Gourt > Society > Issues > Animal Welfare > Specific Animals > Horses
The horse (Equus caballus sometimes seen as a subspecies of the Wild Horse, Equus ferus caballus) is a large odd-toed ungulate mammal, one of ten modern species of the genus Equus. Horses have long been one of the most economically important domesticated animals, and have played an important role in the transport of people and cargo for thousands of years. While isolated domestication may have occurred as early as 10,000 years ago, clear evidence of widespread horse use by humans dates to around 2000 BC. Since they were domesticated, selective breeding has resulted in many breeds. Some have been bred so that they can be ridden, usually with a saddle, while other breeds can be harnessed to pull objects like carriages or plows. In some cultures, horses are a source of food, including horse meat and sometimes milk; in other cultures it is taboo to eat them. Today, in wealthy countries, horses are predominantly kept for leisure and sporting pursuits, while they are still used as working horses in many other parts of the world.
Biology of the horse
Depending on breed, management, and environment, the domestic horse today has an average life expectancy of 25 to 30 years.
The mare is pregnant for 11 months and usually gives birth to one foal (male: colt, female: filly). Twins are rare, but do occur on occasion. Horses may sometimes be physically capable of reproduction at approximately 18 months, particularly colts, but in practice rarely are allowed to breed until the age of 2 or 3 years at the earliest. Fillies are rarely bred until they are at least 3 years old. Horses are not considered completely grown until an average age of 4 years, though age of achieving full growth also varies by breed and by individual genetics. In the strenuous sport of endurance riding, horses are not allowed to compete until they are a full 60 months (5 years) old.
More on [ Horse ]
Equine :: Mammals
Conjugated Estrogens :: C
Horses :: Rescues and Shelters
horses are scary - theyâre big muscular monsters with hammers for feet http://tumblr.com/xtw4og61m
moonsandnebulas (Lou deLuna) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:50:26 -0000
horses are scary - they’re big muscular monsters with hammers for feet http://tumblr.com/xtw4og61m
@SparkySparkler hahaha its a 5ft painting of one of my horses. Just stayed up all night and finished it. Art shop couldnt believe her eyes
StephenRinaldo (Stephen Rinaldo) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:50:15 -0000
@SparkySparkler hahaha its a 5ft painting of one of my horses. Just stayed up all night and finished it. Art shop couldnt believe her eyes
#musicmonday Listen to Patti Smith â Horses â« http://blip.fm/~hru33
filippocioni (Filippo Cioni) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:50:11 -0000
#musicmonday Listen to Patti Smith – Horses ♫ http://blip.fm/~hru33
Property ideal for raising horses - Renovation Project ⬠550000 04 - Alpes Haute Provence
houseinfrance (houseinfrance) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:48:37 -0000
Property ideal for raising horses - Renovation Project € 550000 04 - Alpes Haute Provence
100 Year Old Weblog: K. C. HORSES BEST IN WORLD. ~ Win All French Coach Class Prizes at International Show.: Decemb... http://bit.ly/6UZkOd
missouriBNN (missouriBNN) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:43:13 -0000
100 Year Old Weblog: K. C. HORSES BEST IN WORLD. ~ Win All French Coach Class Prizes at International Show.: Decemb... http://bit.ly/6UZkOd
100 Year Old Weblog: SQUARE DEAL FOR HORSES. ~ Humane Society Busy Detecting Smooth Shoes on Slippery Streets.: Dec... http://bit.ly/5G59a5
missouriBNN (missouriBNN) Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:43:11 -0000
100 Year Old Weblog: SQUARE DEAL FOR HORSES. ~ Humane Society Busy Detecting Smooth Shoes on Slippery Streets.: Dec... http://bit.ly/5G59a5
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Welfare - Welfare initiatives, role of veterinary officer, horse welfare FAQ and medical update. From the regulatory authority for horseracing in the UK.
1999 World Trotting Conference - Horse Welfare - Paper presented by Dr Hugh Wirth outlining RSPCA Australia's stance on horse welfare issues, including the use of horses for harness racing and other forms of entertainment. Outlines areas of concern and the difficulties of defining welfare
American Horse Defense Fund - Facilitates the protection, conservation and humane treatment of all equids through education, advocacy and litigation. Current campaigns include horse slaughter, Premarin, wild horses, soring, abuse.
