, water, veterinary treatment and essential medication, alongside training for owners and people responsible for the animals’ daily care. Jenny Ellis, Europe Representative of the International Grooms Association, has been appointed as an independent representative to support oversight of the programme.

“Meaningful improvements in equine welfare require more than short-term interventions. They rely on consistent care, education, accountability and a clear understanding of the challenges facing working horses and their owners,” said Jenny Ellis.

The programme will also establish ongoing welfare monitoring and standards for responsible ownership, while developing a dedicated funding mechanism supported by participating organisations and potential contributions from riders, owners, sponsors and members of the public.

As an immediate measure, unused feed from Longines Global Champions Tour partner Red Mills and unused hay from the Cairo event have been allocated for distribution through the Egyptian Equestrian Federation. Grooms attending the event have also offered unused equipment and veterinary supplies, subject to checks and distribution arrangements.

The Egyptian Equestrian Federation and Longines Global Champions Tour have pledged financial contributions to the initiative.