Transforming Horse Welfare
UNE’s Equine Welfare Courses leading the way to future-proof the horse sector
New equine welfare courses, launched by the University of New England just over a year ago, have attracted critical acclaim from industry experts, peak bodies and students in Australia and abroad.
Developed in consultation with leading equine experts, the courses have been described as “cutting edge” with “outstanding delivery” and come “strongly recommended” by industry professionals.
The aim with these courses is to bring about improvements in the welfare of sport and recreation horses.
Applying the Five Domains Model to the Welfare Assessment of Sport and Recreation Horses
This flagship course is based on the Five Domains Model for Welfare Assessment and Monitoring framework, developed by Emeritus Professor David Mellor. The Five Domains Model supports holistic welfare assessment and monitoring.
Through a focus on how nutrition and hydration, physical environment, health and fitness, and behavioural interactions influence the animal's mental state, applying the Model has had a transformative impact on horse welfare across sectors.
The Equiculture Sustainable Horsekeeping course
This course is aimed at both seasoned equestrians and novice horse-owners, and is the first toolkit of its kind to be created that solves modern-day horse keeping problems using the concept that animal welfare and good land management are connected, otherwise known as a one welfare approach.
It’s a unique approach to designing and managing horse properties in ways that are good for the horses, people and the wider environment. It challenges traditional outdated methods, offering innovative solutions that are future-fit and build resilience.
“The Five Domains Model has fundamentally reshaped our approach to horse management, emphasising not only the physical well-being of the animal but also the importance of mental and emotional states in promoting overall welfare.
The Model has been widely adopted and had a significant impact on animal welfare research. It’s systems thinking approach allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding and easily apply the principles to animals in their care.”
Cristina Wilkins
Course creator, Cristina Wilkins, is a PhD student at UNE. Her research project aims to identify which human and horse characteristics are influencing the One Welfare outcomes of human-horse interactions, and to develop and trial an intervention that can potentially influence behaviour change and improve outcomes.
The Five Domains Model for Welfare Assessment and Monitoring framework was developed by UNE Distinguished Alumni Award winner, Emeritus Professor David Mellor ONZM.
Professor Mellor's ground-breaking research in Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics, has revolutionised the way in which animal welfare is viewed, implemented and monitored.
Cristina spoke to Professor Mellor about his life, work and the Five Domains model. The full interview can be viewed here.
Courses such as UNE’s equine welfare courses are increasingly important as society question the welfare of horses used for sport and recreation, and are being recognised as fundamental to the viability of all horse sports.
“As horse people, we all share a passion for these magnificent creatures, but it's important to acknowledge that horses also hold a special regard in the minds of people who are outside of the sector” Cristina Wilkens.
“The public’s interest in how we treat horses can sometimes seem intrusive, but we should not be surprised by their interest.”
“Ultimately, the public is asking us to consider the horse’s perspective and accordingly, they expect more than an assurance that horses are not suffering. They want proof that the horses are living a good life."
“We highly recommend these courses to anyone who has an interest in equine welfare.”
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The UNE course is internationally recognised as a provider of Continuing Education and Continuing Professional Development for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal behaviourists, and accredited professionals in Australia, the United States, Canada, UK, Ireland and New Zealand.
- Australian veterinarians who complete the course earn 25 CPD Points
- CPD Accredited by New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA)
- Veterinarians registered with the RCVS (UK), and with the VCI (Ireland) can also record CVE points.
- The British Horse Society’s Accredited Professionals, six CPD points
- Pony Club UK (PCUK) approved CPD Course
- International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC)
Are you passionate about the human-horse relationship and equine welfare?
Then the UNE short courses on equine welfare and management are ideal for you.
Learn to identify optimal conditions for horses and specific aspects that compromise their welfare.
Develop the skills you need to keep your horses healthy and happy without ever leaving their side.
Work at your own pace and develop your understanding of contemporary equine welfare.
Refine your skills to recognise if your horse is truly happy, what constitutes a good life for horses, and how you can demonstrate good welfare to others.
By taking this course you will gain confidence discussing equine welfare effectively and contribute to safer, more enjoyable horse sports for both, horses and people.
The Equiculture Sustainable Horsekeeping course, and the Applying the Five Domains Model to the Welfare Assessment of Sport and Recreation Horses course are available 24/7 online through OpenLearning, and have no prerequisites.
Testimonials
Mariana Saborido, Equine body therapist, Argentina
I’m very grateful to have attended this course. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. It is very complete, easy to follow, it has great design, great information (that I’m still processing and revisiting). It has a straightforward direction all along, each module has precise and concise information, and the plus of extra resources (which I find very useful, interesting and very science based). The practical assessment section has been very useful for me and my practice.
Carol Stephens, Owner, Split Rock Mountain Premier Agistment, Australia
I have just completed this excellent course. I congratulate Cristina and all those involved in the mammoth effort of putting it together. The course is logically structured, presenting detailed, up to date and scientifically validated information in a clear and engaging manner. This course will be of enormous value to the equine community at large, be it individual horse owners, those running equine events or equine industry organisations. Most importantly of all, it will make a significant contribution to improving the welfare of horses worldwide.
Dr Susi Cienciala, equine vet, Canada
If you are involved in the equestrian industry, it is important for you to stay current in all aspects of riding, training and caring for horses which includes welfare. This course starts off with an excellent overview of current research findings concerning equine husbandry, equine ethology and mental well being before moving into an explanation of the 5 domains model which is used to assess animal welfare.
This course should be required at veterinary schools, equestrian colleges, and pony clubs. Your horse will want you to take this course!
Chris Brooks, education consultant for Pony Club UK
I love the course; It is so clear and engaging and the amount of content for the cost is amazing.
Unfortunately, I am quite busy, so it is taking me some time to get through all the content!
Up to now, I am finding the content very clear and understandable; this must be a testament to your excellent design and delivery of the content.
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