The Horse Whisperers
The trading standards and environmental health inspectors were given hands-on training in how to safely approach a horse, fit a head collar and lead the animal. They were also shown how to assess a horse's health and welfare, and its environment to decide whether there are any welfare concerns.The training was funded by the Welsh Assembly Government's Companion Animal Welfare Enhancement Scheme (CAWES) and was facilitated by the Welsh Animal Health and Welfare Panel. The one-day courses, which were organised and run equine charities The Horse Trust and Redwings, took place on 19 and 20 May at the Society for Welfare of Horse and Ponies in Monmouth, and on 27 May at the Bransby Home of Rest for Horses in Stoke Prior, Herefordshire.
Huw Jones, Head of the Animal Welfare branch of the Welsh Assembly Government, said: "One of the key outputs from the Welsh Assembly Government's CAWES programme is the provision of education and training. This will help in consistent delivery of high quality welfare provision across Wales."
Paul Jepson, Chief Executive and Veterinary Director of The Horse Trust, praised the Welsh Assembly for its proactive approach on animal welfare.
"Wales is leading the way in animal welfare by giving its local authority inspectors the resources to enforce the Animal Welfare Act. Their proactive approach will improve the welfare of horses across Wales, ensuring that welfare cases are dealt with effectively and minimising the suffering caused to horses. We are delighted to support the Welsh government in this initiative by providing training to their inspectors," said Paul.
The training was carried out by Nicolas De Brauwere, Head of Welfare at Redwings, and Liane Crowther, Welfare and Education Officer at The Horse Trust. Nicolas said he was delighted to be working in partnership with the other equine charities to deliver the training.
"This project is a great example of the horse welfare sector working together in spirit of the National Equine Welfare Protocol. We have drawn on the strength of the individual organisations to provide the training," said Nicolas.
Jenny MacGregor MBE, the Chairman of the Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies, which hosted two of the inspector training courses, said: "This training course is very welcome as we have seen a lot of equine welfare problems in South Wales. It will be great to have the support of local authority inspectors to improve the welfare of horses in this area."
Philip York, General Manager of the Bransby Home of Rest for Horses in Stoke Prior, which hosted one of the training courses, said: "I am delighted to be able to offer our facilities at Stoke Prior to assist in this important initiative, to train local authority inspectors from across Wales. This training will have huge benefits for everyone concerned with equine welfare in Wales."
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