American Horse Council Press Release

Contact: American Horse Council
bharrison@horsecouncil.org

 

AHC Holds Forum on Welfare of the Horse

The American Horse Council’s National Issues Forum was held June 16 in conjunction with its 2009 Annual Meeting. The forum’s focus was on the Welfare of the Horse and included panels on racing, showing, competition, sport, and horses used in work and entertainment. Representatives from national organizations involved in all these activities provided an update on their welfare activities.

This Welfare of the Horse forum was sponsored by Luitpold Pharmaceuticals. “This is one of the many ways we are working to help the horse. The forum is an opportunity for Luitpold to help implement change that will benefit all horses,” said Allyn Mann, Senior Manager of Luitpold’s Animal Health Division.

Responsible Horse Ownership: When the Dream Becomes Reality

The morning started with the keynote address from Dr. Scott Palmer, former President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Dr. Palmer pointed out how man’s relationship with horses has evolved through the ages, and the importance of maintaining the balance between logos (logic), ethos (ethics) and pathos (emotion) as we care for horses. “There is no denying the emotional benefits from our relationship with the horse, yet these rewards come with a responsibility to embrace the ethical and logical aspects of horse ownership as well,” he said.
Everyone is Entitled to Their Own Opinion, But not Their Own Facts

Gary Carpenter of the American Quarter Horse Foundation spoke to the group about knowing the difference between opinion and fact. He discussed the importance of staying informed on all equine welfare issues, not just those affecting your activities, and the importance of informing others about the welfare efforts the horse industry is making. He challenged the group to do their own research and find out what the truth really is regarding any practice.

Racing Panel

The racing panel was moderated by Alex Waldrop, President of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. Many topics were covered, but among the most talked about were safety, shoeing, medication, and second careers. Mike Zielgler discussed the NTRA’s Safety and Integrity Alliance, a self-regulated alliance that monitors the rules and regulations of race horses, jockeys, race tracks, shoeing, veterinary care, and medications. Mike Tanner from the United States Trotting Association discussed the need to preserve equine welfare and preserve our equine athletes. He also noted that sharing information between other organizations is vital. Tom Persechino of the American Quarter Horse Association discussed the AQHA’s Animal Welfare Alliance Task Force, an alliance that is

dedicated to monitoring the practices and policies on animal welfare and humane treatment of horses. He also explained the Greener Pastures program which helps past owners become reunited with horses they previously owned if they no longer have a home. Andrew Schweigardt discussed the Thoroughbred Action Committee, the American Greater Stakes Committee, and the Thoroughbred Charities of America, which are initiatives that the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association are implementing.

Showing Panel

David O’Connor, Olympic gold-medalist and President of the United States Equestrian Federation, was the moderator for the Showing Panel. He explained that the USEF will have a safety coordinator at all competitions, which will oversee provisions for the safety and welfare of exhibitors, horses, and spectators. Cam Foreman of the AQHA addressed the group about the AQHA’s efforts to educate their membership and to eliminate inhumane practices. “The AQHA has a strong commitment to enforcing animal welfare, and we’re going to continue to review our rules and policies and make them dedicated to the betterment of the horse,” said Foreman. The safety and health of the horse is something that the United States Eventing Association has been focused on, as well. Chief Executive Officer Jo Whitehouse spoke about the safety initiatives that the USEA is working on, such as monitoring horses that have had health problems, and researching how accidents may be prevented by monitoring the health of equine athletes.
Unwanted Horse Coalition

Dr. Tom Lenz, Chairman of the Unwanted Horse Coalition gave an update on the UHC’s recent study on the unwanted horse. The study captures information about the age, breed, gender, most recent occupation, and original and current values of horses. This study is the first of its kind, and gives some insight as to the magnitude of the unwanted horse problem in the United States.

Work/Sales/Research Panel

The Work/Sales/Research Panel was moderated by David Foley of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Foley spoke about the need to put the horse first and said, “What is good for the horse is ultimately good for everyone involved.” Tommy Doyle of the Carriage Operators of North America explained their standards of care for carriage horses and how they monitor them constantly to ensure they are fit to work in their local conditions. Marie Wheatley discussed how the American Humane Association has created and enforced standards for good animal welfare in films. American Association of Equine Practitioner’s Dr. Jim Morehead talked about the AAEP’s task force dedicated to addressing equine welfare at public auctions and sales. He pointed out that there are some medication options that are available that may cost less, but are not well regulated. He suggested that the horse community should educate themselves on these types of medications and do the best we can to keep the welfare of horses in mind. Dr. Nathaniel White, incoming President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, explained the need for research in the equine industry. “Any research on equine diseases that decreases morbidity or mortality and prolongs and improves horse health and their working career will improve horse welfare. Healthy usable horses are less likely to be unwanted and more likely to be well cared for,” said Dr. White.

Competition/Sport Horse Panel

Former President of the American Association of Equine Practitioners Dr. Jerry Black was the moderator for the Competition/Sport Horse Panel. He discussed the diversity of competitions and disciplines in his state of California. Laura Hayes of the American Endurance Ride Conference, a veterinarian and a trained animal welfare officer, went over the strict health guidelines that the AERC uses to make sure horses are fit and drug free throughout the long competitions in which their members ride. “Good health and soundness is mandatory for horses to continue in an AERC competition,” Dr. Hayes said. Dr. Doug Corey of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association mentioned that equine welfare and initiatives are not new to the sport, but the horse industry must stay proactive, create positive programs to ensure animal welfare, and put procedures in place to enforce rules protecting horses. The United States Polo Association has strict rules in their sport as well. Ed Armstrong of the USPA discussed the various rules set in place to protect polo ponies that compete. The USPA goals are to address the issue of unwanted horses, and to help with efforts to find second careers for polo ponies through collegiate, scholastic and polo schools.

Are We Mushrooms or Sun Flowers?

Cindy Schonholtz, Chairwoman of the Animal Welfare Council who also works for the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association, addressed the group about “sticking together.” “I think we can all agree that unity is the key to growing the horse industry and thriving in these challenging times,” she said. She reiterated how important it is to be proactive. She suggested that everyone review all rules and policies, including enforcement policies, and have a single spokesperson that is familiar with welfare issues.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Dr. Gail Golab from the American Veterinary Medical Association spoke about responsibilities that are involved with being good stewards. “People don’t all think alike, and so decision making will be different among different people,” Dr. Golab said. She stressed the importance of being able to make good animal welfare decisions, and help others do the same.

Many organizations have included welfare and safety language in their mission statements and rule books. Organizations are also beginning to publish a code of standards that clearly states the importance of the welfare of the horse in the sport. There are a number of welfare initiatives that the different horse industry members are undertaking in an effort to improve the welfare of the horse. It is important to continue to share these efforts with the horse community so everyone can educate themselves on the best welfare practices throughout the sport.

“We believe that this was the most inclusive presentation on safety and welfare ever assembled in terms of its breadth and the activities and organizations involved,” AHC President Jay Hickey.

Anyone who was unable to attend the AHC’s 2009 National Issues Forum, may view the entire forum on Horse TV’s H-Span channel, http://www.horsetv.com/hspan_ahc1.htm.

 

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As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day.

The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils.