Responsible breeding to protect welfare

The industry must ensure all future foals are the result of careful consideration, with the uncertain economic future

- LUCY ELDER

THE equestrian world has a “collective duty” to protect equine welfare through responsible breeding in the light of likely effects of the coronavirus.

Breeding and welfare organisations are urging people to think carefully, ensuring the balance of supply and demand while protecting welfare in light of an uncertain economic future.

“Supply and demand is at the heart of the equestrian world like any other,” World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers told H&H.

“There will always be demand for quality horses bred for everything from pleasure to competition at the highest level. But even before the pandemic there was imbalance, with a huge oversupply of youngstock.

“The stark reality is that, in the wake of the pandemic and all the turbulence this brings, across the equine sector we are teetering on the edge of a welfare precipice that we have to do everything in our power to avoid falling into.”

Mr Owers also warned of the impact of unabated breeding.