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Nearly all husbandry systems impose restrictions on stock. And some can cause an unacceptable degree of discomfort or distress by preventing horses or ponies from fulfilling their basic needs.
This includes:What ever constraints a system imposes, it is essential that that in all circumstances these basic needs are met. For example, if a horse or pony is stabled for long periods they should still be taken out and given adequate, appropriate daily exercise.
Horses, being gregarious animals, prefer to live in social groups; they also appear to enjoy human contact. If kept on their own, they require more frequent human contact and supervision.
Horses should always be treated as individuals, even when kept in large groups. When forming new groups, care should be taken to avoid fighting and stress, particularly if adult animas are mixed. Although large groups can be managed successfully. In general the greater the number of horses kept; the greater the degree of competence needed to safe guard the animal’s welfare.
A good standard of horse care is the key factor in ensuring that your horse’s or ponies welfare needs are met. No matter how acceptable a system may be in principle, without competent care and management the welfare of the horse’s or ponies cannot be adequately protected. Taking the BHS Horse Owner’s Certificate, Pony Club tests and riding school certificates will increase your knowledge about horse care, and hopefully cut down on the animal’s unnecessary suffering.
Every person who owns or loans a horse, or rides a horse is responsible for the animals welfare needs and must be able to recognize signs of ill health, and have knowledge of basic equine first aid, and must be registered to a Veterinary Surgeon to diagnose and treat serious injuries and illnesses. There should always be plans prepared to ensure that in the event of a fire, accident or other emergency, the horse receives prompt attention.
Horses require calm, sympathetic handling by competent and experienced people. Horses respond best to firm but gentle approach and to rewards for correct responses. Handlers should think ahead to ensure that the horses are no panicked by unexpected occurrences.
Discipline, if appropriate must be administered immediately following an act of misconduct, and must be reasonable and no more severe than necessary to achieve the trainers objectives (this does not give the trainer a license to be cruel to an animal). Any restraint method should be used in most mild and effective way possible, and should be applied for the minimum required period by a competent person.
Saddlery should be suitable for the purpose, being appropriate to the needs and the abilities of both horse and rider. It should be correctly fitted and maintained in good order to ensure comfort, safety and effectiveness.
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