Horse Welfare
Equine Sleep Deprivation Study
March 2019
Sleep is essential for life. The quality and quantity of a horse’s sleep directly affects their health and well-being. However, sleep is rarely considered as part of a horse’s management plan. But a new study has found that poor management or physical problems that discourage horses from lying down can lead to horses becoming sleep deprived and at risk of serious injury. Sleep is a naturally occurring state involving both the body and the mind.
Sleep deprivation a risk to mental and physical health
March 2019
Sleep is essential for life. The quality and quantity of a horse’s sleep directly affects their health and well-being. However, sleep is rarely considered as part of a horse’s management plan. A new study has found that poor management or physical problems can discourage horses from lying down and this leads to horses becoming sleep deprived and at risk of serious injury. The findings were presented at the 13th International Equitation Science Conference in Rome during September 2018.
Learn to Recognise the Subtle Signs of Pain
February 2019
Horses are instinctively ‘stoic’, they do their best to mask all signs of pain in an effort to keep-up and blend-in with the rest of their herd. By the time your horse shows clear signs of lameness or injury, it is likely a lot of damage has already been done. Although they may not scream it loud and clear, horses do display subtle signs they are in pain and/or discomfort.
The Five Domains as a framework for horse welfare assessment and monitoring
March 2019
Watch Professor Emeritus David Mellor present An understanding of the Five Domains, and explain how to use this state-of-the-art welfare assessment and monitoring framework within the domestic horse context. The presentation took place at Hahndorf, South Australia on 13th February 2019 as part of the Sport Horse Welfare and Social Licence to Operate Professional Development Event, hosted by Horse SA.
Racing and Equestrian Meet on the Common Ground of Horse Welfare
March 2019
In a ground-breaking, collaborative initiative by Horse SA, equestrian industry, business and social leaders gathered on 13th and 14th February, to discuss sport horse welfare and social licence to operate.
The shocking use of 'jiggers' in horse racing
March 2019
Violence towards animals can never be condoned, whether in horse racing or to animals in general. Shutterstock/gabriel Trainer Darren Weir will not contest three charges for alleged possession of electronic devices used to give shocks to horses, according to a statement released by Racing Victoria earlier today. The statement says assistant trainer Jarrod McLean will contest a charge for allegedly possessing a similar electric shocking device.
Laminitis as common as colic and there's no 'safe' season
February 2019
Recent research suggests that laminitis is as common as colic. The study, led by Dr Danica Pollard, a PhD student at the Royal Veterinary College, found that one in 10 horses or ponies may develop at least one laminitis episode each year. The research was conducted at the Animal Health Trust, in collaboration with Rossdales Equine Hospital, and funded by World Horse Welfare.
Striding out on horse welfare in a social media world
February 2019
A world-first cross-sector professional development event for racing and equestrian people is set to be held on February 13 and 14, 2019, in Hahndorf, South Australia. The event ‘Sport Horse Welfare and Social Licence to Operate’ will provide an opportunity to examine the ‘why and how to’ of state-of-the-art welfare assessment, plus the role of social licence to operate in the context of horse sports.
Fat horses need to lose weight NOW, say UK vets
February 2019
With some studies suggesting that more than half of certain horse populations in the UK are overweight or obese, the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is urging owners to act now to prevent their horses suffering serious weight-related health and welfare risks come the Northern Hemisphere Spring.
To Whip or Not to Whip... That is the Question.
November 2018
Let me set the scene, let me paint a picture often seen in jumping classes, not only in New Zealand, but in most countries around the world. Half way through her showjumping round, ‘Sally’ canters her horse ‘Stormy’ towards the wall, at which point Stormy refuses the fence. Determined to get him over it the next time, Sally holds Stormy at the fence and gives him three good hard wallops with her whip. Upon presenting him at the fence a second time, Stormy jumps it clear and the round continues.
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