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Home / Society / Issues / Animal Welfare / Specific Animals / Horses
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Web Sites
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- 1999 World Trotting Conference - Horse Welfare - Paper presented by Dr Hugh Wirth outlining RSPCA Australia's stance on horse welfare issues, including the use of horses for harness racing and other forms of entertainment. Outlines areas of concern and the difficulties of defining "welfare".
www.harness.org.au/99wldcon/PWIRTH2.HTM
- Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre: Horse Welfare - Examines 14 welfare hotspots, including saddling, shoeing, feeding, rugging, chronic pain, overvaccination. Also highlights shortfalls in the Equine Industry Welfare Guidelines Compendium.
www.alternativevet.org/horses_uk.htm
- American Horse Defense Fund - Facilitates the protection, conservation and humane treatment of all equids through education, advocacy and litigation. Current campaigns include horse slaughter, Premarin, wild horses, soring, abuse.
www.ahdf.org
- American Humane Association Film and TV Unit - Provides official guidelines and monitors the care and treatment of animals, including horses, used in film media. Site presents ratings and reviews of films using animals and invites public input.
www.ahafilm.org
- Animal Aid takes on The Jockey Club - 2002 press release detailing a meeting agreed to by Animal Aid to discuss horse welfare, in return for The Jockey Club giving consideration to pledging five million pounds a year for the care of racehorses in retirement. Links to related information.
www.animalaid.org.uk/press/0202jock.htm
- Animal Welfare: Horses - Welfare issues important in the routine care and management of horses. Covers behaviour, horse/human bond, handling, rugging, transport, paddocking, stabling, feeding, breeding.
www.angelfire.com/sc2/petswelfare
- Argentine Committee of Welfare and Protection of the Horse - Argentine Equine Veterinary Association group that works to improve horse welfare through education. Projects include communicating with horses, improving land transport conditions, dealing with emergencies, combating abuse, carriage horses.
www.vidaecuestre.com.ar/aavequina/aaveprotection.htm
- Australian Horse Industry Council - Explains how this peak body represents and supports all facets of the horse industry in Australia particularly in relation to welfare and health, also it assists research projects through the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
www.horsecouncil.org.au/what.htm
- Australian Racing Industry Welfare Guidelines - Adapted from recommendations by the International Group of Specialist Racing Veterinarians, these guidelines cover all aspects of racing, from the initial preparation of horses to their retirement.
www.racingnsw.com.au/page.asp?parm=vet.WELFAREGUIDELINES
- Benefits of horse urine - June, 2002 story from the Australian ABC TV program Landline on a humane, free-range method of PMU farming, in which urine is collected from pregnant mares for the production of oestrogens and related hormones for the pharmaceutical industry.
www.abc.net.au/landline/stories/s568505.htm
- Brooke Hospital for Animals - Established in 1934, this organisation is committed to alleviating the suffering of working equines worldwide by providing a free veterinary service and educating owners in how to correctly care for equids.
www.brooke-hospital.org.uk/brooke/homeframe.html
- Bullfighting: A Tradition of Tragedy - PETA factsheet explaining that the bulls are not the only victims. The blindfolded and often surgically muted picadors' horses are frequently knocked down and gored so badly they are disemboweled.
www.peta.org/mc/facts/fsent6.html
- Carriage Horses - A PETA factsheet outlining the poor working conditions for carriage horses - loads too heavy, ill-fitting harness, long hours of work in sometimes extreme weather conditions, lameness and ill-health are common, housing and general care often inadequate.
www.peta.org/mc/facts/fsent9.html
- Carriage Horses: Cruelty is the Name of the Trade - Exposes the truth about the abuse and inhumane treatment of carriage horses, including headlines from major newspapers reporting such incidents. Also has ordering information for Greta Bunting's book "The Horse: The Most Abused Domestic Animal".
www.equineadvocates.com/carriage.html
- Code of Recommendations and Minimum Standards for Welfare of Horses - Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (New Zealand) code covering feeding, grazing, housing, husbandry, agistment, horse hire premises, equine activity organisers, transport, humane slaughter.
