The Health and Welfare of Working Horses
Working Horses
Throughout history, horses have been used to perform a variety of tasks from farm work to transportation. And while the use of working horses has declined in many parts of the world today, these majestic animals continue to provide valuable services to communities. Modern jobs for horses include:
Farm, ranch, and other agricultural work
Equine therapy
Police work
Transportation
Competitive sports
Horse Care and Equine Welfare
Working horses, no matter their job, have special needs and require attentive care in many areas. Two important aspects of horse welfare are horse hoof care and vaccinations.
What Is a Farrier?
A farrier is a skilled professional who specializes in the care of horses' hooves. They are responsible for trimming and shaping the hooves, as well as shoeing the horse if needed. Farriers work closely with veterinarians and horse owners to ensure that horses’ hooves are healthy and properly maintained.
Healthy hooves are essential for horses because they support the animal's entire weight and enable them to move comfortably and safely. Hoof problems can cause discomfort, lameness, and even long-term damage to the horse's legs and joints. By keeping horses’ hooves healthy, owners can help ensure their animals’ overall health and well-being.
Horse Vaccinations
Horse vaccinations are designed to protect horses from a range of diseases that can be both debilitating and deadly. These include diseases such as tetanus, West Nile virus, and equine influenza, also known as horse flu. In addition to protecting individual horses, vaccinations also play a critical role in controlling the spread of infectious diseases within the larger equine community. Regular vaccinations, along with other preventative measures such as good nutrition and hygiene practices, can help keep horses healthy and thriving.
Here at International Veterinary Outreach (IVO), we’ve brought vaccines, farrier training, and more to the horses on the island of Taal in the Philippines. Because the island is far from major cities and the majority of its residents live in poverty, Taal’s horses had never received veterinary care. Horse owners had also not received appropriate education on how to care for their horses. So, in 2017, in partnership with PETA-Asia, IVO stepped in to provide training and veterinary care, including dental care, parasite control, emergency procedures, and more.
Our partners and veterinary volunteers were also at the forefront of rescue efforts when the Taal volcano erupted in 2020. Through our endeavors, numerous dogs, cats, and as many as 200 horses were rescued from the island!
At IVO, we’re working to create a healthy global community free of animal suffering and to improve the lives of people and animals worldwide. Support our international impact by donating today!
