Queensland Schools Animal Ethics Committee
Species-Specific Information – Horse and Pony
Species-Specific Information
for Queensland Schools
Horse and Pony
Scientific name: Equus caballus
This document is available for constant updating. If there is information
here that is incorrect or inadequate, please contact the Animal Ethics
Officer (refer to the last page) who will arrange for the document to be
updated. All updates to this document are dated on the lower left
section of each page. It is best to use the latest version.
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Species-Specific Information – Horse and Pony
Varietal range difference
A range of horse breeds are used in Australia and are classified according to activity:

Olympic disciplines (eg Dressage, Eventing, Jumping) Thoroughbred/Warmblood

Hacking/show ring - Thoroughbred/Pony/Arab

Racing – Thoroughbred and Standardbred

Farm work - Stockhorse

Endurance riding - Arab.
Physical attributes
Size: The height of a horse is taken to the top of the withers and this measurement
varies between breeds. A horse’s height is measured in hands (one hand = 10cm). A
Shetland is about 8 hands high. A Draught breed or large Warmblood is 18-20
hands.
Weight: Varies with breed from 130kg-200kg miniature horse and Shetlands to
700kg-900kg Draught breeds and Percherons.
Weight at birth: Shetland is 30 kg; Draught is 100 kg.
Age at adult size: 4 years. There is some variation between breeds.
Average life span: 25-35 years.
Gestation period: 320–345 days. Average is 335 days.
Number of offspring: One usually. On rare occasions, twins are born but usually
they have a low survival rate.
Range of breeding ages: Mares: 3–20 years. Progesterone is sometimes used to
help maintain pregnancy in mares over 15 years.
Weaning age: 6–9 months
Healthy characteristics:
Body temperature: 38.0˚C-38.3˚C. At 38.4˚C you would be concerned.
Heart rate: 30–40 beats/minute.
Respiration rate: 10–20 breaths/minute. Varies between individuals.
Environment
Space
A horse kept at pasture will require at least one hectare to provide adequate feed.
This will be variable, depending on pasture quality. Supplementation may still be
required in summer and winter. Horses stabled, or kept in restrictive yards for long
periods, require regular daily exercises. Recommended minimum size for a stable is
3.5m x 3.5 m, (3m x 3m for ponies) with a height of at least 2.5m, and for a yard, 5m
x 5m, with some form of shelter.
Movement and exercise
Pastured horses will keep themselves exercised. Horses kept confined in yards or
stables will need daily exercises or access to large grazing areas.
Fencing
Small yards should have post and rail fencing using timber, steel piping or steel
posts. Barbed wire, prefabricated fencing and high tensile fencing can cause severe
injury to horses and should not be used. Horses should be able to see fencing
material easily.
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Temperature
Horses can cope with the temperature extremes experienced in Queensland if they
have adequate water and some form of shelter. Older horses, or those stabled and
recently turned out to pasture, may require rugging with a lined, waterproof rug in
cold weather.
Light
Natural light is fine. Experienced stock people using horses for show purposes or to
influence oestrus in breeding mares sometimes employ artificial light. It is unlikely
that this need would exist in a school or college situation.
Ventilation
Horses require a well-ventilated stable without draughts. In paddocks, they need an
area to get out of the wind.
Shelter
Shelter from heat, wind and rain is required. It may be a belt of trees or the provision
of a stable. A stable 3.5m x 3.5m is suitable for most horses and 3m x 3m is
adequate for a pony.
Bedding
Bedding is only needed in a stable and should be deep enough to prevent leg
injuries. Straw, wood shavings or any absorbent material is suitable providing the
horse does not eat it.
Cleaning
Remove dirty bedding from stables at least once a day. To help control worms,
manure should be removed from the paddocks.
Food requirements
Type
A horse kept at pasture will require at least one hectare to provide adequate feed.
This will be highly variable, depending upon pasture quality. Supplementation may be
required, particularly in summer and winter. As horses are unable to digest low
quality feeds efficiently, they should be provided with good quality feed at all times.
Factors such as individual tastes, age, size and the amount of work done by a horse
will influence its feed requirements. Mature horses not in work can be maintained on
pasture if it is of high quality throughout the year. Supplementing feed for horses
usually consists of roughages such as legumes, cereal chaffs and hay and
concentrates in the form of grains such as oats, barley and corn, pellets and protein
meals.
Quantity
Horses will generally eat dry matter equivalent to about 1.5% to 2.5% of their
bodyweight per day. If the quantity or quality of pasture is inadequate, then
