IRISH riders Bertram Allen, Cian O’Connor, Denis Lynch and Deirdre Reilly all rode at the historic Longines Global Champions Tour of Cairo, where the world’s leading show jumping riders competed in front of the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Another Irish voice at the venue was Tom Freyne, who was on commentary duty following his retirement from the Army Equitation School.

Among the important announcements following the event was a five-year initiative aimed at improving the welfare of working horses and other animals in the Pyramids area and wider Giza region, announced by the Egyptian Equestrian Federation (EEF), Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) and their partners.

The programme brings together the EEF, LGCT, the General Organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS), the Egyptian government, Orascom Pyramids and international equine welfare charity Brooke, with independent oversight to support its implementation.

Building on existing measures brought in by the EEF and its partners, including registration, microchipping, vaccinations and veterinary examinations, the programme will focus on sustained improvements in animal health, care and working conditions.

It will initially focus on approximately 700 horses, with a second phase intended to extend support to approximately 2,000. A detailed roadmap is being developed, with priorities including: improving access to feed, water, veterinary treatment and essential medication; delivering education and training for horse owners and those responsible for the daily care of working animals; establishing ongoing welfare monitoring and clear expectations for responsible horse ownership; developing a dedicated funding mechanism to support long-term improvements, with contributions from participating organisations and opportunities for riders, owners, sponsors and members of the public to contribute.

Jenny Ellis, Europe Representative of the International Grooms’ Association (IGA), has been appointed as an independent representative to support oversight of the programme. Drawing on her experience of equine welfare work in Cairo, she will help ensure that the initiative remains focused on practical improvements and measurable outcomes.

As an immediate practical step, unused feed from LGCT partner Connolly Red Mills, alongside unused hay from the Cairo event, has been made available for distribution to working horses through the EEF. 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 to contribute financially to the initiative, with a dedicated donation mechanism also planned to enable wider support from the equestrian community and public.

Jan Tops, founder and President of the LGCT, said: “Bringing international show jumping to Cairo provides an opportunity to make a positive contribution beyond the competition itself. Horse welfare is fundamental to our sport, and we are committed to supporting the Egyptian Equestrian Federation and its partners in developing a sustainable programme that improves the lives of working horses in the area. We know that lasting change takes time, and we want to play a constructive role in that process.”