Welfare of Horses

This book is the first in a series on the Welfare of Animals, and it is appropriate that it addresses horses, whose welfare in modern management systems are a subject of major concern. Keeping horses is increasingly popular in the Western world and is of major importance in many developing countries. However, the conditions in which horses are kept are very different from the environment of wild horses, which leads to many adverse effects on their welfare and behaviour.This book describes the development of horse behaviour, and the way in which the management of horses today affects their welfare. Horses for sport, companionship and work are considered and ways of improving their welfare by better training and management is described. The authors include internationally-recognised scientists from Britain, Ireland, USA and Australia. The book will be of interest to all involved in the equine industry, animal welfare, academics, students and practical horsemen.