News & Research
World Horse Welfare Conference
Never just about working equids in far off countries many people prefer not to think about, the annual WHW Conference engenders thought provoking discussion on the role of horses in all aspects of global society
This year entitled ‘Horses and the Environment: Friend or Foe?’, delegates will explore the complex and varied relationship between environmental issues, climate change, humans and equids (horses, donkeys and mules).
Recognising that horses evolved – as we all did – in nature, and were then domesticated and bred according to our needs, delegates will consider how they have been used by humans to build the civilisations, cities and cultures we have today and question what impact this has had on the environment.
When do horses – and how we involve them in society today – benefit the environment, and when do they put it at risk? Can a horse be both nature’s friend and a foe? Is there a link between good welfare and a healthy environment? And what is our role in striving to ensure our involvement with horses benefits the planet?
The charity’s President, HRH The Princess Royal, is expected to attend the conference which is always a key date in the international equestrian calendar.
This year’s event, which will be chaired by Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, will see influential speakers and panellists, including politicians and equine industry experts, exploring the topic, including:
- Senator Pippa Hackett, Ireland’s Minister of State for Agriculture with responsibility for Land Use and Biodiversity.
- Ruth Dancer, Director at environmental sustainability consultancy White Griffin, which specialises in equestrianism and horse racing.
- Dr Alphonse Sene, Director of Equine Development, Ministry of Livestock and Animal Production in Senegal.
- Carol Laidlaw, a Lead Grazing Ranger working for the National Trust at one of Britain’s oldest and most bio-diverse nature reserves.
- Jenny Rogers, Manager and Trustee of Ash Rescue Centre which cares for elderly rescue horses, runs a nature conservation site and rehabilitates wildlife.
The discussion panel will further explore the theme with representatives from veterinary medicine, agronomy and sport, including panel guest Ingmar de Vos, President of the FEI (The InternationalFederation for Equestrian Sports).
The World Horse Welfare conference takes place on Thursday 9th November and is available to join online for free in English, French or Spanish by registering through the link below:
The charity is grateful to the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust for their continued sponsorship of this event.
