World Horse Welfare

As the seasons change and field gateways turn muddy, it's natural to want to wash your horse's legs to keep them clean. But did you know that frequent washing can weaken the skin and increase the risk of skin conditions like mud fever? Whenever possible, opt to brush off dried mud instead. If washing is unavoidable, make sure you thoroughly dry your horse’s legs afterwards. To help minimise mud in your horse's field, consider long-term solutions like installing hardstanding in high-traffic areas such as gateways, or using mud mats to prevent poaching. You can find more helpful tips and advice on our website, link in the comments 👇

Have you ever seen a horse wind suck, weave, or box walk? These behaviours are just a few examples of what are known as stereotypies, behaviours that appear when a horse experiences environmental or physical stresses. If you’d like to learn more about stereotypies and how you can manage them, join us for our next webinar on Wednesday, 27 November at 7pm. Register by clicking the link in the comments 👇

This week, World Federation for Animals, of which we are founding members, is at COP29 to stress the need to include animals and animal welfare in global climate solutions.   Working horses, donkeys, and mules are vital allies in building resilience to climate change. They also play a crucial role in restoring income after disasters and transporting people and goods where road access is disrupted.    Donkeys and mules, especially in arid regions, help communities adapt their livelihoods to climate challenges.   Including working equids in sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation policies is essential. Protecting their health and welfare benefits not only the animals but also the families and communities relying on them.   Learn more about the COP 29 event here 👉 https://lnkd.in/e9vyMBn8   You can also read more about how working equids are vital to climate change here 👉 https://bit.ly/3UV8daT

Come rain or shine, our grooms work tirelessly throughout the year to care for our horses every day 🐴 They are at the heart of what we do—without them, giving horses a second chance simply wouldn’t be possible. They require both physical strength and emotional resilience to guide the horses, ponies and donkeys that come into our care through their recovery and rehabilitation. 💙 We asked supporters to write a postcard to our hardworking grooms, with words of encouragement as we enter what can be the toughest time of the year. We received nearly 1,000 postcards, full of admiration and appreciation, reminding our grooms just how important their role is. We couldn't agree more with the common theme of the messages: our grooms are simply incredible. ✨ So join us today, as we celebrate our very own #GroomAppreciationDay 👏

As independent welfare advisors to the FEI, our Chief Executive Roly Owers addressed delegates of this year’s General Assembly about their new action plan for equine welfare, based on the 30 recommendations of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission of the FEI, of which we were a member. He urged them to prioritise research to understand the welfare impacts of equestrian practices, and also to base decisions on quality research – recognising that no one study will provide all the answers. “We can be just as rigorous in using science to improve welfare as we have been in improving performance. How many times have we said and heard that only happy, relaxed horses perform well? We believe this to be true, so we have nothing to fear by putting it to the test and moving the goalposts to reward relaxed harmonious performances.”   Watch the full presentation here 👇 https://lnkd.in/dwK-qsdX (Afternoon Session - timecode 25:36)

If you weren't able to watch our Annual Conference when we streamed it live last week, we have some good news! 🐴 You can now watch the event online here: https://bit.ly/4fLhtq9 For those who were able to join us, or caught up online, we'd love you to share your thoughts below. 🧠

Today we remember the bravery and courage shown by so many during the war. Thousands of lives sacrificed, fighting for their country, human and animals alike. We will remember them. #LestWeForget

We’re all set up and ready to go at Your Horse Live! 👏 Find us at stand 108 to have a chat and find out how you can support our work. 🐴 This year, we are introducing our new fat scoring resources that can be used to help horse owners manage their horses' weight. Don't be shy! Come and say hello, ask questions, and get involved. 💙

Our Annual Conference takes place tomorrow, and we're looking forward to welcoming an outstanding line up of guest speakers and panellists, as well as guests attending in-person and online 👏 This year, we will be exploring the question "What is a good life for a horse?" 🐴 We all aspire to give our horses a ‘good’ life – but what does this really mean? Our opinion of what we think of as a ‘good life’ may not be the same as someone else’s – while the horse’s experience could be something else entirely. Don't worry if you didn't have a chance to sign up - you can watch the event LIVE on our website from 9:45 am!

We're hiring! 🎉 Would you like to join us in improving the lives of horses in the UK and worldwide? We're looking for: 👉 Digital Fundraising Lead 👉 Visitor Centre Officer (Glenda Spooner Farm) For more information and to apply, please visit our website now - https://bit.ly/4hBz3P3