Get to know Karen
Dr. Karen Luke is a horse welfare, behaviour and safety scientist reknowned for her practical and innovative approach to solving horse welfare problems.
Her research emphasises the connection between horse welfare and rider safety and she advocates for a holistic approach to solving equine care and training challenges.
Where Welfare Wins
Dr Luke is committed to making equestrian sport great, through helping owners and equestrian organisations transform their practices to improve horse welfare and protect the long term future of equestrian sport.
She has worked with numerous equestrian organisations over the years, advising on education, coach training, rule updates and more.
In 2024, Dr Luke launched the industry acclaimed podcast, Changing Rein with co-host, equine vet and Thoroughbred breeder, Meta Osborne. Together, Karen and Meta interview an array of experts and industry professionals and explore the many opportunities to improve horse welfare for sport horses, including racehorses.
My mission
I'm on a mission to change the way equestrians think about horse welfare. Rather than thinking that welfare is an obstacle to participating in the sports we love, I want equestrians to see that great horse welfare is our ticket to safer, ethical and more enjoyable equestrian sport.
My vision
I want to live in a world where all sport horses live in housing that meets their psychological and physical needs, and horses are trained using methods that enhance their welfare rather than diminish it. And finally, I want to live in a world where all equestrians ask themselves the critical three:
Why am I asking my horse to do this?
What am I asking my horse to do and is he/she physically and mentally capable of doing it?
How am I asking my horse to do this and am I asking in way that enhances their wellbeing or diminishes it?
If we can achieve these aspirations equestrian sport will have a long and successful future for generations to come.