Paper presented by Dr Hugh Wirth outlining RSPCA Australia's stance on horse welfare issues, including the use of horses for harness racing and other forms of entertainment. Outlines areas of concern and the difficulties of defining "welfare".

Examines 14 welfare hotspots, including saddling, shoeing, feeding, rugging, chronic pain, overvaccination. Also highlights shortfalls in the Equine Industry Welfare Guidelines Compendium.

Facilitates the protection, conservation and humane treatment of all equids through education, advocacy and litigation. Current campaigns include horse slaughter, Premarin, wild horses, soring, abuse.

Provides official guidelines and monitors the care and treatment of animals, including horses, used in film media. Site presents ratings and reviews of films using animals and invites public input.

2002 press release detailing a meeting agreed to by Animal Aid to discuss horse welfare, in return for The Jockey Club giving consideration to pledging five million pounds a year for the care of racehorses in retirement. Links to related information.

Welfare issues important in the routine care and management of horses. Covers behaviour, horse/human bond, handling, rugging, transport, paddocking, stabling, feeding, breeding.

Argentine Equine Veterinary Association group that works to improve horse welfare through education. Projects include communicating with horses, improving land transport conditions, dealing with emergencies, combating abuse, carriage horses.

Explains how this peak body represents and supports all facets of the horse industry in Australia particularly in relation to welfare and health, also it assists research projects through the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.

Adapted from recommendations by the International Group of Specialist Racing Veterinarians, these guidelines cover all aspects of racing, from the initial preparation of horses to their retirement.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A PETA factsheet outlining the poor working conditions for carriage horses - loads too heavy, ill-fitting harness, long hours of work in sometimes extreme weather conditions, lameness and ill-health are common, housing and general care often inadequate.

Exposes the truth about the abuse and inhumane treatment of carriage horses, including headlines from major newspapers reporting such incidents. Also has ordering information for Greta Bunting's book "The Horse: The Most Abused Domestic Animal".

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (New Zealand) code covering feeding, grazing, housing, husbandry, agistment, horse hire premises, equine activity organisers, transport, humane slaughter.

British RSPCA report (1999) on the plight of horses transported for slaughter in Europe. It is one of 200 publications produced by the RSPCA to educate and inform people about animal welfare.

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.

Group's goal is to petition the Government of Canada to prohibit horse slaughter and the sale of horse meat. Articles and links to horse and donkey rescue groups and other related sites. Resources for activism, including petition.

Animal Welfare Institute article (2002) that truly exposes the cruelty of the horse slaughter industry. Written by John Hettinger, a Trustee of the New York Racing Association, who has pushed tirelessly for a ban on the industry.

This non-profit website is dedicated to raising funds and awareness of 501(c)3 Equine rescues, rehabs and adoption programs across the US.

Agricultural Development and Advisory Service guidelines and recommended best practice standards for equine welfare. Covers feeding, health, housing, management, abandonment, export, transport, codes of practice, EU legislation.

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.

A Pennsylvania group that works to expose the cruelties of horse slaughter and transport, also investigates other horse welfare and cruelty issues.

Summary of papers presented at the 2002 RSPCA Australia equine welfare seminar, which focused on four broad areas - performance and competition, neglect and owner/handler inexperience, traditional practices, unwanted horses.

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.

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.

2001 scientific paper from Sydney University explaining how to reduce heat stress, a major cause for concern in the welfare of endurance horses. Examines reduction of body heat production and ways to improve heat dissipation.

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.

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.

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.

Victorian government site covering general welfare codes of practice for horses, also shelter requirements, bush racing, land transport, agistment contracts.

Series of articles mostly demonstrating how a poor understanding of natural behaviour can lead to handling problems and other welfare concerns in all horse disciplines and management situations.

Non-invasive scientific research into the thinking and learning abilities of horses, also public education based on this research to improve horse welfare.

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.

Photos and quotes from politicians, organizations, and people who support horse slaughter for human consumptions. Links for more information on slaughter and a blog.

An Equine Advocates Inc site arguing for an end to the brutal and inhumane horse slaughter industry in America. Presents many facts and figures.

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.

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.

