"Did you Know..."

Open Letter to Trainers on Horse Welfare (by the USHJA Horse Welfare Committee)

USHJA would like to take this opportunity to ask each of you to help us spread the message of horse welfare. Horse welfare is a topic that must be of utmost importance to everyone involved in the horse industry. From caring for our equine partners at home to competing at horse shows, we ask that as trainers you help us set the gold standard of horse welfare.

Trainers play a vital role in the care and maintenance of our horses. As such riders, owners and spectators look t the trainers to learn what is acceptable. We ask that all trainers help our industry by promoting solid practices of horse welfare. Some examples of what riders, owners and spectators are exposed to are longeing, bathing and general care of the animal. By communicating the proper methods of simple everyday activities such as longeing and bathing (e.g., not continuing to lounge until a horse is lathered; avoiding spraying the horse in the face with the hose), you can help spread the message of proper horsemanship and thereby promote the idea of horse welfare.

It is the responsibility of every trainer to set an example for those looking for guidance. As trainers, you are the mentors of this industry. Together we must protect the horses; as horsemen, it is our job.

Reproduced with permission from USHJA Resource Guide