Whiskers

When and why is whisker trimming prohibited?

2024:  Most competitions and British Racing now ban the trimming of whiskers – it was officially banned in 2021:

Regulations state:  Whiskers/Sensory Hairs  –

All equines should show no evidence of whiskers or sensory hairs having been trimmed or removed from their faces (other than for veterinary purposes).  Competitions state that you must provide written proof of a valid veterinary reason, from your Vet; this proof must be available at the Show if requested by a Show Official.

Sensory hairs are the hard hairs located on the horse’s muzzle and around the eyes, also known as ‘whiskers’, that are used for sensation.

Hairs within the inner ear also play an important role in the horse’s sensory system by providing feedback from their environment and by protecting the delicate structures.

The outer ear hair (more fluffy hair) encloses the inner hair, acting as a protective barrier to the sensitive inner ear skin from bugs, sun and foreign objects.

The BHS provide this information