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Equestrians must take time to know the restrictions of the human perspective, when making choices on horses’ welfare, mentioned Nicolas de Brauwere, head of welfare and behavior at Redwings, whereas presenting on the Horses Inside Out Convention (17–18 February).
Mr De Brauwere spoke concerning the human tendency to anthropomorphise – attributing human traits of behaviour to an animal – and the way by being extra conscious of that and flipping it round, it might probably turn into a bonus that can be utilized to assist our horses.
He described this as “crucial anthropomorphism”, which requires folks to know loads a couple of species and present empathy and understanding, as if we have been that creature, relatively than utilizing our human preferences.
“What’s essential is to not throw anthropomorphism out, however to recognise that it’s probably harmful if you concentrate on [horses] as you,” mentioned Mr De Brauwere.
“Alternatively, if you happen to flip it round and say, ‘What if I used to be that horse?’ you turn into a crucial anthropomorphist. To be a very good one, it’s important to perceive as a lot as you may about that animal.”
Mr De Brauwere added: “When you perceive what horses want, what they’d select if they might let you know – and sometimes they’re speaking to us, we’re simply not listening – then you may recognise the issues it’s worthwhile to do to provide them the development in welfare they is perhaps in search of.”
He mentioned that to prioritise horse welfare, we have to interpret behaviour precisely, and acknowledge that the welfare and wellbeing of horses “falls on all of us”.
“We management the lives of practically each horse on the planet,” he mentioned. “That is a gigantic quantity of management.
“So once we get behaviours that begin to turn into awkward for us, we’d like to consider whether or not we are literally combating towards the basic drive these animals must do, or be, one thing totally different.
“That’s why understanding is actually essential, to really perceive a horse’s wants.”
He added: “We are sometimes the issue relating to understanding what our horses try to speak to us about.”
- Be taught extra concerning the discussions that passed off throughout day one of many convention in Horse & Hound journal, on sale Thursday 29 February
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