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 →
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 →
In the wake of a shocking ABC report on the dismal end of many racehorses’ lives in slaughterhouses, many Australians are questioning whether the horse racing industry can operate ethically. Some people will never agree that animals should be used for human entertainment. Others argue horse racing is ethical andRead More →
This article focuses on what the end of life options are for horses, and the advantages and disadvantages of these options. It further discusses some of the welfare problems associated with slaughter and how some of these could be addressed. Article Highlights There is an array of welfare issues associatedRead 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 slaughter of horses bred for racing in Australia, as revealed in the ABC’s investigation, highlights the challenge of what to do with racehorses when their careers are over. The ABC has questioned the racing industry’s claim that fewer than 1% of horses retiring from racing each year end upRead More →
In the varied responses to the ABC’s report into the fate of ex-racehorses, the consensus was that something should be done. Many have called for racehorse slaughter to be banned outright. This reaction differed significantly from that to footage of the mistreatment of livestock. Cattle and sheep are equally sentientRead More →
This weekend saw protests at Caulfield racecourse, following a shocking report last week on the ABC’s 7:30 program on the fate of thousands of racehorses in Australia. It is a confronting wake-up call for an industry already struggling to maintain its social license to operate. Dozens of horses were recordedRead More →
Humane destruction is possibly the least discussed topic of horse ownership, and by far the most sensitive. Even so, every horse owner should give this issue considered thought so they will be prepared if the time comes. The large majority of horse owners will be faced with making the difficultRead More →
If you were an imbalanced rider, wouldn’t you notice that? Not necessarily, scientists say. People usually feel their own natural asymmetry as symmetrical. Their horses, however, would notice—managing uneven weight across their backs which might even make them compensate by becoming asymmetrical themselves. “For the welfare of the horse, it’sRead More →
