In light of the findings of several recent noseband-related studies, this 2019 position statement by the International Society for Equitation Science replaces a previous version (2012) and reflects additional scientific evidence of potential adverse effects of restrictive nosebands on horses. For the purpose of this position statement, a restrictive nosebandRead More →
A horse will blink less and twitch its eyelids more when it’s under mild stress, the research team found — a new finding that could offer handlers a simple, easy-to-spot sign their animal is becoming agitated. The study, published in the journal Animals, is thought to be the first toRead More →
As an Australian Equine Photographer my mission is to capture timeless moments showing the love and connection between my clients and their equine, using our incredible countryside and spectacular rural estates. Creating beautiful photographs that tell a story is my passion. And in Australia, we have many unique environments onRead More →
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has called upon the Australian government to implement a nationwide welfare standard and a register to protect the welfare of all horses, not just the racehorses. Their official statement reinforces that the footage as reported on the ABC’s ‘The 7.30 Report’ was highly distressing andRead More →
On our cover in this issue, we feature a portrait by Louise Sedgman of Kerrie Fitzgibon and her home-bred Bear Junior (a.k.a. BJ). “It’s my favourite photo, BJ looks huge!” says Kerrie. “Louise was making some squeaky noises and it’s like he was asking ‘what is she doing mum?’ AtRead More →
After two years of consultation with industry experts, welfare advocacy groups and animal welfare scientists, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) have released their comprehensive and progressive Thoroughbred Welfare Guidelines. They can be viewed and downloaded here. The time spent developing these guidelines, and the rules which support them, was necessaryRead More →
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is the first jurisdiction in Australia to in law that animals are sentient and have intrinsic value. The Animal Sentience Act applies to all vertebrate species (including wildlife and fish) and cephalopods (octopus etc) and some crustaceans. While Australia’s national and state legislation already recognisedRead More →
Our knowledge of equine anatomy may be based on outdated findings and needs to be revised. According to the anatomy books that, to date, have served as study reference to veterinarians and practitioners around the world, the nuchal ligament lamellae attaches from C2 to C6 or C2 to C7. However,Read More →
If you’ve been around horses long enough, you know the scene. A friend says, “Now that’s a happy horse! Just look at him!” And meanwhile, you’re thinking, “Wait, happy? Are we talking about the same horse? That’s not what I call happy.” As interest in equine welfare grows, so doesRead More →
Equine Guelph will be attending the third annual Best Horse Practices Summit at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine, United States, this October 19 – 20. “We are looking forward to attending this evidence-based conference and networking with industry professionals sharing the same philosophies regarding the well-being of horses,” saysRead More →
