Equine Welfare: Future of Trust and Dignity for Horses and the People Who Love Them
November 23, 2024
Equine welfare lies at the heart of the horse industry’s continued existence and success. The concept of "Social License to Operate" (SLO) is vital in today's world, where public scrutiny of animal industries is sharper than ever. SLO refers to the trust and acceptance granted by society to operate—and that trust hinges on demonstrating integrity, accountability, humane treatment, and professionalism in every aspect of equine care.
While equestrian enthusiasts may understand the depth of responsibility toward equine welfare, the broader public and even many within our industry expect us to show—not just say—that we are doing the right thing for our horses. The question is: how do we as an industry ensure that horses transition through their stages of life with dignity and care?
Setting Standards from Show Ring to Retirement
Most horses will not remain competitive forever. As a matter of fact, the production curve of the lifespan of a horse, depending upon the discipline, might be shaped like a skewed bell curve with a long tail on the graph of peak production/value, probably peaking between the ages of 8 and 13. Horses and ponies can live to 40. So, what happens in the last half to two-thirds of a horse’s life?
The decision to “step a horse down” from high-intensity roles like showing to less demanding ones such as lesson programs, therapeutic roles, or pasture retirement is multi-faceted. How can professionals, horse owners, and non-profits ensure this transition happens responsibly?
Key considerations include:
Honest Evaluation: A horse’s temperament, soundness, and capabilities must guide its next chapter. Is it suitable for therapeutic programs requiring calmness, or would it thrive as a walk-trot-canter-up to 2’6” jumping lesson horse? Does it even like kids who can ride a little, or does it prefer to take care of a special needs adult with severe physical or cognitive disabilities? “Serviceably sound” can be all you need for a ground-only horsemanship program. And if you think those don’t make money, think again!
Gradual Transition: Stepping down should be in phases. A Grand Prix horse might step down to a local circuit, then to a lesson program, before becoming a therapy horse, and then fully retired. The reason why horsemanship is so important, and why the true experts keep talking about it, is so that we can set horses up for appropriate jobs for every stage of their lives.
Cutting Your Losses: Many owners cling to the hope of recouping their investment by selling a horse for top dollar, even when the horse is no longer suited for that level of competition, or at all. Owners often spend years chasing a buyer to recoup costs, prolonging the financial bleed and risking the horse's welfare. Horses are rarely appreciating assets; owners must embrace their responsibility to act in the horse’s best interest, even if that means cutting financial losses.
Instead of clinging to unrealistic expectations of resale value, owners should think about these:
Recognize that injuries or aging can make a horse unsuitable for its current role, and it can happen overnight. They are more fragile than they look.
Expect that the monthly bleed in expenses can eat you alive! As the old saying from the famous economist John Maynard Keynes goes, “the market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent.” This applies so aptly to the horse sales market. Or, in the real estate market, “your first offer is likely your best offer.” Hit the bid and get out.
Accept that finding the horse a dignified new chapter or final one is important when you weigh how much that horse has taught your kid and given you priceless memories. The reality is that over 20,000 horses go over the border to Mexico to slaughter annually. That should never happen. We can end horse slaughter by managing our horse’s “hospice” care ourselves, instead of supporting that industry by sending horses to auction.
Equine Non-Profits and the Collegiate Networks
The United States boasts over 900 equine non-profits according to the United Horse Coalition, but they are not created equal. If you’re considering donating or transitioning your horse to a non-profit, do your homework. A reputable organization operates with transparency, integrity, and a strong commitment to equine welfare. If you want to learn more about who’s in your area, check out the Equus Foundation’s Equine Welfare Network and search by state. “Guardians are equine charities on the Equine Welfare Network that demonstrate a commitment to public transparency by their willingness to make comprehensive data about their programs, horse care practices, and governance available for public scrutiny.” (www.equusfoundation.org)
You can also tap into the network of trainers who coach the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association teams, the Interscholastic Equestrian Association teams, and the NCAA Equestrian team, which you can dig into on their respective websites.
Conversely, if you’re an equine non-profit or a high school or college equestrian coach, what show stables or summer camps are in your network? Are you building relationships or are you papering social media as a fundraising strategy, appealing to equine enthusiasts. Because responsible horse owners who want their horses to have a positive next chapter are probably your best donor source.
Ask Better Questions
Donation Letters: Most qualified non-profits will provide you with a donation letter, but not an appraisal. You’ll have to get your own appraisal from a Certified Equine Appraiser (check out the American Society for Equine Appraisers), and always check with your accountant on the impact on taxes.
Rehoming/Retirement Practices: Do they rehome horses responsibly, and have they ever sold horses to auction houses or kill buyers? What is their policy on retirement, such as do they ship them to another facility, or do they live on property?
Euthanasia Policy: What are their criteria for euthanasia, and how do they ensure it is humane?
Right of First Refusal: Can the original owner reclaim the horse in the event the non-profit has to re-home the horse? What is the impact on donations for tax purposes if this option exists or is exercised?
Veterinary Maintenance Program: How do they manage veterinary care, and is it sustainable for long-term equine health?
Horse Use: What is the evaluation process? What kind of jobs would my horse be doing? How many times a week would you use the horse for lessons or therapy? Any vacation time?
Ask for references of prior horse donors.
Final Thought: Protecting the Legacy
Horsemanship is the lifeblood for training horses to have good manners and to be rideable for a multitude of riders and levels. These are service animals. They live to serve us, and in return, we must serve them by giving them the skills to live out their lives with dignity and love.
By aligning our actions with the highest standards of equine welfare and accountability, we can safeguard the future of the equestrian world and honor the trust society places in us.