Will Young Speaks Out At World Horse Welfare Conference
A host of influential speakers from across the equestrian and charity sectors, including singer, songwriter and actor, Will Young, explored the theme of the ‘Invisible Horse’ at World Horse Welfare Conference 2016 (10th November).
Will gave a moving presentation about the plight of the Bodmin Moor ponies and his journey through understanding the issues faced by not only these ponies, but the many others in similar situations all across the country. He explained that since becoming involved with local charity, Shires Holt, he has learnt much more about the invisibility of horses in the UK.
“In general, there is now a lack of value to the horse yet they still continue to be a status symbol. There is a paradox here. I am just one person who is saying ‘did you know about these problems?’ and people are responding with a willingness to help. I’ve come here today because I think it’s great to use one example (Bodmin Moor) of a microcosm in the UK, this is going on across the UK. We are all here because we are passionate about the welfare of horses and ponies.” Will Young
World Horse Welfare President, HRH The Princess Royal, gave her thoughts on who should take on the responsibility for horses. She said: “First and foremost it (responsibility) must be with the owner. People need to understand that taking on a horse is a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year responsibility. It is not 9-5 or whenever you feel like visiting on a weekly basis.”
Chris Riggs of the Hong Kong Jockey Club presented on equine welfare in China and the many challenges horses there face from a lack of access to specialist equine veterinary care, knowledge and facilities. Chris also spoke of the equestrian industry’s fast-growth in China, with investment in breeding programmes, veterinary training, the building of a 1,600 horse capacity Thoroughbred training centre, a greater focus on the leisure horse industry and Beijing chosen as host for the 2018 World Equine Veterinary Association conference which World Horse Welfare will play a supporting role in. Chris said: “Whilst there are many challenges when looking at equine welfare in China, there are also many opportunities. Attitudes are changing all the time and the industry is growing rapidly by 20% per annum so there is a real appetite for education and training which is very positive for the future.”
Tim Morris, Member of the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England, expressed the problems equines face due to falling between the gaps in legislation. He said: “We are in a situation where horses are in some respects regarded as an agricultural animal but then in others are regarded as a non-agricultural animal and so we must be careful to ensure we fill these gaps and don’t let them become invisible as a result.”
World Horse Welfare Chairman, Barry Johnson MRCVS, highlighted the challenges facing equine welfare charities due to public perception of what constitutes a welfare concern and what is a resolution to a welfare case. He said: “Prosecutions are the end of the line and wherever possible we will work with owners to support and advise. Equine welfare charities work well together in partnership to achieve a successful end result but this might not always be what the public want or hope to see.”
Watch the full day of activity from the World Horse Welfare Conference 2016 here
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.