Havemeyer Foundation equine behaviour workshop paper that defines horse welfare and discusses humane transport/slaughter, wild horses and burros, soring, the PMU industry, rodeos, carriage horses, racing, plus general horse care and management practices.

A database where ownership as well as physical, behavioural and health details of any horse can be entered free. Designed to protect and enhance the welfare of horses and ponies when they are sold on.

News and information on HR857 The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, which is a Bill currently before Congress.

A PETA factsheet showing the problems inherent to horse racing.

ILPH 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.

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.

Information, news, emails, photos, statistics, and links all relating to slaughter for human consumption.

Useful set of welfare guidelines from Maryland Horse Council.

Provides emergency help and advice for horses caught in natural disasters, also a state-by-state listing of people able to take in animals facing evacuation. Excellent links to disaster planning sites and how to minimise risks to animals.

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.

Technical information on a software system that measures pressure distribution under the saddle which can pinpoint bad saddle fit, gait asymmetry, back pain, also the effectiveness of rider's aids.

Student essay (2001) from Sydney University outlining training methods that may decrease the incidence of dorsal metacarpal disease (shin soreness) and heart problems that compromise the welfare of young Thoroughbred racehorses. Bibliography included.

Animal welfare essay (2001) from Sydney University examining the physiological responses to stress associated with long-haul sea, air and land transport of horses. Explains ways to minimise this stress and includes references.

An excellent source of facts about Premarin farms, including that the majority are well managed and the mares well treated, also that far fewer foals go to slaughter than is generally thought. Foal Quest assists in finding homes for the foals.

Contains information about the treatment of horses on the PMU farms where pregnant mares urine is collected for the production of Premarin.

Welfare issues associated with the treatment of pregnant mares on farms used to produce the hormone replacement therapy drug Premarin. Contacts, links and information about the farms and Premarin itself.

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).

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.

National Senior Pro Rodeo Association article refuting many of the claims made about welfare infringements and cruelty to horses, cattle and calves used in rodeo sports.

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.

Blue Cross campaign highlighting the dangers facing horses through poorly maintained trailers. A downloadable leaflet offers practical guidance on trailer safety.

Details the 1998 California Equine Council campaign that led to the passing of an Act making horse slaughter for human consumption illegal in California. Includes the comments of many celebrity supporters.

Represents individuals, farms, businesses and associations opposed to the soring of Tennessee Walking Horses. Educates the public, lobbies to affect change, donates funds to other horse welfare groups, also operates a rescue service.

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.

Texas-based organisation whose mission is to promote and safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of all horses, whether captive or in the wild.

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.

Welfare initiatives, role of veterinary officer, horse welfare FAQ and medical update. From the regulatory authority for horseracing in the UK.

Details of the hunting and abuse of Western Canada's wild horses and information on how to help protect them.

This Equine Advocates Inc site points out that the production of Premarin has cost the lives of over a million horses. It provides related facts and figures and in-depth information on proven synthetic alternatives to Premarin.

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.

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.

Scientifically-based paper by Cooper and Albentosa, Cognition and Welfare Group, Lincoln University. It examines horse welfare abnd human responsibility issues according to what is known about the still evolving behavioural needs of horses.

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.

Case studies from Herdword on the successful rehabilitation of mentally stressed, psychologically damaged, emotionally disturbed and physically injured horses.

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.

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.

Insightful information on care and handling methods that safeguard welfare and improve research data validity, based on understanding the species-typical behaviour of horses. Covers housing, exercise, grooming, feed and water, environmental enrichment devices.

Sydney University student essay highlighting the injuries, stress and dehydration suffered by horses transported long distances to slaughter. Examines current legislation and regulations in Australia and overseas and ways conditions can be improved. Bibliography included.

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 and links to related sites.

Group of concerned citizens working to keep wild horses and burros roaming free on America's public lands.

WTFE operates education and training programs to improve the husbandry of working equines worldwide. Present projects, staff contacts and newsletter articles are on the site.

WEO uses investigation, research, training and communication to improve the welfare of equines and the people who depend on them for their livelihood, particularly in developing countries. Details of current training programs in Afghanistan, Tunisia, Romania, Portugal.