Doing Better by the Horse
Horse and Rider|Winter 2019
The recent efforts of equine organizations are helping to advance horse welfare vis-à-vis the humane treatment of show horses. Where do things stand now? We talk with a founding member of AQHA’s Animal Welfare Commission.
By Jennifer Forsberg Meyer
Doing Better by the Horse

“The American Quarter Horse has been good to each of us. Let’s make sure we are good to it in return.”

With that plea, James C. Heird, PhD, concluded his talk at the 2009 American Quarter Horse Association Judges Conference in Dallas, Texas. During the talk, titled “Do Right by the Horse,” he explained the concept of “habituation,” a phenomenon where we stop responding to something we’ve grown accustomed to. “Habituation prevents us from seeing that some of our actions and techniques are counter to our responsibility of protecting the horse and its dignity, the animal that is the very reason we entered the industry.”

Heird went on to become the inaugural chair of the AQHA’s Animal Welfare Commission, formed in 2012 to protect and improve the welfare of Quarter Horses. Since that time, AQHA has made rule changes that prohibit abusive equipment and actions deemed inhumane to the horse; enforcement is accomplished through the observations of show stewards, judges, and show management.

Horse&Rider has previously reported on issues surrounding humane treatment for horses (see box on page 57). Here, we’ll talk with Dr. Heird for an update on AQHA’s efforts. Because the association typically leads the field in groundbreaking changes, its efforts have influenced other organizations in their horse welfare policies. In “The Progress so Far” on page 60, we’ll look at some of the specific changes and initiatives AQHA and other groups have launched to date.

Heird, an AQHA past president, longtime judge, and ongoing member of the Animal Welfare Commission, is also an executive professor and coordinator of the Equine Sciences Initiative at Texas A&M University.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Winter 2019 من Horse and Rider.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Winter 2019 من Horse and Rider.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من HORSE AND RIDER مشاهدة الكل
The Horse
Horse and Rider

The Horse

LIFE TAKES US DOWN different paths, but I seem to be on just one, which is with the horse.

time-read
2 mins  |
Fall 2024
Decoding the Diseases Examined by AQHA's Six-Panel Test
Horse and Rider

Decoding the Diseases Examined by AQHA's Six-Panel Test

The six-panel test is a diagnostic tool used to assess the genetic predispositions of horses. It's meant to discover if a horse has or is a carrier for certain hereditary diseases and traits.

time-read
4 mins  |
Fall 2024
Love is Good
Horse and Rider

Love is Good

All horses are assured a hopeful, compassionate plan of care at This Old Horse, a program that helps not only horses but people, too.

time-read
4 mins  |
Fall 2024
HORSE PACKING 101
Horse and Rider

HORSE PACKING 101

Take your trail riding to the next level with nature-filled adventures in the back or front country.

time-read
6 mins  |
Fall 2024
NEW HORSE; NEW PROBLEMS
Horse and Rider

NEW HORSE; NEW PROBLEMS

Anew horse can bring excitement and energy to the barn, and even reinvigorate your passion. However, there are also a myriad of new problems that can come with a new horse, so learn how to introduce him properly to avoid these common issues.

time-read
8 mins  |
Fall 2024
First-Timer Tips
Horse and Rider

First-Timer Tips

Heading to a young rider's first event with their horse can be intimidating. Use these myths and truths to make it smoother sailing for yourself and your young rider.

time-read
7 mins  |
Fall 2024
Re-Rescued: Aslan's Story
Horse and Rider

Re-Rescued: Aslan's Story

One special gelding learns about three different types of love during his rescue journey.

time-read
3 mins  |
Summer 2024
The Country's Hottest Horse Motels
Horse and Rider

The Country's Hottest Horse Motels

Take your next trail-riding adventure to the next level by staying at one of these six horse motels across the United States.

time-read
7 mins  |
Summer 2024
Outbreak! What We've Learned
Horse and Rider

Outbreak! What We've Learned

Learn how disease outbreaks in recent years have changed the horse industry, and why it's so important to play your part when it comes to disease prevention efforts.

time-read
8 mins  |
Summer 2024
TRAINING THE SENSITIVE HORSE
Horse and Rider

TRAINING THE SENSITIVE HORSE

Shift your mindset and grow your sensitive horse's pressure-handling skills to improve his confidence and your riding enjoyment.

time-read
8 mins  |
Summer 2024