Meta Description: [ Dedicated to the protection, conservation and humane treatment of horses and all equine species. ]
American Humane Association Film and TV Unit - Provides official guidelines and monitors the care and treatment of animals, including horses, used in film media. Site presents ratings and reviews of films using animals and invites public input.
Meta Description: [ The American Humane Association has overseen movie sets since 1940 to make sure animal actors stay safe.
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Argentine Committee of Welfare and Protection of the Horse - Argentine Equine Veterinary Association group that works to improve horse welfare through education. Projects include communicating with horses, improving land transport conditions, dealing with emergencies, combating abuse, carriage horses.
Australian Horse Industry Council - Official information on horse health and welfare issues from Australia's peak industry body. Includes a horse emergency contact database (HECD) in case of natural disasters and exotic equine disease outbreaks.
Meta Description: [ The Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) represents, at the Federal level, the interests of all persons involved with horses and issues pertaining to the health and welfare of all horses in Australia. ]
Australian Racing Industry Welfare Guidelines - Adapted from recommendations by the International Group of Specialist Racing Veterinarians, these guidelines cover all aspects of racing, from the initial preparation of horses to their retirement.
Being taken for a ride - Very comprehensive and well researched factsheet from Animal Aid examining all aspects of the use of horse-drawn vehicles for tourism, with emphasis on the horse welfare issues involved.
Meta Description: [ Animal Aid ]
Benefits of horse urine - June, 2002 story from the Australian ABC TV program Landline on a humane, free-range method of PMU farming, in which urine is collected from pregnant mares for the production of oestrogens and related hormones for the pharmaceutical industry.
Meta Description: [ Its long been known that natural hormones derived from the urine of pregnant horses are beneficial to the health of women relieving the effects of menopause and osteoporosis Worldwide these farm p ]
Bitless Equitation - The benefits of the bitless bridle. FAQs, action pages, user testimonials and online sales.
Meta Description: [ Dr Cooks Bitless Bridle - Buy from England UK, gaining momentum and endoresement within the equine fraternity, alternative to Hackamore, Crosspull, Dually, Forum, Scrawbrig, Bosal, no bit bridles. Riding and driving your horse, bridle fittings and seminars. Barefoot, Equestrian Tack covering Eng... ]
Brooke Hospital for Animals - Established in 1934, this organisation is committed to alleviating the suffering of working equines worldwide by providing a free veterinary service and educating owners in how to correctly care for equids.
Meta Description: [ The Brooke is a charity helping working horses, donkeys and mules in the world's poorest communities through free veterinary treatment and community animal health programmes. ]
Bullfighting: A Tradition of Tragedy - PETA factsheet explaining that the bulls are not the only victims. The blindfolded and often surgically muted picadors' horses are frequently knocked down and gored so badly they are disemboweled.
Carriage Horses - A PETA factsheet outlining the poor working conditions for carriage horses - loads too heavy, ill-fitting harness, long hours of work in sometimes extreme weather conditions, lameness and ill-health are common, housing and general care often inadequate.
Meta Description: [ PETA's animal rights campaigns include ending fur and leather use meat and dairy consumption fishing hunting trapping factory farming circuses bull fighting rodeos and animal experimentation ]
Carriage Horses: Cruelty is the Name of the Trade - Exposes the truth about the abuse and inhumane treatment of carriage horses, including headlines from major newspapers reporting such incidents. Also has ordering information for Greta Bunting's book The Horse: The Most Abused Domestic Animal
Meta Description: [ Equine Advocates - Promoting The Humane And Responsible Treatment of Horses ]
Code of Recommendations and Minimum Standards for Welfare of Horses - Biosecurity New Zealand presents the basic requirements for feeding, accommodation, husbandry and transport. Includes detailed explanations and background information.
Meta Description: [ Code of Recommendations and Minimum Standards for Welfare of Horses ]
Dead on Arrival - British RSPCA report (1999) on the plight of horses transported for slaughter in Europe. It is one of 200 publications produced by the RSPCA to educate and inform people about animal welfare.
Emergency Euthanasia - UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine article on when to make the euthanasia decision and how to carry it out as humanely and quickly as possible in the absence of a veterinarian.
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End Horse Slaughter Canada - Group's goal is to petition the Government of Canada to prohibit horse slaughter and the sale of horse meat. Articles and links to horse and donkey rescue groups and other related sites. Resources for activism, including petition.
Ending the Cruel Practice of Horse Slaughter - Animal Welfare Institute article (2002) that truly exposes the cruelty of the horse slaughter industry. Written by John Hettinger, a Trustee of the New York Racing Association, who has pushed tirelessly for a ban on the industry.
