Web Directory

» Australian Horse Industry Council
   Official information on horse health and welfare issues from Australia's peak industry body. Includes a horse emergency contact database (HECD) in case of natural disasters and exotic equine disease outbreaks.
   http://www.horsecouncil.org.au

» Being taken for a ride
   Very comprehensive and well researched factsheet from Animal Aid examining all aspects of the use of horse-drawn vehicles for tourism, with emphasis on the horse welfare issues involved.
   http://www.animalaid.org.uk/campaign/sport/omnibus.htm

» Benefits of horse urine
   June, 2002 story from the Australian ABC TV program Landline on a humane, free-range method of PMU farming, in which urine is collected from pregnant mares for the production of oestrogens and related hormones for the pharmaceutical industry.
   http://www.abc.net.au/landline/stories/s568505.htm

» Bitless Equitation
   The benefits of the bitless bridle. FAQs, action pages, user testimonials and online sales.
   http://www.bitlessequitation.co.uk

» Brooke Hospital for Animals
   Established in 1934, this organisation is committed to alleviating the suffering of working equines worldwide by providing a free veterinary service and educating owners in how to correctly care for equids.
   http://www.thebrooke.org/htdocs/Home_49.php

» Bullfighting: A Tradition of Tragedy
   PETA factsheet explaining that the bulls are not the only victims. The blindfolded and often surgically muted picadors' horses are frequently knocked down and gored so badly they are disemboweled.
   http://www.peta.org/factsheet/files/FactsheetDisplay.asp?ID=64

» Code of Recommendations and Minimum Standards for Welfare of Horses
   Biosecurity New Zealand presents the basic requirements for feeding, accommodation, husbandry and transport. Includes detailed explanations and background information.
   http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/animal-welfare/codes/horses/index.htm

» Emergency Euthanasia
   UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine article on when to make the euthanasia decision and how to carry it out as humanely and quickly as possible in the absence of a veterinarian.
   http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetext/INF-AN/INF-AN_EMERGEUTH-HORSES.HTML

» EquiSearch - Equine Rescue and Welfare Issues
   Read real-life experiences and solutions, as well as information about the professional organizations to call on for help in cases of equine abuse and neglect.
   http://equisearch.com/horses_care/health/rescue/

» Equine Charities
   This non-profit website is dedicated to raising funds and awareness of 501(c)3 Equine rescues, rehabs and adoption programs across the US.
   http://equinecharities.4t.com/

» Equine Production and Performance (USDA 1997)
   Discussion papers on horse welfare issues including soring, competition injuries, transport and slaughter, carriage horses, premarin farms, feral horse control, also highlights care and management practices detrimental to welfare.
   http://www.nalusda.gov/awic/pubs/97issues.htm#Issue6

» FOSH - Friends Of Sound Horses
   This American-based organisation takes an activist role against the soring of Tennessee Walking Horses, also promotes education and training in the humane care, training, and treatment of all gaited horses.
   http://www.friendsofsoundhorses.org

» Help Horses - Resource Links
   A listing of useful links outlining ways to help horses in abuse situations, including those requiring rescue or refuge. Includes anti-slaughter petition, free classifieds and web site design.
   http://www.helphorses.com

» Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society
   Founded and run by Donna Ewing, HARPS focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, education, and legislation to protect horses and other hooved animals in the United States. Based in Barrington, Illinois. Emailed newsletter and online horse care resources.
   http://www.harpsonline.org/

» Horse Behaviour and Psychology: Welfare
   Defines "welfare" and "well-being" and presents the welfare code of the New Zealand Equine Federation. Highlights welfare contraventions inherent to intensive management practices, particularly in the racing industry.
   http://www.equine-behavior.com/welfare/Welfare,%20Part1..htm

» Horse Learning and Behaviour
   Non-invasive scientific research into the thinking and learning abilities of horses, also public education based on this research to improve horse welfare.
   http://www.equineresearch.org/

» Horse Slaughter
   Political action committee which promotes the protection of US horses against slaughter for human consumption abroad. Member list, alerts on relevant legislation, and information on how to join.
   http://www.hoofpac.com/

» Horse Tripping
   In Defense of Animals factsheet on the cruel sport of horse tripping, still practised at larger Mexican-style rodeos and as backyard entertainment. Includes description and history, strategies for getting it banned and contact information.
   http://www.idausa.org/facts/horsetripping.html