supplementary feeding will be necessary.
Regularity
Unlimited access to feed would only be allowed when the horse is at pasture. If
supplementary feed is supplied, then feed the horse at least twice a day. Note that
horses have only a small stomach so smaller amounts, fed more often, are
preferable to large amounts given less frequently.
Essential dietary needs (variations)
High fibre food should always be available. Lucerne hay is a useful roughage feed for
horses, supplying all nutritional requirements for a horse not in work. Horses are far
more sensitive to their feed than ruminant animals. Any changes in diet should be
made gradually, over eight to ten days. This minimises the risk of colic, especially if
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introducing grain, changing grain type or quantities. Do not feed a horse mouldy feed.
Beware of poisonous plants, in particular those palatable to horses, e.g., crofton
weed. Low fibre grains should be avoided unless treated, e.g. barley should be boiled
or steam rolled.
Water
A horse may consume up to 25–45 litres of water per day. Water and troughs should
be clean and free from contamination. Water should be available on demand, except
after strenuous exercise when the water should have the chill taken off it and be
given in limited quantities until the horse has cooled off. Horses that are limited in
their access to water will tend to gorge themselves, possibly resulting in colic.
Handling
Horses should be approached in a quiet, kind way and handled in a firm, nonhesitant manner. Schools and colleges should choose horses with calm
temperaments that require minimal restraint to perform activities. Many horses only
require a headstall and lead rope to carry out all activities (except riding) performed
in schools. A good snaffle bit and bridle should be used when horse riding.
Students are not permitted to ride horses at school due to the injury risks. Consult
with the principal. If any form of horse riding is being considered in a school setting,
then approval from the Queensland Schools Animal Ethics Committee MUST be
gained BEFORE such an activity is undertaken.
Normal behaviour
These points should always be noted when considering the behaviour of horses:
 Horses are naturally gregarious and, as such, there is a strong herd instinct.
 Horses may develop abnormal behaviours such as weaving or wind-sucking,
when kept under unnatural conditions that involve social isolation or low
roughage diets. Weaving is the lateral swaying of the head over the stable door
or some other barrier. Wind-sucking and crib-biting may be performed while
grasping a surface and involve contraction of the horse’s neck muscles and an
audible grunting. These behaviours tend to persist even when the affected
animals are managed more naturally.
 Horses in the domestic state tend to find security in familiar surroundings. This
can be likened to the security that they derive from members of the herd in the
wild state.
 Horses are essentially nervous and excitable, so there is a strong instinctive
flight response.
 Horses have individual temperaments and this should be considered when
assessing behaviour.
 Horses are naturally nervous and suspicious of anything new or strange, sudden
movements and loud noises.
 Horses kept in confined areas, such as stables and small yards, often develop
behavioural problems because of frustration and lack of stimulation.
 In the wild, horses move to keep in touch with one another. When horses are not
free to do this, they tend to develop abnormal behaviour, such as weaving.
 Horses have a small stomach and are designed to eat little and often.
 Horses that are being fed cereals should be fed small amounts at a time and be
offered high fibre forages. Otherwise they tend to develop vices such as cribbiting and wind-sucking.
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Note on the selection of horses
Horses chosen for use in schools and colleges should have a calm temperament and
be easy to handle. Horses are very much individuals and the restraint used to handle
one horse may not be suitable for another. All horses used in schools should be able
to be adequately restrained with the use of a headstall and lead rope. Ultimately, the
choice of a suitable horse for use in a school should be one that does not require the
use of a twitch to restrain it for any activities.
Disease prevention
Disease control methods and internal and external parasite control programs should
be developed in consultation with a veterinarian or local QDPI&F officer. All activities
must be documented in appropriate records.
Signs of illness
Stock health should be monitored daily, or preferably more often. The first sign
noticed is a change in the horse’s natural demeanour. It may be listless or lethargic.
Closer examinations may show:
variations in:
 body temperature
 gastrointestinal functions such as diarrhoea, weight loss or loss of appetite
 urogenital functions, e.g. abortion, infertility or abnormal discharges

