The International League for the Protection of Horses was founded in 1927 to prevent the ill treatment of horses exported to Europe for slaughter and has recently changed its name to the Auckland SPCA Horse Welfare Auxiliary Inc. and remains committed to equine welfare throughout the country.
click to contact us at info@horsewelfare.org.nz
Tel: +64 7 8490678
Fax: +64 9 8499034
Patron’s address and President’s report from SPCA Horse Welfare Annual General Meeting of 9 August 2010.
SPCA Horse Welfare Annual General Meeting is being held on the 9th August 2010, in the Harrison Room, SPCA Auckland Education Centre at 12.00pm.
From the Patron - Dr Ian Shearer
Recently, you will have seen on the news the story of the horses at a property near Christchurch. One of the people who had the onerous task of deciding what should be done with the 22 standard-breds said to be in poor condition (6 were subsequently euthanised), was our own welfare officer, Sandra. Sandra reports that work is underway to find homes for the 16 horses that were removed to good grazing on a ten acre block. 12 other horses taken before the inspection could begin have been found and moved to safety.
While we don’t know all the facts, it is criminal that these animals should have been treated in this way. Had it not been for the concern of the neighbours many more of the horses may have had to be put down. Horse Welfare has played a significant part in making a difference - your support enables us to contribute in this way. Sincere thanks for caring.
From Horse Welfare - Sandra Shearer
A very good friend of mine who had a lifetime of experience with horses always said as winter approached (and I quote) “Hay in the barn is money in the bank”. How true that statement is.
As the cold weather becomes a reality many horse owners do not make arrangement for winter feed hoping that the grass will get them through. This winter will be no different. It is very easy to purchase hay and have some on hand. It can make a big difference to how horses feel. It is very warming and fills them up. Of course, other feed supplements are advisable as well.
Every winter Auckland Horse Welfare Auxiliary runs a virtual hay appeal, where for $5.00 a bale we fill our virtual barn up with hay. This is very helpful when we hear of hungry horses; it is an immediate solution until something more permanent can be worked out. It is very distressing to see horses with no feed milling around in paddocks that have been eaten out. Over the years, the generosity of supporters has made our virtual hay appeal very successful and this year, with your support, it will happen again.
On Friday 19 Feb, a Parelli demonstration at Upper Hutt raised just over $400 for us. For those of you who don’t know, the Parelli Program, founded in 1981 by lifelong horseman and teacher Pat Parelli, combines common sense psychology and communication techniques and philosophies for a better horse and human training method. The Parelli method allows horse lovers at all levels to achieve success without force, partnership without dominance, teamwork without fear, willingness without intimidation and harmony without coercion.
The Parellis are on a mission to make the world a better place for horses and humans, working to inspire, empower and educate through natural horsemanship. Look on www.parelli.com for more information. Pat Parelli was named Horseman of the Year by The Humane Society of the United States for his work with rescued horses.
In NZ, there are two Parelli Instructors, one of whom is Russell Higgins (who did the demonstration on 19 Feb). NZ seems very steeped in tradition when it comes to horses, and convincing people there is an alternative to big bits and force seems to be a hard task.
If you are interested in finding out more, contact Sandra Gow, Organiser for Russell Higgins - 3 Star Parelli Professional, Email: horse.savvy@xtra.co.nz, Phone: (04) 5264459 or (021) 469364, Website: www.horsesavvy.co.nz
The SPCA Auckland HORSE WELFARE Auxiliary Inc
P O Box 10368
Te Rapa
Hamilton 3241
E-mail: ilphnz@xtra.co.nz
Phone: 07-849-0678
2010 Virtual Hay Drive
Help us fill our virtual hay barn with virtual hay - for $5 a bale you can help us feed hungry horses.
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