Equine Charities - This non-profit website is dedicated to raising funds and awareness of 501(c)3 Equine rescues, rehabs and adoption programs across the US.
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Equine Industry Welfare Guidelines Compendium (ADAS 2002) - Agricultural Development and Advisory Service guidelines and recommended best practice standards for equine welfare. Covers feeding, health, housing, management, abandonment, export, transport, codes of practice, EU legislation.
Equine Production and Performance (USDA 1997) - Discussion papers on horse welfare issues including soring, competition injuries, transport and slaughter, carriage horses, premarin farms, feral horse control, also highlights care and management practices detrimental to welfare.
EquiSearch - Equine Rescue and Welfare Issues - Read real-life experiences and solutions, as well as information about the professional organizations to call on for help in cases of equine abuse and neglect.
Meta Description: [ Read articles about equine welfare issues and find information about what to do in cases of horse abuse. ]
FOSH - Friends Of Sound Horses - This American-based organisation takes an activist role against the soring of Tennessee Walking Horses, also promotes education and training in the humane care, training, and treatment of all gaited horses.
Meta Description: [ FOSH- This site is dedicated to the making of a sound Tennessee walking horse; free from the abuse that it has endured for the past 50 years. No more chemicals, chains and animal abuse ]
Heat stress in endurance horses - 2001 scientific paper from Sydney University explaining how to reduce heat stress, a major cause for concern in the welfare of endurance horses. Examines reduction of body heat production and ways to improve heat dissipation.
Help Horses - Resource Links - A listing of useful links outlining ways to help horses in abuse situations, including those requiring rescue or refuge. Includes anti-slaughter petition, free classifieds and web site design.
Meta Description: [ Helphorses.com is a central information point for horse lovers. ]
Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society - Founded and run by Donna Ewing, HARPS focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, education, and legislation to protect horses and other hooved animals in the United States. Based in Barrington, Illinois. Emailed newsletter and online horse care resources.
Meta Description: [ add your site description here ]
Horse Behaviour and Psychology: Welfare - Defines welfare and well-being and presents the welfare code of the New Zealand Equine Federation. Highlights welfare contraventions inherent to intensive management practices, particularly in the racing industry.
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Horse Health and Welfare: Codes and Guidelines - Victorian government site covering general welfare codes of practice for horses, also shelter requirements, bush racing, land transport, agistment contracts.
Horse Learning and Behaviour - Non-invasive scientific research into the thinking and learning abilities of horses, also public education based on this research to improve horse welfare.
Meta Description: [ The nonprofit Equine Research Foundation furthers scientific and public knowledge about equine learning abilities, perception, behavior, training, care and welfare and so improves human-horse interactions. All studies are noninvasive and rely on positive reinforcement. ]
Horse Slaughter - Political action committee which promotes the protection of US horses against slaughter for human consumption abroad. Member list, alerts on relevant legislation, and information on how to join.
Meta Description: [ HOOFPAC, (Political Action Committee) believes majority of horse enthusiasts today and certainly the vast majority of American voters oppose horse slaughter. HOOFPAC has only one mission: to end horse slaughter. HOOFPAC does not compete in the marketplace with other horse organizations, rather it... ]
Horse Slaughter: An American Disgrace - An Equine Advocates Inc site arguing for an end to the brutal and inhumane horse slaughter industry in America. Presents many facts and figures.
Meta Description: [ Equine Advocates - Promoting The Humane And Responsible Treatment of Horses ]
Horse Tripping - In Defense of Animals factsheet on the cruel sport of horse tripping, still practised at larger Mexican-style rodeos and as backyard entertainment. Includes description and history, strategies for getting it banned and contact information.
Horse Ulcer - Story from the Australian ABC TV program Catalyst on the high incidence of gastric ulcers in racehorses and pinpoints lack of roughage as the main cause of this serious welfare problem. Veterinarians Dr Leanne Beggs and Dr John Walker are interviewed.
Meta Description: [ Catalyst is a program that sees science as a dynamic force changing our world. Each week Catalyst will bring a mixture of Australian and international stories, from science breakthroughs investigating the implications, the ethics, and the politics of the particular issue, to stories about how sci... ]
HorseMates! - A database where ownership as well as physical, behavioural and health details of any horse can be entered free. Designed to protect and enhance the welfare of horses and ponies when they are sold on.
