Welfare Of Horses, The

Description:
This book is the first in a series on the Welfare of Animals, and it is appropriate that it addresses horses, whose welfare in modern management systems are a subject of major concern. Keeping horses is increasingly popular in the Western world and is of major importance in many developing countries. However, the conditions in which horses are kept are very different from the environment of wild horses, which leads to many adverse effects on their welfare and behaviour. This book describes the development of horse behaviour, and the way in which the management of horses today affects their welfare. Horses for sport, companionship and work are considered and ways of improving their welfare by better training and management is described. The authors include internationally-recognised scientists from Britain, Ireland, USA and Australia. The book will be of interest to all involved in the equine industry, animal welfare, academics, students and practical horsemen.

Review:
From the reviews 'I learned a great deal from reading this book. Granted, they were things I was exposed to while I was in veterinary school, but not concepts or areas of thought that I use on a daily basis as a veterinary surgeon, although I probably should. The subjects covered could be considered peripheral to clinical work, but welfare may equally be argued to be a primary tenet of our clinical care. ...The book would be of great use to veterinary surgeons, veterinary students, researchers and knowledgeable horse owners. ...This is not a lightweight book and consequently requires careful reading, but to do so will reward the reader with a much better understanding of what makes horses 'tick' and how we have manipulated their behaviour and welfare largely to suit our needs.' (Jessica Kidd in The Veterinary Record, November 2002)

Table of Contents:
1. Horse Behaviour: Evolution, Domestication and Feralisation; D. Goodwin. 2. Clinical Problems Associated with the Intensive Management of Performance Horses; R.A. Casey. 3. Nutrition and Welfare; N. Davidson, P. Harris. 4. Housing, Management and Welfare; D.S. Mills, A. Clarke. 5. Stereotype Behaviour in the Stabled Horse: Causes, Effects and Prevention Without; J. Cooper, P. McGreevy. 6. The Effects of Transportation on the Welfare of Horses; N. Waran, et al. 7. Training Methods and Horse Welfare; N. Waran, et al. 8. Welfare of the Racehorse during Exercise Training and Racing; D.L. Evans. 9. Specific Welfare Problems Associated with Working Horses; R.T. Wilson. Index.