Sport Horse Welfare: Where are we at?
In a thorough review titled 'Champing at the Bit for Improvements: Equine Welfare in Equestrian Sports in the United Kingdom', independent researchers Tim Holmes and Ashleigh Brown, explore the effect of equestrian sports on the lifelong welfare of horses, highlight...
French Parliament Calls for Horse Welfare Overhaul at Paris 2024
Nine months after several incidents and accidents marred the equestrian disciplines of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, a study group from the French National Assembly (the lower house of the French Parliament), makes 46 recommendations for making Paris 2024 the Olympic...
British Racing on climate change and sustainability
The summary findings and recommendations from an independent assessment of environmental sustainability across British racing and breeding have been published today. Project objectives: To review British racing’s current progress on environmental sustainability,...
UK survey reports 1 in 5 people do not support horses in sport
A survey of the general United Kingdom population reports that one in five (20%) people do not support the involvement of horses in sport under any circumstances. The research was commissioned by World Horse Welfare (WHW), an international charity that strives to...
Sport Horse Welfare: Where are we at?
In a thorough review titled 'Champing at the Bit for Improvements: Equine Welfare in Equestrian Sports in the United Kingdom', independent researchers Tim Holmes and Ashleigh Brown, explore the effect of equestrian sports on the lifelong welfare of horses, highlight...
Full Report (English): Horse Welfare Overhaul for Paris 2024
Nine months after several incidents and accidents marred the equestrian disciplines of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, a study group from the French National Assembly (the lower house of the French Parliament), makes 46 recommendations for making Paris 2024 the Olympic...
French Parliament Calls for Horse Welfare Overhaul at Paris 2024
Nine months after several incidents and accidents marred the equestrian disciplines of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, a study group from the French National Assembly (the lower house of the French Parliament), makes 46 recommendations for making Paris 2024 the Olympic...
Hendra Vaccine Effective Against New Variant
Researchers have completed the analysis of the new Hendra virus variant which was detected by routine testing from a horse who died in 2015 but had tested negative to HeV infection. They say that the current vaccine will be effective against the new strain, now named...
FEI Removes all International Equestrian Events in Russia and Belarus
The Executive Board of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) met on 28th February to unanimously condemn the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces and agree on the ramifications to equestrian sport in Russia and Belarus. In line with the International...
Sales Records Broken at Australia’s 2022 Nutrien Classic
Sales at this year's Nutrient Classic have outdone any previous results in the event's 15 year history, generating more than $17.1 million, and surging past the 2021 gross of $10.71 million. With sales still under negotiation, the average sales price was $27,113.92,...
Perceptions of Sport Horse Welfare Issues: New Study
There are growing concerns about the welfare of horses from within and outside sport and these concerns are threatening horse sports' social license to operate. In early 2021, the Animal Welfare Research Network (AWRN) and National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) ran an...
Further evidence that weaning is stressful for foals
There is strong evidence to show that weaning (artificially removing foals from their mothers) causes foals considerable stress. A variety of factors can affect just how stressful weaning is for foals, including their age and management factors (e.g., feeding, social...
Knowledge Certificate for all Horse Owners will be Required by Law in France
New legislation passed in France will require all horse owners to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of equine needs that promote wellbeing. As part of their inter-species legislation, which aims to combat animal abuse and strengthen the bond between humans...
Bernard Rollin ‘father of veterinary ethics’ died on 19th November
Bernie Rollin, one of the leading scholars in animal rights and animal consciousness, a longtime Colorado State University professor and "father of veterinary medical ethics," died Friday, November 19. He was 78 years old. Rollin leaves behind...
Growing Trust
On the front cover of this, the last Horses and People magazine issue, a photo by Louise Sedgman of 9-year-old Zoe Tomlin with Blackie, the Waler-Quarter Horse schoolmaster who belongs to her mother, Trish Weickhardt, but is quickly becoming Zoe’s most trusted...
Earliest Horse Domestication Clues Point to the Caspian Steppe
New archeogenetic studies show clear evidence that horse domestication - and the drinking of horse milk - likely began in the Pontic-Caspian steppe, and it enabled the Bronze Age mass migrations that shaped European peoples. The findings fit with the idea that...
