Is Your Horse With You for Life?

Do you own a horse to use / ride / breed from / compete and then sell on when they don’t suit you any more, or will they stay with you for life?

Yesterday I was lucky to attend a webinar by Mark Kennedy, Senior Scientific Manager for Equines at the RSPCA, who presented a preview of his team’s research into the equine welfare crisis. Mark confirmed that most of the equines in England and Wales have welfare concerns – their basic needs are not met. I knew this would be the case, but it was still heartbreaking to hear confirmation of that.

One of the major contributing factors of the current equine welfare crisis is that humans see horses as commodities. Horses are bred to be used and then passed on, as their owners don’t take lifetime responsibility. There is little or no provision for a horse’s welfare over their lifetime – no planning or care as to how they will be managed from birth to death. This can lead to premature or delayed euthanasia, abandonment and neglect. This lack of foresight extends across the whole equine industry – with elite riders & owners in all equestrian disciplines, sport horse breeders, backyard breeders, riding schools, livery yards and grass roots horse owners all at fault.

Not so long ago, the FEI’s Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission conducted a large scale survey and found clear evidence that 75% of equestrians and 65% of the general public have concerns about the welfare of horses in sport. However, welfare is compromised in all areas of the equine industry.

Changing our attitudes towards horses is vital. When we take on a horse they are our responsibility. Everyone should be planning their horse’s lifetime care. Of course some horse owners may have a change in their own circumstances that may mean they can’t keep them, but there should be plans in place in case that happens.

And please remember, ‘free to a good home’ rarely ends well. If you have an elderly or unhealthy horse please, please don't give them away without careful consideration of what that will entail. Even if the person that takes them on has good intentions they could end up being in a position where they can't keep the horse either. This could mean they will pass the horse on to someone unsuitable or unscrupulous.

Your horse’s life is in your hands. Do you have plans in place for them if anything happens to you?