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Ethics in Horse Training Violence begins where Knowledge ends. Violence ends where love begins. If we truly love our horses we have a responsibility to ensure that our knowledge is up to scratch. In this enlightened day and age there is no excuse for cruelty towards any animal. However, cruelty takes many forms and shades, and arises from ignorance as often as from deliberate action. When considering the welfare of horses we should consider the five freedoms as outlined by the Farm Animal Welfare Council: Ø
Freedom
from thirst, hunger and malnutrition (by
ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour) Ø
Freedom
from discomfort (by providing an appropriate environment including
shelter and a comfortable resting area) Ø
Freedom
from pain, injury and disease (by prevention or rapid
diagnosis and treatment) Ø
Freedom
to express normal behaviour (by providing sufficient space, proper
facilities and company of the animal’s own kind) Ø
Freedom
from fear and distress (by ensuring conditions which avoid
mental suffering) If we consider these five freedoms when we are training, this will help us to understand what methods are appropriate and what are not. If you would like to understand a bit more about the horse training and horse welfare, keep an eye out for an article/ discussion evening coming soon! |