A wider perspective
Horse & Hound|March 21, 2024
Physical health is and must be the core focus of veterinary care, but adopting a broader, welfare-based view is perhaps overdue. Imogen Burrows MRCVS explains
Imogen Burrows
A wider perspective

BALANCING equine health and welfare remains a hotly debated topic within veterinary practice and is a dilemma faced by owners and equine professionals on a daily basis. There have been many definitions of “animal welfare”, but most simply it can be considered to refer to the feelings and physical wellbeing of an individual.

Based on this, it is clear that health is contained within the definition of welfare, just in the same way that a yolk is contained within an egg. Health is an integral part of welfare and the two are inextricably linked (see figure 1, far right).

Poor health undoubtedly has a negative impact on welfare, but it is erroneous to infer that the presence of good health equates to good welfare. An egg with a perfect yolk, but tainted white, is still compromised.

Using a definition of welfare in a practical setting creates challenges, as each possible definition has strengths and weaknesses depending on the specific situation. For example, assessing quality of life for an aged pony compared with environmental enrichment for prolonged box confinement for a young thoroughbred.

The use of a welfare model rather than definition is more practically relevant. One such model is the Five Needs, on which the Animal Welfare Act 2006 centres, or the Five Domains (see table, below right). From these models, it can be clearly understood that equine welfare is affected by factors including health, husbandry, the horse’s use and interactions with both other animals and humans.

この記事は Horse & Hound の March 21, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Horse & Hound の March 21, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

HORSE & HOUNDのその他の記事すべて表示
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Horse & Hound

'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'

Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start

time-read
2 分  |
November 07, 2024
New pair pull off a win
Horse & Hound

New pair pull off a win

A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons

time-read
2 分  |
November 07, 2024
Lording it over the rest
Horse & Hound

Lording it over the rest

Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season

time-read
3 分  |
November 07, 2024
Smith hits flying form
Horse & Hound

Smith hits flying form

A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot

time-read
3 分  |
November 07, 2024
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Horse & Hound

Jankorado hits the jackpot

Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps

time-read
4 分  |
November 07, 2024
Peanut
Horse & Hound

Peanut

From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character

time-read
3 分  |
November 07, 2024
She's a corker
Horse & Hound

She's a corker

Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers

time-read
8 分  |
November 07, 2024
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
Horse & Hound

Access all areas Cavalier Centre

The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit

time-read
7 分  |
November 07, 2024
'Use it or lose it'
Horse & Hound

'Use it or lose it'

Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity

time-read
6 分  |
November 07, 2024
A new way forward
Horse & Hound

A new way forward

Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change

time-read
3 分  |
November 07, 2024