It is perhaps one of the most frequently used terms in the equestrian world at the moment. We hear it in conversations, read it in articles and see it discussed on social media. Most of us want to stand behind it, and I believe we all try, in our own way, to live by it. At the same time, it is a concept that lends itself to almost as many interpretations as there are horse people.
In reality, ‘horse welfare’ isn’t a loaded term. It’s hard to imagine anyone arguing against the welfare of horses. However, we may have different views on what the term means in practice.
So what is horse welfare?
For me, it is impossible to give a simple or comprehensive answer. However, there is probably a common baseline that most people can agree on – the absolute minimum acceptable standard. That the horse has access to food and clean water, shelter from the elements, a dry place to lie down, care for its coat and hooves, and the opportunity for social contact with other horses.
But for most of us, horse welfare doesn’t stop there. Whether we’re leisure riders, competitive riders, breeders or simply love being around horses, our own lists are often considerably longer. We think about the quality of the roughage, the stable environment, the design of the paddocks, veterinary checks, hoof care, training programmes, equipment, recovery and day-to-day management. All the decisions, big and small, that together shape the horse’s daily life.
And yet we haven’t even got round to the riding itself.
This is perhaps where our paths sometimes diverge. What does horse welfare mean during the training itself? How should we train our horses? How much should we demand, when should we wait, and how should we communicate? Here, our experiences, knowledge and convictions will lead us to different answers.
Perhaps that is just the way it has to be.
Thinking differently needn’t be a problem. On the contrary, respectful conversations between people with different perspectives can provide new insights and help us to continue developing. None of us ever stops learning when it comes to horses.
For me, horse welfare begins with viewing the horse as a living, sentient individual. Our horses cannot choose the daily life we offer them. They cannot choose their trainer, their diet, their equipment or what their days will be like. That responsibility lies with us.
That is why, for me, horse welfare is about more than just rules, routines and checklists. It is about respect, humility and love. It is about constantly trying to see the situation from the horse’s perspective. It is about being curious about what the horse is telling us and humble enough to listen.
I want my horse to see me as someone who provides security, clarity and trust. Someone worth following. Deep down, of course, I know that if it were completely free to choose, it would probably prefer to be standing in a green paddock, grazing alongside its friends. But I still hope that the time spent with me is a positive experience. That it is characterised by understanding, consideration and a willingness to cooperate.
Perhaps it is precisely there – in the endeavour to make slightly better choices every day for the horse’s sake – that horse welfare begins. Not in always seeing eye to eye, but in never ceasing to try to understand the individual entrusted to our care.
Agneta
