{"id":2917,"date":"2010-02-02T11:22:07","date_gmt":"2010-02-02T04:22:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ebarrelracing.com\/articles\/?p=2917"},"modified":"2010-02-02T11:22:07","modified_gmt":"2010-02-02T04:22:07","slug":"apha-endorses-american-horse-council%e2%80%99s-national-welfare-code-of-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ebarrelracing.com\/articles\/industry\/apha-endorses-american-horse-council%e2%80%99s-national-welfare-code-of-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"APHA endorses American Horse Council\u2019s National Welfare Code of Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"

FORT WORTH,\u00a0TEXAS<\/strong>\u2014The American Paint\u00a0Horse Association (APHA) recently became the latest equine association to\u00a0endorse the American Horse Council\u2019s National Welfare\u00a0Code of Practice.<\/p>\n

According to\u00a0APHA Executive Director, Lex Smurthwaite:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe American\u00a0Paint Horse Association is and always has been committed to the humane and\u00a0proper treatment of all horses. By supporting and endorsing the Code of\u00a0Practice, APHA\u2019s\u00a0leadership has taken that commitment to an even higher\u00a0standard. We are pleased that the American Horse Council has provided a vehicle\u00a0for all associations to join together to see that the\u00a0welfare of our horses\u00a0continues to be our primary concern.\u201d<\/p>\n

More About\u00a0APHA<\/strong><\/p>\n

Currently,\u00a0American Paint Horses are being registered at APHA\u2019s Fort Worth, Texas,\u00a0headquarters at a rate of more than 35,000 horses each year. APHA has\u00a0registered more than\u00a0958,000 horses in 59 nations and territories since it was\u00a0founded 47 years ago, and now serves approximately 85,000 active members around\u00a0the world. APHA, a non-profit organization,\u00a0prides itself on community\u00a0involvement and educating the public about the beauty and talent of the breed.\u00a0Among its many activities, APHA works to preserve bloodlines and maintain the\u00a0outstanding characteristics of Paint Horses. For more information, visit the\u00a0Association\u2019s Web site at\u00a0apha.com<\/a> or call (817) 834-2742.<\/p>\n

National\u00a0Welfare Code of Practice Endorsed<\/strong><\/p>\n

Courtesy of the American\u00a0Horse Council, November 12, 2009<\/em><\/p>\n

A national Welfare Code of\u00a0Practice has been endorsed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners,\u00a0the American Quarter Horse Association, the Kentucky Thoroughbred\u00a0Association,\u00a0the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the U.S. Equestrian Federation\u00a0and the U.S. Trotting Association. \u00a0The Welfare Code of Practice, drafted\u00a0by the American\u00a0Horse Council, outlines in generic terms what it means for an\u00a0organization to be committed to the responsible breeding, training, care, use,\u00a0enjoyment, transport and retirement of horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope that as many\u00a0organizations as possible will endorse it to show that the industry as a whole\u00a0is committed to the welfare and safety of the horse,\u201d said AHC President Jay\u00a0Hickey. \u00a0\u201cWe know that the safety and welfare of our horses is very\u00a0important to us. \u00a0We hope that this code will be another indication to\u00a0others that the horse community takes its\u00a0responsibilities to our horses very\u00a0seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n

Many associations have\u00a0undertaken studies, reviews, and initiatives that indicate their commitment to\u00a0the welfare of their horses. \u00a0Representatives from numerous national\u00a0organizations\u00a0provided an update on their welfare activities at the AHC\u2019s\u00a0National Issues Forum last summer. \u00a0That forum is available for on-demand\u00a0viewing on\u00a0www.horsetv.com<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0It is\u00a0important to share these efforts with the horse community so everyone can\u00a0educate themselves on the best welfare practices throughout the\u00a0sport. \u00a0 \u00a0This generic code is simply a\u00a0continuation of that\u00a0effort.<\/p>\n

