******* This occurred yesterday - didn't have a chance to post - getting prepared for hurricane and other insanities! Please help if you can and forward to any who may be interested - Thank-you! *****

At 5:35 a.m. today I went out to feed all the horses here at Horse Play. When I went to the paddock where Corsair (13 yr old Thoroughbred / Welsh Cob cross) and…

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The 36^th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show is pleased to welcome the return of the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) as a sponsor for the fifth consecutive year at the horse show, which takes place in Bridgehampton, N.Y., August 28 – September 4.  As part of their sponsorship, the ASPCA will host animal welfare events throughout the week that will focus on the issue of homeless and at-risk horses, dogs, and cats.  

 

One of the…

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There are over 1.8 million donkeys in Kenya and around three quarters are working animals used in transport and farming, playing a key role in Kenya’s agricultural economy. 

Around one third of the working donkey population are in a poor condition, suffering from work-related injuries, malnutrition and lameness. Many of the problems arise from a lack of understanding…

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Horse Slaughter; one of the worst things in the equine world. Innocent horses that did nothing wrong put through all the misery only to come to a cruel death. Yes, every horse lover wants it to end! I completely understand; But no matter how many videos they may make or pictures they post,…

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Last week I mentioned about the possible use of electric cattle prods on horses in USA rodeo shows. Over the next two days an extraordinary 27 people e-mailed to assure me that this practise no longer took place. I was heartened but not convinced. Then Barnmice received an e-mail from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) with an official statement entitled PRCA Livestock Welfare Statement – Electric Cattle Prod:



“PRCA rules allow for the use of a livestock prod as…

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Below is a news release from yesterday. The new EU rules coming into effect in April 2010, require that either slaughtered horses have complete health records showing they have not received banned substances, or a 180 day (6 month) quarantine is required. The new rules will mean that horses coming from auctions and other souces will have to be kept drug free on a feedlot for at least half a year. How will this impact horse welfare and the horse community in general?



Here is the link… Continue

Didn't the major natural horsemanship names notice?



Way back in 2008, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior wrote a position paper outlining its reasons for eschewing any kind of dominance-based training. Based on the most recent research, their paper is as enlightening to the mindful horse owner as it should be… Continue