202.78.129.207/biosecurity/animal-welfare/codes/horses/horses.htm
- Dead on Arrival - British RSPCA report (1999) on the plight of horses transported for slaughter in Europe. It is one of 200 publications produced by the RSPCA to educate and inform people about animal welfare.
www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=RSPCA/Publications/CampaignReportsRSPCA&pub=1000367078866
- Double Deck Horse Transport Banned - Article from the Animal News Center (Oct 2001) on the passing of legislation making it illegal to transport horses in double deck vehicles in Pennsylvania.
www.anc.org/farm/farm_archive_article.cfm?identifier=102201_pennsylvania
- Emergency Euthanasia - UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine article on when to make the euthanasia decision and how to carry it out as humanely and quickly as possible in the absence of a veterinarian.
www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetext/INF-AN_EmergEuth-Horses.html
- Emergency Evacuation - Sunshine State Horse Council (Florida) - Searchable list of resources to assist with horse evacuation in emergencies and disasters. Includes a listing of places which can provide temporary equine shelter, also people with extra farm space can contact SSHC and have their information listed.
evac.sshc.org
- End Horse Slaughter Canada - Group's goal is to petition the Government of Canada to prohibit horse slaughter and the sale of horse meat. Articles and links to horse and donkey rescue groups and other related sites. Resources for activism, including petition.
www3.sympatico.ca/propeller/endslaughter/index.htm
- Ending the Cruel Practice of Horse Slaughter - Animal Welfare Institute article (2002) that truly exposes the cruelty of the horse slaughter industry. Written by John Hettinger, a Trustee of the New York Racing Association, who has pushed tirelessly for a ban on the industry.
www.awionline.org/pubs/Quarterly/winter02/blindeye.htm
- Equine Industry Welfare Guidelines Compendium (ADAS 2002) - Agricultural Development and Advisory Service guidelines and recommended best practice standards for equine welfare. Covers feeding, health, housing, management, abandonment, export, transport, codes of practice, EU legislation.
www.adas.co.uk/equinewelfare
- Equine Production and Performance (USDA 1997) - Discussion papers on horse welfare issues including soring, competition injuries, transport and slaughter, carriage horses, premarin farms, feral horse control, also highlights care and management practices detrimental to welfare.
www.nalusda.gov/awic/pubs/97issues.htm#Issue6
- Equine Protection Network - A Pennsylvania group that works to expose the cruelties of horse slaughter and transport, also investigates other horse welfare and cruelty issues.
members.tripod.com/~EPN/general/gindex.htm
- Equine welfare: balancing tradition and science - Summary of papers presented at the 2002 RSPCA Australia equine welfare seminar, which focused on four broad areas - performance and competition, neglect and owner/handler inexperience, traditional practices, unwanted horses.
www.rspca.org.au/news_info/seminars.htm
- Gastric Ulcers - Explains why the high incidence of gastric ulcers in racehorses and performance horses is a sign of poor welfare practices. Investigates training methods, feeding, transport, stabling and other management factors which contribute.
www.thehorse.com/qf.asp?fid=3052
- Heat stress in endurance horses - 2001 scientific paper from Sydney University explaining how to reduce heat stress, a major cause for concern in the welfare of endurance horses. Examines reduction of body heat production and ways to improve heat dissipation.
www.library.usyd.edu.au/VEIN/links/Essays/2001/gallagher.html
- Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society - Founded and run by Donna Ewing, HARPS focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, education, and legislation to protect horses and other hooved animals in the United States. Based in Barrington, Illinois. Emailed newsletter and online horse care resources.
www.harpsonline.org
- Horse Behaviour and Psychology: Welfare - Defines "welfare" and "well-being" and presents the welfare code of the New Zealand Equine Federation. Highlights welfare contraventions inherent to intensive management practices, particularly in the racing industry.
www.equine-behavior.com/welfare/Welfare,%20Part1..htm
- Horse Health and Welfare: Codes and Guidelines - Victorian government site covering general welfare codes of practice for horses, also shelter requirements, bush racing, land transport, agistment contracts.
www.equinecentre.com.au/health_codes_guidelines.shtml
- Horse Illustrated Library - Series of articles mostly demonstrating how a poor understanding of natural behaviour can lead to handling problems and other welfare concerns in all horse disciplines and management situations.
www.animalnetwork.com/horses/library/libraryview.asp?Type=Past&Section=Behavior
- Horse Learning and Behaviour - Non-invasive scientific research into the thinking and learning abilities of horses, also public education based on this research to improve horse welfare.
www.equineresearch.org
- Horse Racing: A Losing Bet - A PETA factsheet exposing the cruelties inherent to horse racing, including breakdown and injuries, drugs, whips and spurs, and husbandry that infringes basic welfare.
www.peta.org/mc/facts/fsent5.html
- Horse Slaughter - Political action committee which promotes the protection of US horses against slaughter for human consumption abroad. Member list, alerts on relevant legislation, and information on how to join.
www.hoofpac.com
- Horse Slaughter: An American Disgrace - An Equine Advocates Inc site arguing for an end to the brutal and inhumane horse slaughter industry in America. Presents many facts and figures.
www.equineadvocates.com/slaughter.html
- Horse Transportation Regulations Going into Effect - Animal News Centre article (Jan 2002) outlining new regulations recently published by the United States Department of Agriculture governing the transportation of horses to slaughter.
