As well as setting out the essentials of horse care, the document describes how owners can go beyond this to put horses’ needs first.

 

The document has been issued under section 38 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Its creation was led by the Scottish Government and the National Equine Welfare Council, with collaboration from World Horse Welfare.

 

Its development has been informed by feedback from owners and keepers across Scotland, which highlighted key themes for the new guidance. Respondents reported limited awareness of the existing Codes of Practice, calling for improved clarity in the new document.

 

Many respondents were in support of updated Codes of Practice. They supported the inclusion of advice on wellbeing, social needs and quality of life.

 

The new guidance is designed to support the care of all equids, including horses, ponies, donkeys and hybrids.

 

The Scottish Government says that the principles will ensure high standards of equine care, in alignment with scientific best practice, ethical considerations and legal obligations. Through stakeholders following this guidance, it believes all equids will ‘experience a life worth living’.

 

World Horse Welfare says that the advice takes a holistic, whole-horse approach, considering equids’ mental and physical wellbeing. 

 

Kim Ayling, head of public affairs at World Horse Welfare, said: “By developing this clear, accessible guidance, which draws on the latest expertise from leading vets, allied professionals and equine sector specialists, the Scottish Government is leading the way on supporting horse owners and keepers to know exactly what their responsibilities are – and how they can go above and beyond that, in line with the latest evidence on what makes a good life for a horse, as seen through the horse’s eyes"

 

“Following the launch of the new Scottish Welfare of Equids Guidance, we’d urge policymakers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to take note.

 

“Defra’s ‘Code of Practice’ for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids’ was launched in 2013 and we’ve learned a huge amount since then about how horses learn, their needs and how they experience the environment around them.”

 

Scotland’s Welfare of Equids: Guidance can be found here.