GUELPH – It is our duty as horse owners and caretakers to provide the best possible care for our horses.
Horses are dependent on us to provide their care and welfare.
So what is good horse care?
What does welfare mean?
What makes a responsible horse owner?
Ask these questions to 10 different horse people, there will be 11 different opinions.
But who’s right?
These are just some of the reasons the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines was developed and revised.
Equine Code of Practice
The Equine Code of Practice was developed by a group of distinguished equine scientists and representatives from all industry sectors across Canada to address these questions and more by using evidence-based research to establish a standard.
This code of practice goes in-depth into the topics of duty of care, facilities and housing, feed and water, health management, feedlot management, husbandry management, reproductive management, transportation, change or end of career and euthanasia.
The requirements and recommendations in the Equine Code of Practice answer questions using the framework of the five freedoms:
– freedom from hunger and thirst;
– freedom from discomfort;
– freedom from pain, injury or disease;
– freedom to express normal behaviours; and
– freedom from fear and distress.
To better understand the code of practice, visit Equine Guelph’s Healthcare tool Welfare Code Decoder.
Welfare Code Decoder
The Code Decoder highlights key takeaways and provides checklists for each section of the code of practice.
Once you complete the checklist the code decoder will provide recommendations.
The code decoder also provides additional resources to learn more about equine welfare.
It is a fast, easy way to see if you are up to par with the code.
Remember, it is our responsibility as horse owners, caretakers, etc. to ensure the best possible care for our equine friends.
Course
Want to learn more? Check out Equine Guelph’s Horse Care & Welfare short course and join the learning community from Sept. 16 to 27.
– By Melissa McGilloway, Equine Guelph