respiratory functions such as persistent coughing, gasping or panting; or
evidence of:
 skin condition such as lesions or abnormal growths
 a tucked up appearance, stiff gait, abnormal posture, patchy coat or loss of hair
 excessive scratching or rubbing, or
 swollen joints or limping.
A failure to thrive or grow is another sign of illness. Common ailments that may occur
include colic or internal parasites.
If the cause of ill-health cannot be identified and corrected, assistance should be
sought from a veterinarian who is familiar with horses. Any signs of illness or injury,
and treatment given, should be documented in the appropriate records.
Euthanasia
In the case of a horse becoming so sick, diseased or injured that recovery is unlikely
or undesirable on humane grounds, euthanasia must be arranged with a local
veterinarian or a person competent in the technique for horses.
A record of deaths or unexpected adverse events must be kept and a copy sent to
the Queensland Schools Animal Ethics Committee. This information should also be
included in the school’s Annual Animal Use Report.
Movement of horses and ponies
There are a number of restrictions relating to the movement of horses and ponies. To
ensure you abide by the appropriate legislation, contact the DPI&F Agriculture. Refer
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to Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals, Land Transport of Horses,
2003, SCARM Report 62, CSIRO.
When transporting livestock there are a number of aspects to be aware of:

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




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


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There should be no protrusions or sharp edges in the vehicle, doorway, floors or
partitions. Hinges and latches should not project into areas where livestock have
access. Gates should operate smoothly and retract fully.
The floor of the vehicle should be of a non slip material.
Truck bodies, crates or trailers should be designed so as to not allow any part of
the animal to protrude from the vehicle.
The driver of the road transport vehicle is responsible for the welfare of the stock
during transport, except where the owner or the owner’s agent (Agricultural
Teacher or Agricultural Assistant) travels with the animals.
Newborn livestock should be transported in a separate compartment or at least
partitioned off from older stock.
During transit stock should be inspected 30 minutes after commencement of the
journey and then at 90 minute intervals for the duration of the journey.
Led stock that are tethered in the vehicle should not be tied too short as to allow
an unnatural stance, or tied too long to allow them to wander around and become
entangled with each other or have feet and legs become entangled in lead ropes.
Unled stock should not be transported if they are severely emaciated or drought
stricken.
Care should be taken with females that are heavily pregnant if weather conditions
are unfavourable (ie. hot, cold or wet)
Adequate shade and shelter should be provided depending on climatic
conditions.
Horses should not be transported without correct waybills and/or DPI&F travel
permits.
Spraying may be necessary if travelling between tick infested and clean areas.
Disposal/fate planning
Horses can be sold privately, at auction or consigned to an abattoir.
Carcases must be disposed of in accordance with local council regulations.
Approved activities: horses
Any teacher conducting a scientific animal activity must have:
1.a.
1.b.
2.
relevant science or science education qualification (e.g. Agricultural Science,
Biological Science),
or
relevant science or science education experience as deemed appropriate by
the school principal (generally 2 years experience),
and
competency in the particular procedure.
For new or inexperienced teachers (less than two years experience), all activities
must be conducted under the supervision of a Science or Agricultural Science Head
of Department (HOD) or suitably experienced person. In the case of small and/or
remote schools where direct supervision by a Science/Agricultural Science HOD or
suitably experienced person may not be possible, the new or inexperienced teacher
must provide a lesson plan to a Science or Agricultural Science HOD or experienced
teacher (minimum 10 years) in another school prior to conducting the activity. The
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Science/ Agricultural Science HOD or experienced teacher should discuss the
activity and any potential issues with the beginning/inexperienced teacher, and
provide guidance and mentoring on delivery of the proposed activity.
Persons deemed to be suitably qualified will have conducted risk assessments on the
procedure/s to be carried out and found the procedure/s to be safe and humane from
an animal welfare perspective as well as safe from a student welfare perspective.
When conducting the procedure, due regard must be given to the maturity and
suitability of the student/s involved in the activity.
Staff using animals should be skilled in relevant techniques and familiar with and
follow all requirements under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, the
Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes –
7th Edition 2004 and the Agricultural Industry codes (SCARM codes). Particular
reference should be made to these Sections of the Code:

Section 3: Responsibilities of investigators and teachers

Section 4: Acquisition and care of animals in breeding and holding facilities

Section 6: The use of animals in teaching.
Teachers should ensure that animal users, including students and visitors are
provided with adequate prior instruction in specific activities to enable appropriate
care of an animal and to minimise risk of undue stress or harm to an animal.
If your school participates in any of these activities with horses or ponies, check the
relevant Standard Operating Procedures and ensure that your activity is approved. If
approval from the Queensland Schools Animal Ethics Committee (QSAEC) is
required, check the Education Queensland or Queensland Catholic Education
Commission websites, and search Animal Ethics.
Categories of Activities
Categories
Description
1
Activities are permitted by all students and teachers with due care for the
welfare of animals.
2
Activities may be conducted by students who have received appropriate
instruction before commencing the activity.
Routine management practices performed regularly by students following
detailed instruction and supervision. Once assessed as competent by
teacher/instructor this activity can be associated with a greater degree of
independence although will still occur under supervision.
3
Activities require a higher level of student skill than Category 2 activities before
they are attempted. They must be justified by the course syllabus.
Routine management practices, which on occasion may be undertaken by
students under close direct supervision following detailed instruction and
observation of this activity.
4
Activities must be justified by the syllabus. All these activities have the
potential to cause distress. Some of these activities are painful to the animal,
even when done properly.
The activity should only be undertaken by operators with expertise in this
procedure and which is part of routine management practices. Students will
only observe.
5
Written permission must be sought from the QSAEC if students are to observe.
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Please note:
The categories of activities explained above are used with these activities.
Note: When carrying out several operations on the one animal at the one time, plan
the operations so that the one causing most stress is performed last.
Observations of the normal behaviour of animals: Category 1
It is important to realise that horses are large animals and care must be taken when
making observations at feeding time. When being fed, horses may show aggressive
behaviour if they are establishing an hierarchical order.
A safe paddock or stable set up is suitable for observations.
A horse may be obtained from a reputable dealer or stud. It is preferable to lease a
horse for a school term and return it before the holidays.
Capture, restraint and handling: Category 2
Only horses with sound, calm temperaments should be used for students to handle
and restrain. A firm, quiet approach to horse handling should be emphasised. Most
horses should not need the use of a twitch for restraint except for some veterinary
procedures.
Most horses will allow themselves to be caught and, once trained, will lead by a
headstall. For horses difficult to catch, a feed enticement is a useful aid.
A smaller, solidly built catch yard can be used
adjacent to the main paddock. Generally, trying to
corner horses will only lead to the flight response that
could be potentially dangerous to both horse and
handler. Although horses have a wide field of vision,
they have a blind spot to the rear that needs to be
considered. Always approach a horse at an angle so
that it can see you and speak so that the horse is not
startled.
Restraint will depend on the activity being carried out.
Quick release knots should always be used when
tying up horses. Most horses will tie up by a headstall
if trained to do so. A solid structure should always be
used as the hitch. A piece of baling twine, used
between hitch and lead rope, will minimise injury to
the horse and gear breakages if the horse pulls back.
Use of cross ties will minimise the ability of the horse
to pivot around a central point when being handled. A
cross tie involves tying the horse from both sides of its headstall. Lifting up one leg of
the horse will enable another person to more easily handle one of the other legs for
clipping or application of surgical dressings. A crush with solid sides is preferable so
that the horse cannot get its legs caught.
After training, horses can be easily led by the head. To encourage an untrained
horse to move forward, a pat on the belly, can be used. Never get into a tug of war
with the horse, as 500kg will always win!
Non-invasive measurement of
body weight:
body condition:
growth:
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Category 2
Category 2
Category 2
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body proportions:
pulse:
respiration:
Category 2
Category 2
Category 2
All these procedures should be able to be carried out with the horse held or tied up
with a headstall and lead rope. The use of a crush or nose twitch should not be
necessary. Choose a horse that is accustomed to these procedures and has a quiet
disposition. Measurement can be made before and after exercise.
Training for competition or showing: Category 3
To minimise risks for the handler, horses used in schools should have calm
temperaments. They should be able to be handled with headstall and lead rope.
Horses requiring more restraint are not suitable for use in schools. Students need to
be very familiar with the use of: headstall and lead rope, saddle, lunge rein and
bridle. They need to be supervised and well trained in the use of this equipment.
Collection of faeces and urine samples: Category 2
