Pony & Horse Rides
Pony and horse riding is fairly common, from travelling carnivals to riding schools. On the surface, it may be difficult to understand where any issues lie with riding, and with the common belief that horses and ponies love to be ridden, little thought is given to the welfare issues of life behind the scenes, on the road, and in retirement.
As we cannot simply ask a horse or pony if they enjoy being ridden, the best approach is to assess their situation and determine whether they are benefiting, or are at risk, from the activity. Below is a brief summary on horses and ponies, the industry, and current Australian standards and welfare issues.
Horses and Ponies
Horses and ponies are intelligent animals with great memories. A UK study found that horses can distinguish between a happy and sad face, and understand the difference between the two! When someone is frowning, they exhibit stress-related behaviours, such as scratching and floor sniffing [1].
They can also distinguish a persons tone when being spoken to [2]. Other studies have shown that they can solve complex problems and remember their strategy for over ten years [3]. Horses and ponies maintain long-term bonds with others and enjoy interacting with new individuals or groups [3].
Horses and ponies are know for being calm and gentle creatures. Like humans, however, each one of them has their own unique personality.
The Industry
There are hundreds of riding schools and travelling pony companies across Australia.
The industry exists solely for human entertainment, pleasure, and fun. If we look at it from the perspective of what the animals experience and demonstrate, we have to take into consideration if they are benefiting from it also. According to Dr Bidda Jones* from the RSPCA, there is little evidence that horses benefit from humans using them for entertainment [4].
*Dr Bidda Jones - BSc(Hons), PhD, Grad Dip Publishing; Honorary Associate Sydney School of Veterinary Science; Chief Science and Strategy Officer, RSPCA Australia
Working in the Heat
Stabling and Stereotypic Behaviours
Life on the Road
Injuries and suffering
Life after riding
What can you do?
As consumers, we hold the power to end the suffering of animals in the horse and pony riding industry. Without our money, these facilities, events, and activities would simply cease to exist, freeing the animals from a lifetime of misery.