The AHC\u2019s Welfare Code of\u00a0Practice is not intended to replace or pre-empt those activities or any rules\u00a0and regulations specific to a segment of the industry. \u00a0Rather it is hoped\u00a0that the\u00a0endorsement of a broad, more generic Welfare Code of Practice by as\u00a0many organizations as possible will be another indication to the public, the\u00a0media, federal and state officials and the\u00a0horse community that the horse\u00a0industry \u201cPuts the Horse First.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe fully support the AHC\u00a0Welfare Code of Practice and encourage everyone associated with the horse to\u00a0abide by its principles,\u201d said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the\u00a0National\u00a0Thoroughbred Racing Association. \u00a0\u201cIt is important that the horse industry\u00a0as a whole, regardless of breed or discipline, affirms its individual and\u00a0collective commitment to horse\u00a0welfare and safety. \u00a0It is equally\u00a0important that the industry communicate with one voice on this important issue\u00a0and the AHC is the right vehicle for doing so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis Code of Practice stands\u00a0to unite the equestrian community in it\u2019s commitment to protect, honor, and\u00a0ensure the safety and well-being of the horse which is the core of our sport,\u201d\u00a0noted John Long, CEO, United States Equestrian Federation, the National\u00a0Governing Body of Equestrian Sport.??The\u00a0AHC Welfare Code of Practice will also provide a guide for equine\u00a0organizations\u00a0that are formalizing a welfare philosophy and policy for their respective\u00a0organizations. \u00a0\u201cThe American Horse Council Welfare Code of Practice\u00a0provides a standard for the\u00a0horse industry and equine organizations to evaluate\u00a0their individual welfare policies and initiatives. \u00a0It clearly states the\u00a0principles necessary to achieve a level of stewardship for the horse\u00a0that\u00a0always puts the welfare of the horse first,\u201d said Dr. Jerry Black,\u00a0past-President of the AAEP and Chair of the AHC\u2019s Animal Welfare Committee.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would strongly encourage\u00a0all equine-related organizations to join us in signing the code of practice\u00a0demonstrating their commitment to continuously ensuring the safety and welfare\u00a0of\u00a0our horses,\u201d said Don Treadway, Executive Vice President, American Quarter\u00a0Horse Association. \u00a0\u201cBy agreeing to a code of practice, we send a clear\u00a0message to the public that we are\u00a0committed to ensuring our horses are treated\u00a0with compassion, dignity and respect.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope that as the Code is\u00a0reviewed more organizations will endorse it. \u00a0Our goal is to have as many\u00a0associations as possible sign on,\u201d said Hickey.<\/p>\n

The AHC Welfare Code of\u00a0Practice follows.<\/p>\n

Welfare Code of Practice?\u00a0American Horse\u00a0Council<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

American society has grown\u00a0away from its agrarian roots of only a few generations ago. \u00a0The horse,\u00a0which was once a staple of American agriculture and general transportation, is\u00a0now\u00a0used primarily for breeding, competition, sport, recreation and\u00a0entertainment, although there are still many horses used for work on farms and\u00a0ranches, and in urban areas and exhibitions.<\/p>\n

The horse industry is\u00a0committed to the safety, health, care and welfare of all horses and to always\u00a0\u201cPut the Horse First.\u201d<\/p>\n

We address equine welfare and\u00a0responsible care (1) by supporting a uniform Code of Practice regarding the\u00a0responsible breeding, training, competing, care, use, enjoyment, health,\u00a0transportation, and retirement of horses; and (2) by initiating communication\u00a0with the public, the media, federal and state officials and within the horse\u00a0community regarding these issues.<\/p>\n

Our\u00a0Commitment to all Horses and the Horse Industry <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The organizations listed\u00a0below are committed to the principle that the welfare and safety of the horse\u00a0is the guiding principle in the decision-making process for all owners, service\u00a0providers, organizations, events and activities.<\/p>\n

WE ARE\u00a0COMMITTED\u00a0to the\u00a0dignity, humane care, health, safety and welfare of horses in all our activities\u00a0and care. \u00a0These are our highest priorities. \u00a0We are the stewards of\u00a0our horses and must be firm in the standards and practices that guide us.\u00a0\u00a0Our first principle is:<\/p>\n

The welfare, safety and\u00a0stewardship of the horse is the guiding principle in the decision-making\u00a0process for all segments for the horse industry.<\/p>\n

WE ARE\u00a0COMMITTED\u00a0to promoting\u00a0responsible breeding practices and to produce better horses, not just more\u00a0horses.<\/p>\n

WE ARE\u00a0COMMITTED\u00a0to responsible\u00a0training techniques. \u00a0All training should be done with the maturation and\u00a0ability of the horse considered. \u00a0Horses should be prepared for\u00a0competition with proper training and conditioning methods. \u00a0Excessive\u00a0disciplining methods, whether in stables, training areas, or during competition,\u00a0will not be tolerated.<\/p>\n

WE ARE\u00a0COMMITTED\u00a0to educating\u00a0owners, trainers, veterinarians, competitors, exhibitors and recreational\u00a0riders to ensure that they know and respect their horse\u2019s abilities\u00a0and limits,\u00a0and their own, so as to not push the horse or themselves beyond their ability\u00a0level.<\/p>\n

WE ARE\u00a0COMMITTED\u00a0to making all\u00a0competitions fair and ensuring all competitors an equal opportunity to\u00a0succeed. \u00a0 Performance-enhancing drugs, practices or equipment\u00a0have\u00a0no place in competitions or exhibitions. \u00a0Effective drug testing by\u00a0accredited laboratories is essential to the safety and welfare of our horses\u00a0and the public support of competitions,\u00a0with appropriate penalties levied for\u00a0violations. \u00a0The welfare of the horse must take precedence over the\u00a0demands or expectations of owners, breeders, trainers, sellers, buyers,\u00a0organizers,\u00a0sponsors, officials, or spectators.<\/p>\n