Anticipation Builds for the 2021 Equitation Science Conference
Anticipation builds as the programme for this year's International Equitation Science Conference is finalised. The event, which is themed 'Advancing Equestrian Practice to improve Equine Quality of Life' takes place on 20th and 22nd October 2021 and it's easy to...
Standardbred Freeze Branding System Discontinued
The 2021 foaling season will see changes to the current practice of freeze branding Standardbred horses. Microchips, which have been mandated for the past three years, will now become the main form of identification for all standardbred horses, replacing freeze...
Equitation Science Conference: Free Registration Announced
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, the 2021 Equitation Science Conference is now offering free (yes FREE!) conference registration for all. This means that you will be able to attend the entire conference - the plenary presentations (scroll down to learn what's in...
Confidence Boost
On the cover of the July-August 2021 Horses and People Magazine, we feature Chloe Durkin and Halo, who were photographed by Louise Sedgman for The Sweet Teen Project, an initiative that is raising funds for Headspace Australia, the organisation that is supporting the...
Technology Solutions for Assessing Lameness Under Study
To better assess lameness in horses, researchers are using 3D motion capture technology. They want to quantify how a horse’s muscles and limb movements adjust to accommodate the lameness. The findings of their studies could provide a greater understanding of the...
Roadmap for the Ethical Use of Horses in Sport
A British researcher has mapped out an ethical framework to help horse sports assess issues affecting their social licence to operate. It is hoped that different organisations will use it as a starting point, to critically assess existing and proposed practices, as...
Novel Rotavirus Linked with Increased Foal Diarrhoea Cases in the USA
Researchers at the University of Kentucky’s Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory have made a preliminary identification of a novel Rotavirus associated with diarrhoea in very young foals. The discovery followed a significant...
Vote for Lisa! UK Coaching Hero Finalist
Equicoach Lisa Ashton, a contributor, friend and long-time supporter of Horses and People, is one of a handful of shortlisted finalists in the UK Coaching Hero 2021 awards. The UK Coaching awards celebrates and rewards the coaches who have continued to keep people...
Journal Opens Access to Heat and Humidity Research Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics
To help vets protect elite horses from the extreme conditions expected at the Tokyo Olympics, the Equine Veterinary Journal is providing free access to a Special Collection of eleven landmark papers covering the health and welfare of horses competing in hot and humid...
It’s the Thoughts That Matter
How much of your life and riding is influenced by your thoughts? The answer is, much more than you think! I have recently undergone some major changes in my personal life and, naturally, when big things happen to us, our mind goes into overdrive. As the changes...
Tough Decisions and Community Support Key in Fighting EHV-1 Outbreak
The official death toll from the EHV-1 outbreak has risen to 17, with three more horses dying in Germany, two in Belgium, and one more horse dying in a Valencia equine hospital. The FEI is following through with their promise of full transparency and improved...
Equine Herpes Virus Outbreak: FEI World Cup Final Cancelled as Death Toll Rises
Equine herpesvirus outbreak spreads through Europe forcing cancellation of FEI World Cup Finals. An Equine Herpesvirus outbreak in the Spanish city of Valencia has locked down the equestrian sector and forced the cancellation of the FEI World Cup Finals. The first...
Hendra Vaccine Class Action Commences as New Strain Identified
The Class Action against Zoetis, the pharmaceutical company responsible for manufacturing and marketing the Hendra vaccine, has commenced in the Federal Court of Australia as researchers announce they have identified a new strain was the cause of a previously...
The Saddle Fit Guide
Here is some advice for fitting, using and maintaining your saddle, compiled by the Animal Health Trust, in collaboration with World Horse Welfare. Their research has highlighted some areas that should be carefully considered when fitting a new saddle, which will help...
Horses and Floods
Horses and floods Floods are one of the most frequent natural disasters that horse owners have to deal with because many of the properties horses are kept in are floodplains. Despite this, it is easy to become complacent. This helpful information has been compiled by...
A Culture of ‘Bravery’ is Jeopardising Safety, Welfare and Inclusion in Equestrian Communities
Maintaining good relationships, managing horse welfare and risk, are all important concerns in equestrian communities. A new study, however, reports that a pervasive culture of 'bravery', which requires participants to prove themselves tough enough to belong, comes at...
Life Lessons from 2020 and Beyond
On our cover this issue we feature Hanna Rush and her Quarter Horse gelding Triandibo Roc n Lynx, also known as Doug or Dougie. The pair were photographed by Louise Sedgman as part of the Sweet Teen Project, an initiative to fundraise for Headspace Australia, an...
Racing Victoria’s Calls for Limited Whip Reform
Racing Victoria (RV) has today confirmed that it will not be conducting any ‘whip for safety only’ race trials for the foreseeable future, including during the 2021 Festival of Racing. RV does have plans for a new race series to feature during the 2021 Festival of...
The Ups and Downs of Horse Breeding
Most horse owners are attracted to the idea of breeding their own foal at some stage, especially those who own mares. Less common, however, is deciding to manage and educate a stallion with the prospect of using him as a sire. Horses and People magazine’s editor,...
The 2020 Five Domains Model for Welfare Assessment
A new, updated version of the Five Domains Model, the gold standard in animal welfare assessment and monitoring, has just been published in the Open Access journal Animals. Read a 2019 interview with Professor Emeritus David Mellor, the architect of the Five Domains...
Report of Bone Damage at Noseband Site
A new study has identified bone damage at the site of the noseband. This research has important ramifications regarding the use of this part of the bridle which is not only common, but compulsory in certain disciplines, like dressage and showing. The changes were...
Racing Victoria wants progress on whip reform
Racing Victoria (RV) has today announced that it is seeking national action on whip reform in Australian thoroughbred racing prior to the end of 2020. They say that a new framework is required to transition the industry to an ultimate prohibition on use of the whip...
Riding Out 2020
Having access to horses is helping this young Victorian ride out the lockdown and ongoing challenges of 2020. On the front cover of the September-October 2020 edition of Horses and People Magazine we have a portrait by Louise Sedgman of Ashelee Capizzi and her first...
Research to Lift the Veil on Bridles
Research on horse owners' use of bitted and unbitted bridles, believed to be first of its kind, could change the equine industry. Charles Sturt master’s student to research horse owners’ use of bitted and unbitted bridles Mrs Jude Matusiewicz wants to determine...
Memories Made on Horseback
Horses and People cover story The July-August edition of Horses and People magazine's front cover features up-and-coming youth Sara Leitch riding her mother’s Paint horse Duke (a.k.a. BPS I’m Obsessed), by the Quarter Horse An Obsession, and out of Ransoms First...
Equestrian Australia Placed Into Voluntary Administration
Equestrian Australia in voluntary administration Equestrian Australia has gone into voluntary administration to avoid insolvency, following the withdrawal of funding by Sport Australia. The peak body has, over the last couple of years seen a continuous erosion of...
Equitation Welfare Workshop: Online Event
Equitation Science Equitation Welfare Workshops: An online event 'Agency and its effects on the sport horse' with Dr Andrew McLean (Equitation Science International) is an online event that will take place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August 2020. The workshop will...
International study on the effect of COVID-19 on horse owners
Researchers around the world have teamed up to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on horse owners and their animals. Using separate online surveys, the international research team is collecting qualitative and quantitative data to investigate the varying...
Horse Owners Asked to Step Out for ANZAC Day
Horse Owners asked to step out for ANZAC Day With ANZAC day commemorative events cancelled, Horse SA has invited horse owners and their steeds to stand at the end of their driveway, to commemorate the sacrifices of humans and animals in war. The idea of standing at...
What is African Horse Sickness?
African horse sickness (AHS) is a highly infectious and deadly disease caused by African horse sickness virus. It commonly affects horses, mules, and donkeys. It is caused by a virus of the genus Orbivirus belonging to the family Reoviridae. This disease can be caused...
Royal Windsor Show Pivots to a Virtual Platform to Beat the Pandemic
Faced with a pandemic, the Royal Windsor Horse Show 2020 has pivoted to a virtual platform. In doing so quickly and with a beautifully designed platform, the organisers have set the bar high for all other equestrian events going online to continue supporting...
