Personal Statement on Equine Welfare
I believe that Equine Welfare is falling far behind other animal welfare concerns. The general public perceives a horse to be in good health simply judged by their shiny coat. Only the trained eye can distinguish between horses that may have been coerced into submission if not sored, drugged, beaten, or otherwise in order to be able to perform at their demanding schedule. Yet they remain silent as the horse suffers in silence. Animal welfare is more complex than just a healthy equine body, it also requires a healthy equine mind. Health of body and mind are only accomplished if the horse is able to perform most of its natural behaviours: Locomotion, Foraging and Socialization. It is only then that the horse will be able to learn and remember new tasks and perform them willingly at the top of its abilities. It is not yet possible to test the intelligence of horses, but it is possible to test the intelligence of owners and trainers by observing their horses.
Mila Bon
Mila Bon