Horses have been at our sides since the dawn of human history, playing their part in building civilisations. Alongside us, they have contributed in part to some of the ecological crises we find ourselves in, but they are also part of the solution.
“We still have a significant opportunity to keep the pressure on the UK Government to tackle this trade – much of which happens ‘below the radar’ – so that the voices of these suffering animals are not silenced.”
Horses have been at our sides since the dawn of human history, playing their part in building civilisations. Alongside us, they have contributed in part to some of the ecological crises we find ourselves in, but they are also part of the solution.
The ethics around different breeding techniques – and how far is too far – have come under discussion by industry experts. At the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress (13–16 September), in a debate chaired by former BEVA president Huw Griffiths, an expert panel discussed equine assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs), framed around the question “How […]
The Grand National will reduce its field to 34 horses as part of a slew of significant changes, taking effect from next year, in an effort to make the world’s most famous steeplechase safer for horses and jockeys. Other changes include softening the fences by using foam and rubber toe boards, and moving the first fence closer to the start to stop horses building up too much speed. The Grand National has had a field of 40 horses since 1984, which has often been cited — along with the size of the fences — as a key reason why 16 horses have died in the race since the turn of the century.