Seven tips to manage your horse’s weight
These challenging times are affecting every aspect of our lives, including, for many of us, how we manage our horses. If you are turning your horse out daily or 24/7, check out these 7 tips to help you manage your horse's weight. Rates of obesity are considered to be...
The Equestrian Coach Challenge
The coronavirus crisis is creating huge problems, but it's also opening opportunities for us to focus on connecting with what really matters and embracing the opportunity to lead. A leader who believes in turning a crisis into an opportunity for meaningful change is...
Kandoo Community and Connection
Online horse training. With the current global crisis, what we, as horse lovers and riders need today more than ever before, is community and connection. The Kandoo Community is a group of like-minded, supportive horse owners and riders who would love to welcome you...
what3words App Improves Horse Riding Safety
what3words is a new app that makes horse riding safer. It has divided the globe into 3m x 3m squares and given each one a unique 3 word address. You can share the 3 word address with anyone to help them find you, wherever you are in the world. The accurate and easy to...
(Online) Horse Shows Go On During COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown
Did you know you can also show from home? Many equestrian communities can organise online horse shows, allowing riders to upload video of their performances to be judged remotely. **Editor's note: We will be updating this post as news of new online competitions...
Racing Australia and Equestrian Victoria Collaborate to Improve Horse Traceability
In a show of inter-discipline collaboration, Equestrian Victoria and Racing Australia have agreed to share horse traceability data and augment the numerous equine welfare initiatives implemented by the Australian Racing Industry. This data share agreement supports...
Whip-free race finishes in UKs £1.8M Racing League
Jockeys will race under 'hands and heels' rules at this summer's Racing League if organisers have their way. Whips may be carried but not used for 'encouragement'. The Racing League, a new initiative of Championship Horse Racing, will be televised and take place...
National Horse Register a Step Closer
The Agriculture Ministers’ Forum (AGMIN) met in Launceston last Friday to progress priority issues affecting the agriculture sector, with horse welfare and the development of a national horse register taking centre stage. The meeting was chaired by the Australian...
Racing Australia to ban stocking-style tongue ties
Tongue Ties In what looks like an effort to standardise the materials used for tying horses' tongues, Racing Australia have amended the rules, specifically banning nylon stockings and listing rubber bands and leather straps of a minimum 15mm, and lycra or neoprene...
War on Waste: Horse Feedbags
War on waste horse feedbags. Editors Note: In 2023, the RedCycle program was discontinued in Australia, and it is no longer possible for citizens to recycle soft plastics. Material: Feedbags are (generally) made from woven polypropylene. Abbreviated as PP, it is a...
War on Waste for Horse Owners: A Circular Economy
War on Waste for horse owners. The planet is drowning in plastic and, while a lot could be done at all levels to rein the tide in, right now, it seems that the plastics manufacturing industries want to lock us into uncontrolled plastic production for decades to come....
Australian Bushfires – How Can I Help?
Help for Australian Bushfires. As part of the horse industry and farming communities, many of us are wanting to help those affected by the Australian bushfires. Reports of rain during last week have been welcome but the falls were patchy and most areas face ongoing...
How do Horses Sleep?
Whether you ride horses or just admire them from afar, at some point you might have wondered how they sleep. Maybe you saw a pony lying in a field and wondered if they sleep lying down or standing up. If you have pets, you probably already know that the sleep habits...
Architects Offer Free Aid to Bushfire Victims
Architects offer free aid to bushfire victims Heartbreakingly, thousands of homes and farms in Australia have been destroyed or damaged by this summer’s devastating bushfires and in response, architects across the nation have put up their hands to help. Over 400 local...
Owners commonly fail to recognise signs of stress in horses
Recognise the signs of distress. A new scientific study suggests owners often miss signs of stress. Even experienced horse owners risk missing signs that their horses are experiencing stress or fear. The team of researchers from the Equine Behaviour and Training...
