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The Welfare of Horses pp 125–150Cite as

The Effects of Transportation on the Welfare of Horses

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Part of the book series: Animal Welfare ((AWNS,volume 1))

Abstract

Typically, horses are transported many times in their lives, this is with the exception of the horses reared for meat. Although difficult to estimate the extent of the movement of horses worldwide, it is clear that this is a substantial and growing practice. Until recently research into the effects of the different methods of transport (road, sea and air), was limited. This may have been because it was presumed that, because of their financial and emotional value, horses experience higher standards of transportation, than other large domestic animals. The process of transporting horses includes a range of potential Stressors, and there is scientific evidence that many of these can impact upon the welfare of the horse. In this chapter, we examine the effects of the different modes used to transport horses and we offer suggestions where possible for improvements in this practice.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Natural Science, Unitec, Carrington Road, Auckland, New Zealand

    N. Waran

  2. Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co, Kildare, Ireland

    D. Leadon

  3. Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843, Texas, USA

    T. Friend

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  1. N. Waran
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  2. D. Leadon
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  3. T. Friend
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Unitec, Auckland, New Zealand

    Natalie Waran

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Waran, N., Leadon, D., Friend, T. (2007). The Effects of Transportation on the Welfare of Horses. In: Waran, N. (eds) The Welfare of Horses. Animal Welfare, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-306-48215-1_6

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