Peter Härnstam on horse welfare: The horse is never stupid; we need to learn to understand them better!
Understanding and working towards good horse welfare has probably never been more relevant than it is today. But what does it really mean? good horse welfare? How can one check oneself to make sure that one is one? good horse owners and riders? We have talked with Peter Härnstam, A-coach and founder of DressagePower.
Hello Peter! You have trained and competed with several horses and teams up to Grand Prix level and are an A-level dressage trainer. Furthermore, we have heard rumors that you have started 140 in jumping. That’s not a bad track record! On April 11th, you will also give a lecture for our members in the DressagePower Club on the topic of the horse world.
What does animal welfare mean to you?
”Horse welfare is about ensuring the horse’s various needs are met and always putting the horse’s needs, welfare and well-being first.”
How do you think horse welfare has evolved from when you started riding to today?
”Wow, a lot has happened!”
A lot of research has been done on horses and their needs, which has led to a greater understanding and knowledge today. I can only look to myself and how I work with these issues in my everyday life as a professional rider and trainer. There has truly been a big difference today in the way of thinking and approach to and with the horse.”
How is one a good horse owner and rider from a horse welfare perspective?
”Always putting the horse first!
Always ask ourselves if what we do in everyday life is the best for the horse and if we could do it even better. We all have a big responsibility here!”
What do you think is the most important thing to learn more about and train in order to understand the meaning of animal welfare?
”It is extremely important to understand what a horse is, how it functions in different situations, and why the horse may react the way it does in different situations. Learn more about our horses in everything from daily handling, grooming, feeding, horse health, and more. Today, we have a large number of riders and horse owners who lack basic knowledge about and understanding of horses. A horse is never stupid! We must learn to understand them better. Then, understand how to train them and have a clear plan and goal for each individual and always look out for the best interest of the horse.”
How do you think the future of the equestrian sport will look like?
”We now face a major challenge with everything that has arisen and the misbehavior that has been shown at several training stables. It is important that the horse is put first and that financial interests do not get to take over and dictate the development!”
I think we need to give the horses more time and take care of each individual and put together a good plan with a focus on good riding and sustainability.”
What will be learned during the meeting in April focused on equine welfare?
”We will talk about this topic and give our perspective based on our roles as riders, coaches, and organizers of competitions. We (me and Kristian von Krusenstierna) have a lot of knowledge and experience in various aspects of equestrian sports that allow us to see this from multiple perspectives, which is important!”
Some short tips/questions that horse owners and riders can ask to check on the well-being of their horses?
- Do you normally eat it?
- Drinking as usual?
- Does it have a normal temperature (do I check the horses’ temperature every day)?
- Does it look normal in a garden & stable/livestock yard?
- Does it feel normal in its body during visits and training?
These are things I check every day!
Would you like to join our digital meeting with the DressagePower Club that focuses on equine welfare? Then you should become a member! As a member, you will have access to four digital meetings and two physical ones for 12 months. You will meet Peter Härnstam and Kristian von Krusenstierna with guests. The following topics are discussed in the Club:
Riding and exercising
– Equestrian success
– Training plan
– Varied training
Horse welfare
– Love horses
– Train sustainably
– Hästens health
Life with horses
– Horse health
– The puzzle of life
– The team