Meta Description: [ HorseMates! - The Equine Register that is dedicated to improving the lives of horses and ponies everywhere ]
HR 857 News The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act News - News and information on HR857 The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, which is a Bill currently before Congress.
Meta Description: [ Nearly 90,000 horses were slaughtered in 2005 for human consumption overseas. Help stop this barbaric torture of an American National Treasure! ]
Inside the Horseracing Industry: Drugs, Deception and Death - A PETA factsheet showing the problems inherent to horse racing.
International League for the Protection of Horses - ILPH provides education and training programs to improve horse welfare in the developing world, also operates rehabilitation and rehoming centres in the UK for abused equines.
Meta Description: [ The ILPH is a leading horse charity specialising in the recovery and rehabilitation of abused and neglected equines ]
Just Say Whoa!! To Horse Slaughter - Information on the horse slaughter industry, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act - HR857, the two remaining slaughter houses in Texas, ways to help stop horse slaughter and related links.
Meta Description: [ A glimpse into the 'hush-hush' industry of slaughtering horses for human consumption. Important information on Anti-Horse Slaughter Legislation The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act - HR857 as well as ways you can help stop the slaughter. ]
MaryNash.org - Information, news, correspondence, photographs, arguments for and against, up-to-date statistics and links relating to slaughter of horses for human consumption in Texas.
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Minimum Standards of Care for Equines - Useful set of welfare guidelines from Maryland Horse Council.
National Equine Disaster Relief - Provides emergency help and advice for horses caught in natural disasters, also a state-by-state listing of people able to take in animals facing evacuation. Excellent links to disaster planning sites and how to minimise risks to animals.
North American Equine Ranching Information Council - NAERIC represents ranchers involved in the collection of pregnant mares' urine (PMU). Presents a positive slant to the Premarin debate, including that the horses are managed according to strict welfare guidelines.
Meta Description: [ NAERIC is a nonprofit association representing ranchers in Canada and the United States who are involved in the collection of pregnant mares' urine (PMU), a key source of hormones used in the production of estrogen replacement therapy. ]
Novel Pliance Saddle System - Technical information on a software system that measures pressure distribution under the saddle which can pinpoint bad saddle fit, gait asymmetry, back pain, also the effectiveness of rider's aids.
Pain-free Riding - Explains how current riding practices can cause pain to the horse and offers new ideas about shoeing, bits and saddles. The website is in Italian and English.
Meta Description: [ Invito a rivedere ogni aspetto dell'equitazione tradizionale, alla luce di un approccio etico al cavallo ]
Physical stresses on two-year-old racehorses - Student essay (2001) from Sydney University outlining training methods that may decrease the incidence of dorsal metacarpal disease (shin soreness) and heart problems that compromise the welfare of young Thoroughbred racehorses. Bibliography included.
Physiological responses of horses in transit - Animal welfare essay (2001) from Sydney University examining the physiological responses to stress associated with long-haul sea, air and land transport of horses. Explains ways to minimise this stress and includes references.
Premarin and PMU Info Page - Contains information about the treatment of horses on the PMU farms where pregnant mares urine is collected for the production of Premarin.
Meta Description: [ Premarin / PMU: a look at the real facts of the PREMARINE. ]
Professional Opinions (Animal Welfare Council) - What the experts say about the welfare of animals in entertainment, industry, sport and recreation. Discusses horses in rodeos and the Premarin industry, also whether horses are livestock or companion animals (pets).
Meta Description: [ What the experts say about animals in entertainment, industry, sport and recreation. ]
Ripley's Horse Aid Foundation - This organization provides emergency help with feed, vet care, farrier services and building materials to established horse rescue groups, also advises on welfare and health care.
Meta Description: [ A nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of equine rescues and sanctuaries. ]
Rodeo Animal Welfare - National Senior Pro Rodeo Association article refuting many of the claims made about welfare infringements and cruelty to horses, cattle and calves used in rodeo sports.
Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land - SHADH provides care for abandoned and abused donkeys and mules and works to raise awareness and develop education programs to reduce the cruel treatment of these animals throughout Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
Safe Trailer Campaign - Blue Cross campaign highlighting the dangers facing horses through poorly maintained trailers. A downloadable leaflet offers practical guidance on trailer safety.
Meta Description: [ Blue Cross UK. Animal welfare charity, with animal hospitals and animal adoption services. We also offer support for pet bereavement, and host online pet memorials ]
Save the Horses - Details the 1998 California Equine Council campaign that led to the passing of an Act making horse slaughter for human consumption illegal in California. Includes the comments of many celebrity supporters.