www.anc.org/farm/farm_archive_article.cfm?identifier=2002_0103_regulations
- Horse Tripping - In Defense of Animals factsheet on the cruel sport of horse tripping, still practised at larger Mexican-style rodeos and as backyard entertainment. Includes description and history, strategies for getting it banned and contact information.
www.idausa.org/facts/horsetripping.html
- Horse Ulcer - Story from the Australian ABC TV program Catalyst on the high incidence of gastric ulcers in racehorses and pinpoints lack of roughage as the main cause of this serious welfare problem. Veterinarians Dr Leanne Beggs and Dr John Walker are interviewed.
www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/s343936.htm
- Horsefaces - A network that helps to transport rescue or low-cost horses for relocated owners who would have difficulty meeting the costs otherwise. Each case qualifies on merit. Volunteers and coordinators now in every US state and Canada, also internationally.
horsefaces.hypermart.net
- Improving horse welfare through education - This Home of Rest for Horses site examines ways to educate horse owners about good welfare practices and how to overcome major barriers such as ignorance, poor advice from others and lack of commitment to the animal.
www.homeofrestforhorses.btinternet.co.uk/education.htm
- International League for the Protection of Horses - ILPH provides education and training programs to improve horse welfare in the developing world, also operates rehabilitation and rehoming centres in the UK for abused equines.
www.ilph.org
- Minimum Standards of Care for Equines - Useful set of welfare guidelines from Maryland Horse Council on defining suspected abuse or neglect so that action can be taken before the horse is obviously suffering.
www.equinenet.org/ernet/mincare.html
- National Equine Disaster Relief - Provides emergency help and advice for horses caught in natural disasters, also a state-by-state listing of people able to take in animals facing evacuation. Excellent links to disaster planning sites and how to minimise risks to animals.
www.kersur.net/~santa/disasterlist.html
- North American Equine Ranching Information Council - NAERIC represents ranchers involved in the collection of pregnant mares' urine (PMU). Presents a positive slant to the Premarin debate, including that the horses are managed according to strict welfare guidelines.
www.naeric.org
- Novel Pliance Saddle System - Technical information on a software system that measures pressure distribution under the saddle which can pinpoint bad saddle fit, gait asymmetry, back pain, also the effectiveness of rider's aids.
www.forcevector.com/nav2/nav_215.htm
- Physical stresses on two-year-old racehorses - Student essay (2001) from Sydney University outlining training methods that may decrease the incidence of dorsal metacarpal disease (shin soreness) and heart problems that compromise the welfare of young Thoroughbred racehorses. Bibliography included.
www.library.usyd.edu.au/VEIN/links/Essays/2001/reed.html
- Physiological responses of horses in transit - Animal welfare essay (2001) from Sydney University examining the physiological responses to stress associated with long-haul sea, air and land transport of horses. Explains ways to minimise this stress and includes references.
www.library.usyd.edu.au/VEIN/links/Essays/2001/abbott.html
- PMU Foal Quest - An excellent source of facts about Premarin farms, including that the majority are well managed and the mares well treated, also that far fewer foals go to slaughter than is generally thought. Foal Quest assists in finding homes for the foals.
www.angelfire.com/mi3/pmufoalquest/html/testpage.html
- Positive Reinforcement Taught to Horse Trainers - Animal News Center (Sep 2001) article on the promotion of positive reinforcement and clicker training as more humane methods in the horse training courses offered to the public by the University of California and the University of Pennsylvania veterinary schools.
www.anc.org/farm/farm_archive_article.cfm?identifier=092101_horse
- Premarin Farms - Welfare issues associated with the treatment of pregnant mares on farms used to produce the hormone replacement therapy drug Premarin. Contacts, links and information about the farms and Premarin itself.
www.geocities.com/shawcreekfarm
- Professional Opinions (Animal Welfare Council) - What the experts say about the welfare of animals in entertainment, industry, sport and recreation. Discusses horses in rodeos and the Premarin industry, also whether horses are livestock or companion animals (pets).
www.animalwelfarecouncil.org/html/aw/opinions.php
- Restricting Grazing - Lists situations where roughage may need to be restricted but points out the welfare negatives, particularly the development of gastric ulcers and stable vices. Explains how to make an Edinburgh ball, a ball of tightly compressed hay which takes a long time to eat.
www.thehorse.com/qf.asp?fid=3415
- Ripley's Horse Aid Foundation - This organization provides emergency help with feed, vet care, farrier services and building materials to established horse rescue groups, also advises on welfare and health care.
www.freewebz.com/rhaf
- Rodeo Animal Welfare - National Senior Pro Rodeo Association article refuting many of the claims made about welfare infringements and cruelty to horses, cattle and calves used in rodeo sports.
www.seniorrodeo.com/animal_welfare.htm
- Safe Trailer Campaign - Blue Cross campaign highlighting the dangers facing horses through poorly maintained trailers. A downloadable leaflet offers practical guidance on trailer safety.
www.bluecross.org.uk/content/news/viewNewsItem.asp?id=113
- Safety and Welfare - Welfare initiatives, role of veterinary officer, horse welfare FAQs and medical update. From The Jockey Club, the regulatory authority for horseracing in the United Kingdom.
