Holidaying with Horse Sense

Here in the UK we think a lot of our horses, ponies and donkeys - predominantly they are leisure animals. However, when we go abroad we find the horse is viewed quite differently – in many countries it is a vehicle for survival. The horse maybe a working animal and is considered as an economic commodity, it must pay its way and often ultimately will give its life in exchange for a small sum.

Here at the ILPH it is our viewed that the horse is used but never abused, so we have put this sheet together to help you have horse sense when you are travelling abroad.

We would ask you to consider the following if you plan to engage in any of these activities:

Carriage/Cart Rides and Taxis, Trekking, Merry-Go-Rounds for Children

Please ask yourself the following questions: Do the animals look like they can carry/pull the weight comfortably? (Horses, ponies, donkeys and mules have very different capacity for weight bearing) Do the horses have access to water and food? Do the animals have access to shelter? Are the bridles and saddles found on the animals in good condition? (What are they made from? Do they fit? Do they look secure?) Are the animals free from wounds? Do their hooves look well cared for? Do the animals look alert and happy? Do the animals get treated kindly by their owners?

Every year we receive correspondence from holiday makers highlighting welfare concerns they have witnessed abroad. These include concerns over working horses, donkey rides, horse and carriage rides, circuses, cultural events and the consumption and supply of horsemeat.

If you do observe an animal in distress please consider the following advice.

1. The most important thing you can do is not to fund animal exploitation and cruelty. Find out about local charities before you go and support them through visiting their centre– give your money to the solution, not the cause. Just this simple action can and does make a real difference.
2. Note down the location, date, time, type, number and condition of horses involved.
3. Report any incidents to the relevant authorities and national embassy (i.e. the local police / local animal welfare society / tour operator / tourist board).
4. When you get back from your holiday, write a letter outlining your concerns and request improvements to be made to welfare standards. Write to:
   • Your local MP / MEP
   • Your tour operator (they may not be in a position to make a direct action, but they can offer advice and withdraw any organised trips to shows or events involving mistreated animals)
   • The Embassy of that country
   • Remember to send a responsible tourist report form to the ILPH to enable us to monitor welfare issues overseas.
5. Encourage your fellow holiday makers to do the same.

The Developing and the Developed World…

It is important to acknowledge the difference between the developing and the developed world. Whilst there is no excuse for animal cruelty under any circumstances, our International Training work in the developing world sees many cases where the poor welfare of horses is not intentional. In most cases owners can not afford to feed themselves, let alone their animals. The established management techniques are a result of climate, resources and inherited knowledge in that country. Our training work overseas teaches them that by improving the welfare of their horse, they can in turn improve their own quality of life as their horse is often their sole source of income.  Click here to learn about our International Training projects.

If you feel that a horse is in immediate danger, please contact the local authorities in the country you are visiting to ask for urgent assistance.

ACT NOW!  Campaigning is the business of changing attitudes, generating support and making a difference.  Please get in touch with us to find out how you can help please get in touch with Emma Seel in the Campaigns Team on 01953 497266 or e-mail: emma@ilph.org