Equine Husbandry 1

Equine Husbandry 1

• The course covers the progression of equine domestication and how the human-horse bond shaped the modern equine industry.
• It also examines different housing and management systems used in the equine industry.
• The course explores the impact of modern equine management on welfare and strategies to optimize it.

Progression of Equine Domestication

• Domestication began in the Eurasian Steppes around 3000-3500 BCE.
• Evidence includes bit wear and corrals, and the use of horses for meat and milk.
• Over time, horses became vital for transport, agriculture, and warfare.
• Later uses included leisure, entertainment, and sport.
• Mutual co-evolution of traits benefited both horses and humans.
• Horses started to congregate around human settlements, feeding on agricultural fields and gaining protection from predators.

Housing and Management Systems

• Stables: Used for active horses in controlled exercise programs (show, racing, schooling). Stables are also used for horses requiring treatment or in cold climates.
• Stables need to be comfortable, easily accessible, with adequate drainage and ventilation.
• Important: Regular daily inspections of all stabled horses.
• Stables require adequate floor space for horses to lie down and turn around comfortably.
• Minimum space requirements vary by type of horse (e.g., 12ft x 12ft for horses, or 10ft x 10ft for ponies).
• Stables require wide doors enabling the horse to look over the door.
• Stables need a non-slip floor and surfaces allowing for disinfection
• No sharp edges on fixtures and fittings
• Necessary bedding includes straw, shavings, pellets, chippings, paper, and rubber matting. Beddings should be non-toxic, absorbent, and dust-free. Mucking out regularly is essential.
• Pasture: Pasture housing is closest to the horses' natural state.
• Minimum acreage per horse depends on individual horse and grazing type.
• Pasture benefits include worm control, good drainage (hoof health), controlling weeds and toxic plants.
• Shelter must be considered.
• Natural shelters such as trees or hedges, or man-made shelters are needed.
• Fencing: Fencing must be strong, high enough to prevent escape, and designed with no sharp projections. Options include wooden, vinyl, or electric fencing.
• Tethering: Temporary housing, not suitable for long-term management.
• Risk of entangling and injury.
• Routine supervision is crucial (at least every 6 hours).
• Fly Grazing: Illegal grazing on land without permission.
• The Control of Horses Act 2015 (England) gives landowners power to evict illegally grazed horses.

Supervision

• Horses at pasture need daily inspections.
• Stabled horses must be inspected twice daily.
• Hooves should be picked out daily.
• Regular grooming is important.
• Checking underneath rugs on a regular basis is essential.

Equine Husbandry in the UK

• Governed by the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
• Owners/keepers are responsible for:
• Providing a suitable environment, including appropriate bedding and company
• A healthy diet, including fresh, clean water.
• Ensuring the horse can exhibit normal behaviours.
• Protecting the horse from pain, injury, and disease. Inspect daily and at least twice for stabled horses. Know how to recognise signs of illness and be prepared to act accordingly.

Suitable Diet

• Continuous access to clean, fresh water. Monitoring drinkers, especially in winter.
• Horses are trickle feeders, so access to suitable foraging (grass, haylage, straw) is essential throughout the day.
• Feeding from the floor is preferred to mimic natural grazing.
• Use of haynets/hayracks can increase dust inhalation.
• Concentrate feeds are not always necessary; overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health conditions.

Exhibit Normal Behaviour Patterns

• Horses need adequate exercise.
• Training methods must respect a horse’s natural instincts and behaviors.
• Tack and training aids must be appropriate for use by experienced personnel.
• Turnout with other horses Whenever possible.
• Horses should see other horses if kept in a stable setting.
• Maintain suitable herd structure using barns in groups or turnout.

Protected from Pain, Suffering, Injury and Disease

• Everyone can buy a horse but needs sufficient knowledge and training to understand their health needs..
• Horses must be inspected once daily if at pasture, twice if in a stable.
• The owner must recognise signs of ill health and respond appropriately.
• Monitor body condition score regularly.

Impact of Modern Equine Management on Welfare

• Stereotypies (Stable vices): Repetitive behaviours that can be fixed. (Crib biting, wind sucking, weaving, box walking, wood chewing).
• These indicate a frustrating/stressed environment, due to lack of socialisation, poor environment, unnatural feeding schedules, insufficient exercise, and poor stall conditions.

Stereotypies (Stable vices) - Prevention

• Provide companionship (other horses)
• Minimise confinement (exercise/turnout)
• Supply stall toys and enrichment materials
• Ensure ample forage
• Access to windows (lighting/vision)

This quiz delves into the history and management of equines. It covers the progression of equine domestication and the evolution of human-horse relationships. Additionally, it explores various housing and management systems in the equine industry, enhancing our understanding of horse welfare and optimization strategies.