Horse Guest Speaker Notes

Question 1

What are the CATEGORIES of animal abuse for horses?
N-I-I-L

Answer 1

1. Neglect
2. Large-scale neglect (hoarding)
3. Illegal roping/rodeo events (horses, donkeys, livestock, etc.)
4. Intentional Infliction of Injuries (not consistent w/ history)

Question 2

Initial Exam: What are the FIRST STEPS In Recognizing Abuse or Neglect?

Answer 2

1. Examine the horse
   -Capture findings with photos from all angles and videos to document inability to move, vocalizing, aggression, etc.)
2. Investigate the situation
   -Speak w/ the horse owner, caretaker or others familiar with the situation
   -Search for and document deceased horses
   -Note the condition of other species on the premise

Question 3

ON FINAL: What are the thorough assessments you must complete when you’ve identified the horse is abused…(HEAPU)

Answer 3

-Horse Identification

-Physical Examination including body condition

-Evaluation of routine horse care (nutrition, housing, parasites, grooming, hoof care, etc.)

-Untreated injuries

-Assessment of Training Methods (spectrum of abusive to humane methods)

Question 4

ON FINAL: ASSESSING RISK- CLINICAL HISTORY FOR OWNER/MANAGER BEHAVIOR

Answer 4

-Low Risk
(owner seems concerned as is willing to improve the situation)

-Medium Risk
(seems indifferent to animals condition and is reluctant to improve situation

-High Risk
(owner is hostile to recommendations, unwilling to make improvements, refusal to seek medical advise/attention

Question 5

Equine Quality of Life Assessment Includes…

Answer 5

-Does not interact with the other horses as they had previously

-Having diarrhea often (more than 3 days!)

-Experiencing pain

-Needs help moving/getting up (struggles to rise from lying down)

-Not eating it’s normal amount of hay or forage (significant hay is being left)

-Looking at horses facial expressions can give an indication of pain assessment!

-Is not drinking enough water

Question 6

What are the 4 key INDICATORS of Equine Abuse?

Answer 6

-Overgrown hooves

-Untreated injuries

-Very thin/obese body condition

-Lack of coat care/grooming care for hooves

Question 7

When assessing OVERALL risk of abuse, look at the following…

Answer 7

-Nutrition

-Dentistry

-Housing/Environment

-Waste Management

-Grooming

-Hoof Care

-Untreated Injuries?

-Arthritis