The
2nd International Conference on the Transportation of Competition
Horses is to be held at Hartpury College Gloucestershire during the
weekend of 12th - 13th July 2003.
Mary Gordon-Watson
When I was competing in horse trials, travelling horses around the
world was a relatively rare occurrence. Now, not so many years on,
thousands of horses clock up many thousands of miles annually, whether
on the international competition circuits, transporting to studs or
race meetings worldwide, or just attending local shows.
Both horse owners and professional transporters need to be aware not
only of the best and safest ways to travel horses, but the increasingly
complex network of legislation and regulations imposed by the European
Union.
For this reason anyone who transports horses - their own or other
peoples' - is strongly advised to attend the Conference this July.
Whether carrying a single horse by road to a local show, shipping
a load of breeding stock across the water, or flying a team of fit
horses to an international event, it is vital to know how to minimise
the risks and avoid any unnecessary stress. The welfare and performance
of those horses depends upon it.
This Conference has been arranged by the Fédération
Equestre Internationale (FEI), the International League for the Protection
of Horses (ILPH) and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), because they believe it has now become
essential to bring together all those involved in moving horses by
road, sea or air.
World authorities who will present the key issues include, Professor
Catherine Kohn and Professor Fred Derkson from the USA, Dr Des Leadon
(President of the World Equine Veterinary Association), Peter Kettlewell
from the Silsoe Research Institute, Eddie Harper from the Animal Road
Hauliers Association and Emma Stamper, President of the Animal Transport
Association (AATA). Horse transporters and flying grooms will also
speak and important rules will be explained by regulators, while the
most important veterinary and welfare aspects will be covered by leading
experts in these fields.
"The conference will review transport risk factors and existing
guidelines," says Alex Atock, ILPH Consultant and Conference
Secretary. "We want to capture the views of the industry on aspects
of managing horses during movement, and assess the safety and design
of horse transport by road, sea and air"
As the movement of horses around the globe is ever escalating, much
wider knowledge worldwide is needed: the trial and error approach
is no longer acceptable.
At the top level, the 2004 Olympic Games are due to take place in
Athens in Greece, and then Beijing (China). Neither venue is experienced
in receiving elite horsepower. China in particular will need all the
assistance and advice on offer. At all levels guidelines need to be
known and established.
Vehicle and aircraft design, roll on and roll off ferry journeys and
relevant veterinary concerns and practices in the long haul shipment
of horses, all will be addressed at the Conference. Shipping agents
will explain how they ensure that your horse has a trouble free journey,
while the assessment and competence of travelling grooms will also
be considered.
Your liability when transporting horses, whether as a private individual
or as a major equestrian federation will be discussed; European and
International rules and regulations which affect YOUR horse, and disease
risks for the travelling competition horses are all on the agenda.
Last but not least the plight of old and work worn horses on their
final journey to the slaughterhouse, possibly for consumption, will
be reviewed by ILPH and American experts. Ample time has been set
aside for discussion in which you can ask the experts to assist you
with your problem.
A Veterinary Research Group Meeting, chaired by Professor Catherine
Kohn (University of Ohio), running parallel to the Conference, will
provide a forum for invited delegates to discuss new information and
research on equine transport, identify areas for future study, and
define opportunities for collaboration. An impressive number of top
researchers from North America and Europe will report on their work.
Full details and registration procedures can be found on the ILPH
website at www.ilph.org follow links
to the Transportation Conference. There are still places available
so register now to avoid disappointment !
We look forward to seeing you at Hartpury College in July.
.
|
|
