National Welfare Code of Practice
In the summer of 2009, the AHC hosted the “The Welfare of the Horse” forum in Washington, DC. as part of the AHC’s National Issues Forum. The Forum featured speakers from segments of the horse community as varied as competition, sport, work and entertainment. Speakers and panelists discussed the many welfare and safety initiatives that various segments of the horse industry have in place or are instituting.
Many associations have undertaken studies, reviews, and initiatives that indicate their commitment to the welfare of their horses. The Welfare Code of Practice is simply a continuation of that effort and is not intended to replace or pre-empt those activities or any rules and regulations specific to a particular segment of the industry.
Background
The AHC drafted the Welfare Code of Practice in fall, 2009. The Code outlines in generic terms what it means for an organization to be committed to the responsible breeding, training, care, use, enjoyment, transport and retirement of horses.
Organizations supporting the Code address equine welfare and responsible care: (1) by supporting a uniform Code of Practice regarding the responsible breeding, training, competing, care, use, enjoyment, health, transportation, and retirement of horses; and (2) by initiating communication with the public, the media, federal and state officials and within the horse community regarding these issues.
National Endorsements of the Welfare Code of Practice
Currently, the AHC’s Welfare Code of Practice has been adopted by twenty-eight (28) different national groups. They include:
- American Association of Equine Practitioners
- American Endurance Ride Conference
- American Paint Horse Association
- American Quarter Horse Association
- American Riding Instructors Association
- American Saddlebred Horse Association
- Appaloosa Horse Club
- Arabian Horse Association
- Florida Thoroughbred Breeder’s and Owner’s Association
- Harness Horsemen International
- International Walking Horse Association
- Kentucky Horse Council
- Kentucky Thoroughbred Association
- League of Agricultural and Equine Centers
- Masters of Foxhounds Association
- National Cutting Horse Association
- National Reined Cow Horse Association
- National Thoroughbred Racing Association
- North American Trail Ride Conference
- Pinto Horse Association of America
- Texas Quarter Horse Association
- The Pyramid Society
- Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association
- U.S. Dressage Federation
- U.S. Eventing Association
- U.S. Equestrian Drill Team
- U.S. Equestrian Federation
- U.S. Trotting Association
AHC Position
The AHC encourages all members of the equine industry to support and endorse the Welfare Code of Practice as yet another indication to the public, the media, federal and state officials and the horse community that the industry “Puts the Horse First.”