Equine Welfare

While we mostly know the list of things horses need for good animal welfare, one big component that is often overlooked in animal care is their mental state. But a healthy mental state is the WHOLE goal of good welfare. Its not just about raising healthy animals, but raising mentally sound, happy animals.

This means when we deal with their nutritional needs we aren't just focused on keeping their weight correct - we are focused on what is appropriate nutrition for horses. This means access to safe forage 24/7. Which may mean slow feeding and/or nutrient supplementation. Just feeding them a huge amount of trotter twice a day isn't appropriate for their physical health.

This means their environment doesn't just provide shelter from elements, but has adequate space and enrichment for them to go through all their appropriate behavioral displays. This includes socializing with other horses, exploring new objects, experiencing new forages, things that engage their mind and body.

This means that we don't just address their health as needed, we keep up with preventative and maintenance care as well as cooperative vet care training, to reduce the fear and stress and fallout around providing necessary care.

This means our horses spend their days living, behaving, and feeling, like a happy horse. Our interactions should make them feel good. They should have a full, mentally engaging, joyful life, even in their work and training with humans. This should be done in a way considerate to their physical and emotional needs.