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Health and Welfare

As representative of the largest breed percentage of the Canadian herd, the Canadian Quarter Horse Association (CQHA) places utmost importance on positioning itself to advocate for the well being of horses in Canada.The CQHA aims to educate Canadians on the premises of good animal husbandry and sound horsemanship.

The CQHA has taken an active role in developing the resources below, which define and outline the standard of care that is required and which all equines are entitled to.

The Canadian Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines
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The Codes of Practice are national developed guidelines for the care and handling of farm animals. They serve as our national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended practices. Codes promote sound management and welfare practices for housing, care, transportation and other animal husbandry practices.

The Canadian Quarter Horse Association was represented during the drafting of these codes of practice by way of Equestrian Canada’s nomination through their Health and Welfare Committee; Laurie Haughton was at the time and is now a CQHA director (as documented in appendix L of the linked document.)

 

 

AQHA's Statement of Position on Animal Welfare
AQHA's Statement of Position on Animal Welfare

Per AQHA’s mission statement, every American Quarter Horse shall, at all times, be treated humanely and with dignity, respect and compassion.

Recognizing that animal welfare is the single most important issue facing the equine industry today, the AQHA Executive Committee created the Animal Welfare Commission in 2012. The Animal Welfare Commission serves as AQHA’s primary body for rules, policies and procedures related to all areas of animal welfare. In addition, the commission oversees the educational processes associated with AQHA officials responsible for animal welfare.

 

Equestrian Canada, Health & Welfare Committee
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The Canadian Quarter Horse Association (CQHA) is a member of Equestrian Canada (EC) through the “Breeds & Industry” division.

The health and welfare of horses in Canada is of the highest priority for Equestrian Canada (EC) and the Canadian equestrian industry and community we serve.

EC supports adherence to the humane treatment of horses in all activities under our jurisdiction.

CQHA has been an active member of EC’s Health and Wealfare committee since it’s inception, and is currently represented on the committee by CQHA past president Wayne Burwash DVM.

Online Equine Codes of Practice Training​

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 The project presented by the Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada, includes a series of 10 animal care educational videos, reference resources and assessment checklists that cover all aspects of horse ownership and care.
 
The full training may be completed in less than 5 hours.
 
The program is FREE, however Certification is available upon request.
 
 

National Biosecurity Standard for the Equine Sector

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The national biosecurity standard contains guidelines and recommendations to benefit horse owners and custodians in protecting their horses from contagious diseases; participation is voluntary.. A companion document (a biosecurity User Guide) provides greater detail and practical information on specific interventions at the farm and facility level including tools to assist horse owners and custodians in developing and implementing biosecurity.

CFIA Biosecurity User Guide for the Equine Sector
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Equestrian Canada (EC) Bisecurity Webinar

Presented by Equestrian Canada, the above is a biosecurity training webinar open to any horse owner, event operator or facility manager in Canada.

Participants will learn how to prevent the spread of preventable communicable diseases such as Equine Herpes Myelitis and Strangles, and will leave the workshop with a draft biosecurity plan for their facility or event.

EC's Sample Biosecurity Protocols