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/jockeyclub/html/safety/initiatives.asp
- Save the Horses - Details the 1998 California Equine Council campaign that led to the passing of an Act making horse slaughter for human consumption illegal in California. Includes the comments of many celebrity supporters.
www.savethehorses.com
- Sound Horse Organization - Represents individuals, farms, businesses and associations opposed to the soring of Tennessee Walking Horses. Educates the public, lobbies to affect change, donates funds to other horse welfare groups, also operates a rescue service.
www.walkinghorse.org
- The Bitless Bridle - Informative site on a new type of bitless bridle which is more humane and effective than a hackamore or bosal. Includes scientific articles on the pathophysiology and behavioural problems caused by bits.
www.bitlessbridle.com
- The Last Wild Mustangs - Details of the hunting and abuse of Western Canadas wild horses and information on how to help protect them.
members.shaw.ca/save-wild-horses
- The Premarin (PMU) Industry - This Equine Advocates Inc site points out that the production of Premarin has cost the lives of over a million horses. It provides related facts and figures and in-depth information on proven synthetic alternatives to Premarin.
www.equineadvocates.com/premarin.html
- The Strasser System of Hoofcare - An ILPH press release (March 2001) warning about some dangers of using the Strasser system of hoofcare. Arguments for and against, opinions of farriers, vets and welfarists, also links to related sites.
www.hoofcare.com/ilph_strasser.html
- The Swedish Animal Welfare Society for Horses - Outlines the many different ways this society works to improve the welfare of horses - educates horse owners and offers support where necessary, assists and advises authorities, operates shelter facilities.
www.angelfire.com/ak/shv/ehast.html
- Training Mythunderstandings - Series of training articles from Meredith Manor showing how using horse logic rather than human logic achieves an improved end result while also promoting better equine welfare.
www.meredithmanor.com/features/articles/default.asp
- Traumatised horses - Case studies from Herdword on the successful rehabilitation of mentally stressed, psychologically damaged, emotionally disturbed and physically injured horses.
www.herdword.co.nz/problem.html
- UK Racing Injuries Seminar Report 2001 - Training strategies that decrease the incidence of racetrack injuries. Examines key factors such as duration and intensity of fast work, age of horses, biomechanical soundness, surface conditions.
www.hoofcare.com/archives/uk_racing_injuries_report2001.html
- Welfare of equids ever-evolving - AVMA (Feb 2000) article presenting the veterinary viewpoint on accelarated improvements in horse welfare - discusses natural horsemanship, horse slaughter and transport issues, premarin farms, rodeos, carriage horses, racing.
www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/feb00/s020100a.asp
- Welfare of Horses in Research Institutions - Insightful information on care and handling methods that safeguard welfare and improve research data validity, based on understanding the species-typical behaviour of horses. Covers housing, exercise, grooming, feed and water, environmental enrichment devices.
www.awionline.org/pubs/cq02/Cq-horse.html
- Welfare of slaughter horses - Sydney University student essay highlighting the injuries, stress and dehydration suffered by horses transported long distances to slaughter. Examines current legislation and regulations in Australia and overseas and ways conditions can be improved. Bibliography included.
www.library.usyd.edu.au/VEIN/links/Essays/2001/wright.html
- What is Natural Hoofcare? - Describes a natural system of hoofcare which extends to the whole horse, including no stabling or rugging. The method advocated by Dr Hiltrud Strasser allows horses to perform barefoot in any discipline to their welfare advantage. Strasser books for sale and links to related sites.
www.thehorseshoof.com/WhatIs.html
- wildmustang.org - This site seeks the ethical treatment of wild horses and burros. Links to government and governmental agencies who have authority to make necessary changes to protect these animals are listed.
www.wildmustang.org
- Working Together For Equines - WTFE operates education and training programs to improve the husbandry of working equines worldwide. Present projects, staff contacts and newsletter articles are on the site.
www.desertweyr.com/wtfe
- World Equine Organisation - WEO uses investigation, research, training and communication to improve the welfare of equines and the people who depend on them for their livelihood, particularly in developing countries. Details of current training programs in Afghanistan, Tunisia, Romania, Portugal.
www.weo.org/frontpage.htm
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