» Horse Ulcer
   Story from the Australian ABC TV program Catalyst on the high incidence of gastric ulcers in racehorses and pinpoints lack of roughage as the main cause of this serious welfare problem. Veterinarians Dr Leanne Beggs and Dr John Walker are interviewed.
   http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/s343936.htm

» Inside the Horseracing Industry: Drugs, Deception and Death
   A PETA factsheet showing the problems inherent to horse racing.
   http://www.peta.org/factsheet/files/FactsheetDisplay.asp?ID=65

» Just Say Whoa!! To Horse Slaughter
   Information on the horse slaughter industry, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act - HR857, the two remaining slaughter houses in Texas, ways to help stop horse slaughter and related links.
   http://www.justsaywhoa.org

» North American Equine Ranching Information Council
   NAERIC represents ranchers involved in the collection of pregnant mares' urine (PMU). Presents a positive slant to the Premarin debate, including that the horses are managed according to strict welfare guidelines.
   http://www.naeric.org/

» Pain-free Riding
   Explains how current riding practices can cause pain to the horse and offers new ideas about shoeing, bits and saddles. The website is in Italian and English.
   http://www.alexbrollo.com/rem_tabi

» Premarin and PMU Info Page
   Contains information about the treatment of horses on the PMU farms where pregnant mares urine is collected for the production of Premarin.
   http://premarin.org/

» Professional Opinions (Animal Welfare Council)
   What the experts say about the welfare of animals in entertainment, industry, sport and recreation. Discusses horses in rodeos and the Premarin industry, also whether horses are livestock or companion animals (pets).
   http://www.animalwelfarecouncil.org/html/aw/opinions.php

» Ripley's Horse Aid Foundation
   This organization provides emergency help with feed, vet care, farrier services and building materials to established horse rescue groups, also advises on welfare and health care.
   http://www.freewebz.com/rhaf

» Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land
   SHADH provides care for abandoned and abused donkeys and mules and works to raise awareness and develop education programs to reduce the cruel treatment of these animals throughout Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
   http://www.safehaven4donkeys.org/

» The Bitless Bridle
   Informative site on a new type of bitless bridle which is more humane and effective than a hackamore or bosal. Includes scientific articles on the pathophysiology and behavioural problems caused by bits.
   http://www.bitlessbridle.com/

» The Home of Rest for Horses
   The Charity looks after up to 120 retired horses, ponies and donkeys from all walks of life including the police, army and Riding for the Disabled. Also provides equine welfare grants. Chilterns, Buckinghamshire.
   http://www.horsetrust.org.uk/

» The Strasser System of Hoofcare
   An ILPH press release (March 2001) warning about some dangers of using the Strasser system of hoofcare. Arguments for and against, opinions of farriers, vets and welfarists, also links to related sites.
   http://www.hoofcare.com/ilph_strasser.html

» The Swedish Animal Welfare Society for Horses
   Outlines the many different ways this society works to improve the welfare of horses - educates horse owners and offers support where necessary, assists and advises authorities, operates shelter facilities.
   http://www.angelfire.com/ak/shv/ehast.html

» Training Mythunderstandings
   Ongoing series of training articles from Meredith Manor showing how using horse logic rather than human logic achieves an improved end result while also promoting better equine welfare.
   http://www.meredithmanor.com/features/articles/default.asp

» Traumatised horses
   Case studies from Herdword on the successful rehabilitation of mentally stressed, psychologically damaged, emotionally disturbed and physically injured horses.
   http://www.herdword.co.nz/problem.html

» UK Racing Injuries Seminar Report 2001
   Training strategies that decrease the incidence of racetrack injuries. Examines key factors such as duration and intensity of fast work, age of horses, biomechanical soundness, surface conditions.
   http://www.hoofcare.com/archives/uk_racing_injuries_report2001.html

» Welfare of equids ever-evolving
   AVMA (Feb 2000) article presenting the veterinary viewpoint on accelarated improvements in horse welfare - discusses natural horsemanship, horse slaughter and transport issues, premarin farms, rodeos, carriage horses, racing.
   http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/feb00/s020100a.asp

» What is Natural Hoofcare?
   Describes a natural system of hoofcare which extends to the whole horse, including no stabling or rugging. The method advocated by Dr Hiltrud Strasser allows horses to perform barefoot in any discipline to their welfare advantage. Strasser books for sale
   http://www.thehorseshoof.com/WhatIs.html

» World Horse Welfare
   Provides education and training programs to improve horse welfare in the developing world, also operates rehabilitation and rehoming centres in the UK for abused equines.
   http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/