Meta Description: [ Save the Horses is spearheading the campaign to prohibit the slaughter of horses for human consumption. ]
Sound Horse Organization - Represents individuals, farms, businesses and associations opposed to the soring of Tennessee Walking Horses. Educates the public, lobbies to affect change, donates funds to other horse welfare groups, also operates a rescue service.
Meta Description: [ Free listings and Advertisements for Tennessee Walking Horses and Gated Horses, Gaited Stallion, Gelding, Mare, Filly, Colt, Tack, Trailers, Haulers. ]
The Bitless Bridle - Informative site on a new type of bitless bridle which is more humane and effective than a hackamore or bosal. Includes scientific articles on the pathophysiology and behavioural problems caused by bits.
Meta Description: [ Bitless Bridle provides a humane alternative to the bit. Unlike the bit, no pain is inflicted. Your horse is free from fear, listens more attentively, breathes more freely, and moves more gracefully. Bitless Bridle can help with headshaking. ]
The Fund for Horses - Texas-based organisation whose mission is to promote and safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of all horses, whether captive or in the wild.
Meta Description: [ Our mission is to promote and safeguard the health, safety and well-being of all horses, whether captive or in the wild. ]
The Home of Rest for Horses - The Charity looks after up to 120 retired horses, ponies and donkeys from all walks of life including the police, army and Riding for the Disabled. Also provides equine welfare grants. Chilterns, Buckinghamshire.
Meta Description: [ Set amongst the rolling Chiltern Hills, The Horse Trust's Home of Rest for Horses caters for the retirement needs of over 100 horses, donkeys and ponies. ]
The Last Wild Mustangs - Details of the hunting and abuse of Western Canada's wild horses and information on how to help protect them.
Meta Description: [ Today Western Canada's wild horses are hunted, scalped and skinned like muskrats:>
The Premarin (PMU) Industry - This Equine Advocates Inc site points out that the production of Premarin has cost the lives of over a million horses. It provides related facts and figures and in-depth information on proven synthetic alternatives to Premarin.
Meta Description: [ Equine Advocates - Promoting The Humane And Responsible Treatment of Horses ]
The Strasser System of Hoofcare - An ILPH press release (March 2001) warning about some dangers of using the Strasser system of hoofcare. Arguments for and against, opinions of farriers, vets and welfarists, also links to related sites.
Training Mythunderstandings - Ongoing series of training articles from Meredith Manor showing how using horse logic rather than human logic achieves an improved end result while also promoting better equine welfare.
Meta Description: [ Horse Training Articles / Horse Riding Articles ]
Traumatised horses - Case studies from Herdword on the successful rehabilitation of mentally stressed, psychologically damaged, emotionally disturbed and physically injured horses.
UK Racing Injuries Seminar Report 2001 - Training strategies that decrease the incidence of racetrack injuries. Examines key factors such as duration and intensity of fast work, age of horses, biomechanical soundness, surface conditions.
Welfare of equids ever-evolving - AVMA (Feb 2000) article presenting the veterinary viewpoint on accelarated improvements in horse welfare - discusses natural horsemanship, horse slaughter and transport issues, premarin farms, rodeos, carriage horses, racing.
Welfare of Horses in Research Institutions - Insightful information on care and handling methods that safeguard welfare and improve research data validity, based on understanding the species-typical behaviour of horses. Covers housing, exercise, grooming, feed and water, environmental enrichment devices.
Welfare of slaughter horses - Sydney University student essay highlighting the injuries, stress and dehydration suffered by horses transported long distances to slaughter. Examines current legislation and regulations in Australia and overseas and ways conditions can be improved. Bibliography included.
What is Natural Hoofcare? - Describes a natural system of hoofcare which extends to the whole horse, including no stabling or rugging. The method advocated by Dr Hiltrud Strasser allows horses to perform barefoot in any discipline to their welfare advantage. Strasser books for sale and links to related sites.
Meta Description: [ Newsletter dedicated to the natural hoof and natural trimming methods, with information on all aspects of barefoot horse care and research. Strasser books for sale. ]
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Wild Horse and Burro Freedom Alliance - Group of concerned citizens working to keep wild horses and burros roaming free on America's public lands.
Working Together For Equines - WTFE operates education and training programs to improve the husbandry of working equines worldwide. Present projects, staff contacts and newsletter articles are on the site.
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