HORSE SPORT IRELAND LAUNCHES WELFARE GUIDE FOR OWNERS AND BREEDERS

HORSE Sport Ireland, the national governing body  for equestrian sport and breeding today (Thursday) launched an information booklet for horse owners entitled 'A Guide To Horse Welfare and Responsible Horse Ownership' which is produced in association with the World Horse Welfare-sponsored project on equine health and welfare in UCD.

The booklet sets out guidelines for the proper care of horses and outlines the 'Five Freedoms' that horses are entitled to expect.

Horse Sport Ireland Director of Breeding and Programmes Alison Corbally said that the booklet was designed to provide horse owners with information on the responsibilities associated with horse ownership and information on how to look after horses properly.

She said: "A lot of new people have become involved in horses in recent years and some may not have an equine background, and it's important that we provide as much information as possible."

Ms Corbally also pointed out that all horses will now have to acquire their individual passports within six months of their birth. At the same time, when the passport is issued, the animal has to be microchipped and the number of the microchip  recorded in the passport.

"Almost all horses in the country are cared for in an outstanding way. But we must keep horse welfare at the top of the agenda at all times," she said.

The HSI booklet is available at their stand in the main exhibition hall of the RDS this week.