Collection of faeces and urine will require minimal restraint of a horse. Before
collecting samples ensure that hands are thoroughly washed. When collecting faeces
and urine samples, gloves should be worn and hands thoroughly washed after
completion of the activity.
Administering treatments: Category 3
It is important to maintain a program of vaccination and control of all internal
parasites for all horses. When treating for internal parasites, all animals should be
treated at the same time and pastures should be rotated in conjunction with the
drench program. These programs need to be documented in the appropriate records.
When using vaccines, drenches or any other animal care chemicals, care must be
taken and noted about the following:
 reading all labels
 maintaining appropriate storage
 adhering to withholding periods
 determining the weight of animals
 determining the correct dose rate
 using protective clothing if required.
Administering vaccination injections to horses should be carried out in a quiet, firm
manner. A headstall and lead rope should be used and some animals, adverse to
needles, may need to be twitched. For tetanus and strangles, use vaccines. For local
disease incidence, seek advice from a veterinarian.
Coat care and grooming: Category 2
Grooming is an excellent method of gentling the animal and is necessary for show
preparation. The type of restraint required depends on the type of animal being
groomed.
Coat clipping: Category 3
Some horses may be extremely sensitive to the use of electric clippers, especially for
body clipping. If horses need to be restrained for coat clipping, the use of a nose
twitch or tranquilliser should only be used following advice from a veterinarian.
Generally, horses can be restrained using a headstall and lead rope.
Loading and unloading animals onto transporters: Category 3
Before students are involved in transporting horses, they should be used to leading
horses and bandaging their legs. At least in the initial stages, use horses that are well
used to being trucked or floated and trained to load and unload calmly and willingly.
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Involve students in initial float training of young horses, only after they have obtained
considerable skills in handling horses. Do this in a calm, quiet manner under close
supervision. Whenever possible, emphasise the importance of step-by-step learning
for the horse.
Fire branding of horses: Category 4
Freeze branding of horses: Category 4
Limited by the requirements of breed societies.
Branding causes pain and, if it is required, it should only be carried out by an
experienced person. Thoroughbred horses, both AJC and Stud Book registered, use
freeze brands. Other breed societies use fire brands.
Artificial insemination: Category 5
Semen collection: Category 5
Pregnancy diagnosis: Category 4
The diagnosis of pregnancy in horses is made by rectal palpation and ultrasound.
Diagnosis would only be carried out by a veterinary surgeon because of the danger
of rectal tears.
Microchip tagging: Category 4
A veterinarian must perform this procedure. Antiseptic conditions and local
anaesthetic must be used as improper implanting can lead to serious trauma or
infection in the horse.
This method of identification is especially useful when skin brands are illegible.
Resources and links
Websites
Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries:
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au
Primary Industries Standing Committee Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of
Animals: Land Transport of Horses SCARM Report 62. 2003. CSIRO Publishing.
www.publish.csiro.au
Livestock virtual library, Oklahoma State University site:
http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/LIBRARY/index2.htm
Queensland RSPCA:
www.rspcaqld.org.au
The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW):
http://www.ufaw.org.uk/
University of Sydney (Faculty of Veterinary Science)
http://www.library.usyd.edu.au/VEIN/links/horses.html
Check the Resources and Links on the EQ or QCEC websites, search Animal Ethics.
Check the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on the EQ or QCEC websites,
search Animal Ethics.
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Printed texts
Berriman, E. (1992) Horsekeeping: a sane approach to the care and management of
horses, McBenny Pty Ltd, Carina, Queensland.
Edwards, E. H. (Ed.) (2001) New Encyclopedia of the Horse. Darling Kindersley
Australasia, Ringwood, Vic.
Hawcroft, T. (1984) The Complete Book of Horse Care, Lansdowne Press, Sydney.
Langley, G. (1988) Understanding Horses, Greenhouse Publications, Melbourne.
Peerage Books, (1985), Encyclopaedia of the Horse, Peerage Books, London.
Smallwood, P. (1988) The Manual of Stable Management: The Horse, Book 1,
Greenhouse Publications, Melbourne.
Smallwood, P. (1988) The Manual of Stable Management: The Horse, Book 2,
Greenhouse Publications, Melbourne.
UFAW (1988) The Management and Welfare of Farm Animals, Hertfordshire, UK.
Yabsley, G. (1983) Farming in a small way, NSW Agriculture, Sydney.
Kaus, R., Lapworth, J. and Carroll, P. (1997) The Stockman’s Handbook. 6th Edition,
Department of Primary Industries Queensland, Brisbane.
National Health and Medical Research Council, (2004), Australian code of practice
for the care of animals for scientific purposes, 7th Edition, Canberra.
Reilly, J.S. (Ed.) Euthanasia of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes, 2nd Edition,
(2001), ANZCCART, Adelaide.
For assistance on Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare in Queensland
schools:
 Check the Education Queensland website, search Animal Ethics
http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/area/science/animal-ethics.html
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