WE ARE\u00a0COMMITTED\u00a0to the welfare\u00a0of the horse as paramount during competition. \u00a0The horse industry should\u00a0invest in the infrastructure, environment and facilities to\u00a0provide a safe\u00a0environment for all horses in all activities, whether breeding, competing, or\u00a0simply riding. \u00a0Any facilities that house horses should be committed to\u00a0the appropriate care and\u00a0treatment of all horses while in their facility, and should\u00a0be designed with the environment and the intended use of the horse in\u00a0mind. \u00a0??WE\u00a0ARE COMMITTED\u00a0to\u00a0minimizing\u00a0injuries to horses during training, competition, use, or work.\u00a0\u00a0Whenever possible injury data should be collected, documented and reported to\u00a0the governing body of the competition or\u00a0any other injury database for analysis\u00a0in order to ensure a safer environment.<\/p>\n

WE ARE\u00a0COMMITTED\u00a0to the\u00a0continual review, evaluation and improvement of all rules, regulations,\u00a0policies and practices in all equine \u00a0activities, based on science (where\u00a0indicated). \u00a0When warranted, they should be refined or changed. \u00a0This\u00a0includes existing practices to ensure they are not being perceived as\u00a0acceptable, particularly if new research has\u00a0called them into question.<\/p>\n

WE ARE\u00a0COMMITTED\u00a0to providing\u00a0continuing education on all activities involving horses and eliminate inhumane\u00a0practices as well as strengthening sanctions for non-compliance.<\/p>\n

WE ARE\u00a0COMMITTED\u00a0to educating\u00a0all people who own or work with horses to ensure they are knowledgeable in the\u00a0proper husbandry, care, and handling of horses. \u00a0 Each\u00a0horse should\u00a0be observed frequently to ensure that they are healthy. \u00a0In consultation\u00a0with a veterinarian, all such individuals should develop a sound health care\u00a0program, appropriate to\u00a0the facilities, environment and needs of the horses.<\/p>\n

WE ARE\u00a0COMMITTED\u00a0to providing\u00a0an environment in which anyone aware of equine cruelty or neglect is willing to\u00a0report it to the proper local, state or federal authorities.\u00a0\u00a0Should an\u00a0incident occur at an event it should be reported to judges, stewards,\u00a0responsible authorities or the sanctioning organization.<\/p>\n

WE ARE\u00a0COMMITTED\u00a0to improving\u00a0the health and welfare of horses through scientific research, collaboration,\u00a0advocacy and the development of appropriate rules. \u00a0The\u00a0industry should\u00a0continue to support and work with the many individuals, universities,\u00a0veterinarians and foundations doing and funding equine health and welfare\u00a0research in order to\u00a0reduce injuries and improve health.<\/p>\n

WE ARE\u00a0COMMITTED\u00a0to horse owners\u00a0and caretakers ensuring horses in their care are current on vaccinations and\u00a0following best practices to minimize infection and\u00a0disease.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0When a disease outbreak occurs horse owners\u00a0and events must act quickly and responsibly, monitor the horses, report the\u00a0outbreak to, and cooperate with, veterinarians, authorities,\u00a0facility\u00a0management and all stakeholders to bring a rapid resolution to the outbreak.<\/p>\n

WE ARE\u00a0COMMITTED\u00a0to ensuring\u00a0that our horses will have an opportunity to transition to additional careers,\u00a0uses or activities as the need arises. \u00a0When necessary, owners\u00a0and\u00a0veterinarians may have to consider end-of-life decisions. \u00a0The welfare,\u00a0safety and dignity of the horse must continue to be the guiding principle in\u00a0deciding how and when to provide\u00a0a humane death.<\/p>\n

WE ARE\u00a0COMMITTED\u00a0to being\u00a0transparent about our activities in order to ensure the public, the media,\u00a0federal, state and local officials and the various segments of the horse\u00a0community understand what we do, why we do it, and support it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

FORT WORTH,\u00a0TEXAS\u2014The American Paint\u00a0Horse Association (APHA) recently became the latest equine association to\u00a0endorse the American Horse Council\u2019s National Welfare\u00a0Code of Practice. According to\u00a0APHA Executive Director, Lex Smurthwaite: \u201cThe American\u00a0Paint Horse Association is and always has been committed to the humane and\u00a0proper treatment of all horses. By supporting and endorsing the Code of\u00a0Practice, APHA\u2019s\u00a0leadership has taken […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2917","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-apha","category-industry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ebarrelracing.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2917","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ebarrelracing.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ebarrelracing.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ebarrelracing.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ebarrelracing.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2917"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.ebarrelracing.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2917\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2918,"href":"https:\/\/www.ebarrelracing.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2917\/revisions\/2918"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ebarrelracing.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2917"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ebarrelracing.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2917"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ebarrelracing.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2917"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}