Evidence of cross-grazing benefits
Cross grazing benefits. The practice of cross or mixed grazing is often suggested as a useful strategy to manage intestinal parasite infestation, but until recently, evidence of its efficacy was limited. A French team has provided the first evidence of the benefits of...
Whip Use in Equestrian Sports
Whip use in equestrian sports is currently a highly debated topic, not just within racing but across the entire industry, and a recent study into the use and perception of the whip in equestrian sports suggests there is an appetite for changes in regulation and...
Whip Welts on Melbourne Cup Winner
Horse whips Vow And Declare’s post-race whip welts contradict racing’s official line that padded whips don’t hurt. The welts show up on a number of images we have obtained, as a series of blisters (raised skin lesions), grouped into almost parallel linear patterns...
Reviewed: ISES Position Statement on Noseband Use
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...
Stress Can Be Seen in The Horse’s Eyelid Blinks and Twitches
Eyelid twitches and blinks. 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...
AVA and EVA call for a national horse register
Call for National Horse Register. 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...
A True Love for Horses Starts at Birth
A true love for horses. 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...
New and Progressive: NZ Thoroughbred Welfare Guidelines
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...
The Australian Capital Territory Recognises Animal Sentience in Law
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...
The Mystery of the Missing Lamellae
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...
In Search of the Happy Horse
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 a happy horse.” As interest in equine...
Best Horse Practices Conference Promises Educational Opportunities
Equine Guelph will be attending the third annual Best Horse Practices Summit at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine, United States, October 19 – 20, 2019. “We are looking forward to attending this evidence-based conference and networking with industry...
Get Involved in Improving the Communication of Science
Science Communication: The 15th International Equitation Science Conference, with the theme of ‘Bringing Science to the Stable’, kicked off on Sunday 18th August 2019 with two pre-conference workshops. The first was ‘Lost in Translation: Improving the Communication of...
Research Into Arena and Racetrack Surfaces
Arena and Racetrack Surfaces: Two research projects that contribute new knowledge into the interaction between the equine hoof and the ground were presented at the 15th International Equitation Science Conference, hosted by the University of Guelph. The findings are...
Vets Support Responsible Noseband Use
Vets support responsible noseband use. The Chilean Equine Veterinary Association (ACHVE) and the Chilean Veterinary College (COLMVET) have pledged support of the responsible use of nosebands in all equestrian disciplines. In their press release, they acknowledge the...
Doing What I Love
On our September-October 2019 issue cover is a portrait by Olya Tutova of 42beats, of Michelle Lando and her home-bred Arabian Riding Pony foal, Kasskade WA (a.k.a. Max). Now rising two and destined to be Michelle’s daughter Elouise’s next saddle horse, Max is out of...
Tongue ties: Trying to see the whole picture
Tongue Ties. Whenever we want to get to the bottom of a question regarding equine performance, welfare, nutrition or disease, we must consider the science. Scientists make it their life’s work to drill down on their areas of interest in an effort to answer all the...
The Equine Pain Face. How to tell if your horse is in pain
The equine pain face Horses may not be able to say how much it hurts with words, but researchers show their face tells all. Learn to recognise the signs of the equine pain face, also known as the equine grimace scale, with Karina Bech Gleerup. To download the FREE...
Believe in Yourself
Believe in Yourself: On our July-August issue front cover, we feature Lisa Drayton and her Friesian Warmblood gelding Sam, photographed by Olya Tutova from 42beats Photography. Lisa featured on our cover exactly one year ago, and since that time, she has achieved her...
Transparency and Research for the Future of Horse Sports
The Future of Horse Sports: The first two weeks of the coronial inquest into the deaths of Olivia Inglis and Caitlyn Fischer, who died while competing at separate horse trials events in 2016, have been challenging and the process widely reported by mainstream media....
A Paradigm Shift: From Care to Welfare
As horse owners, we aim to provide the best welfare for our horses, but, what is good horse welfare? And, how can you determine or measure if a domestic horse has good or bad welfare? These and many other questions have kept animal welfare scientists busy for many...
Groundwork with goals, another sustainable innovation from North American Western Dressage
Groundwork with goals, another sustainable innovation from North American Western Dressage The benefits of groundwork are becoming more and more apparent as horse owners—professionals and amateurs alike—discover that developing this partnership on the ground helps...
