Essential equine care should be evaluated in terms of the actions and activities that must happen during the pandemic to ensure animal welfare standards are met.
Below are examples of essential and nonessential equine care actions and activities.
Essential
- Providing FOOD AND WATER
- Practicing PROPER HANDLING
- Implementing appropriate HEALTH CARE*
- Providing an APPROPRIATE ENVIRONMENT for their use and protection from harmful weather conditions
- Allowing daily TURNOUT OR EXERCISE
- MINIMIZING FEAR, PAIN, STRESS, AND SUFFERING
Nonessential
- RIDING lessons, programs, or camps and any recreational riding
- MEETINGS for clubs or organizations
- VISITS TO AN EQUINE FACILITY by:
- anyone besides adn essential employee, or
- a boarder not explicitly responsible for the daily essential care of a horse
- Anything the COULD BE PUSHED TO A LATER DATE without causing undue fear, pain, stress, or suffering
* As designated by an equine veterinarian. Consult your vet regarding specific questions about your horse’s essential health care.
Information from E|H Extensionhorses.org