Free equine care assessment checklists to assist you in making important decisions on behalf of your equine now available
The Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada (HWAC) has released eight equine care assessment checklists that provide information on all aspects of equine care. Developed by a team of equine representatives and industry specialists the Equine Care Assessments are based on the requirements within Canada’s standard of care, the ‘Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines’.
The checklists are designed so equine owners and caregivers can evaluate, improve and manage the welfare of equine on their property or in their care. The checklists also offer a good point of reference for those looking to purchase their first horse.
Whether you are considering purchasing a horse or would like to self-assess your property there is an assessment for that. By responding to the statements within the checklists, animal owners and caregivers can assess the welfare of horses including housing, nutrition, health care, husbandry and transport.
For example, if you are a horse owner who is boarding at a stable or researching stables, the boarding stable assessments provides questions to consider and ask as you interview various stable owners. The information guides you in making an informed decision on behalf of your horse. Alternatively, if you are a stable owner the assessment can provide a guide to speaking with potential boarders, demonstrating professionalize and care that will be provided to the animal.
The Equine Care Assessments are available electronically or as a download at www.horsewelfare.ca/assessments.