Main US racetracks to phase out race-day Lasix
Main US racetracks to phase out race-day Lasix. Race-day Lasix: Industry-led welfare and safety reforms are gaining momentum as several of the largest race tracks in the United States announce they will phase out the use of furosemide, commercially sold as Lasix,...
Just a Love Story…
Just a love story. On our May-June 2019 edition front cover, we feature a fun photo captured by contributing photographer, Priyantha Malavi Arachchi, of teenager Danielle Armistead and her best mate Clyde, a 7-year-old Clydesdale Thoroughbred cross gelding she has...
Diagnosing Mild Equine Asthma
Diagnosing Mild Equine Asthma. Veterinarians and engineers at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine have developed a tool help diagnose mild forms of horse asthma. Behind lameness, respiratory issues are the second-leading cause of poor performance in...
Life-Saving Standardbreds
Standardbreds are saving lives. If your dream foal survives after receiving life saving plasma therapy you may thank a Standardbred. Plasma therapy is an effective way to supplement the immune response system and Standardbreds are the plasma donors of choice for many...
Horses and People makes front page of The Weekend Australian Review
On Saturday April 6th 2019, the article written by Cristina Wilkins on the Santa Anita whip reforms was quoted on the front cover of The Weekend Australian Review's Sport section by award winning journalist Patrick Smith. Our investigations into the situation in...
California’s horseracing welfare reform: The details
California's horseracing welfare reform. Racing resumed at Santa Anita Park last Friday, March 29, under rules which modernise the sport of horse racing and provide the strongest medication regulations in the United States. Approval for a complete revision of the...
California leading the way with whip reforms in racing
Whip reforms in racing. Whip-free race finishes may soon be a reality for California's Thoroughbreds. A complete ban on striking a horse with a whip for anything other than a safety reason, is one of the urgent welfare reforms that the California Horse Racing Board...
France bans the trimming of whiskers
France bans the trimming of whiskers. The French Equestrian Federation (FFE) has banned the removal of the horse's whiskers on welfare grounds. It joins Germany and Switzerland in bringing into effect a rule that would disqualify any horse from competition if the...
Transport-related Pneumonia: Can we reduce the risk?
Transport-related Pneumonia. It is well-known transporting horses carries a significant risk - not just of injury, but also disease, such as colic and respiratory problems. Studies have shown transport is stressful, but does the level of stress experienced by the...
Western Dressage Leading the Way in North America
Western Dressage virtual competitions. Horse owners can show from the comfort of their own home with North American Western Dressage's (NAWD) virtual competitions, where video footage of each performance is uploaded and judged remotely. NAWD is leading the way towards...
Boost your Dressage Scores Part 1: The Equitation Science Training Scale
The Equitation Science Training Scale. "If dressage is the highest expression of horse training, dressage judging should be a transparent and systematic system for de-constructing that training". Horses and People Editor, Cristina Wilkins, speaks with Andrew McLean...
The Horse Grimace Scale Helps Recognise Pain
A team of researchers from Italy, Germany and England successfully developed and validated a standardised scale to recognise pain in horses based on their facial expressions. Called a Horse Grimace Scale, the scale is easy to teach and will assist in pain detection in...
Is Your Horse in the Mood to Learn?
Is your horse in the mood to learn? In an article that foreshadows the science of horsemanship (rather than the science of training alone), researchers from the University of Sydney show why trainers should adjust their techniques to the horse's mood and emotional...
Black Beauty Can Help us Navigate Welfare Issues Like Rollkur
During the Victorian era, many people had little empathy for their beasts of burden, but all that changed when ‘Black Beauty’ was published in 1877. This was the first book to be written specifically to encourage people to stop deliberate cruelty to horses. The spark...
Sue-Ellen Lovett
Mudgee born Sue-Ellen Lovett lives with husband Matthew on a property in Dubbo and is always accompanied by her guide dog. Born in Mudgee, she continues to overcome the limitations of progressive blindness after being afflicted by the hereditary disease Retinitis...
