Horse Welfare – Introduction and Rationale

Introduction

At the New Zealand Pony Clubs Association (NZPCA), the welfare of the horse is at the heart of everything we do. Pony Club exists not just to teach riding, but to educate members on the care, understanding, and ethical treatment of horses and ponies.

Our Horse Welfare approach promotes safe, respectful, and knowledgeable horsemanship at every level of participation.

Rationale

Horses are sentient beings who rely on us for their well-being. Ensuring their physical and emotional health is a core responsibility of all riders, coaches, caregivers, and Pony Club officials. Welfare is not just about avoiding harm—it is about actively creating an environment where horses can thrive.

Our commitment to horse welfare includes:

• Teaching correct and humane handling, care, and riding practices

• Encouraging observation and understanding of equine behaviour

• Supporting fit-for-purpose tack, feeding, and stable management

• Promoting rest, recovery, and positive training experiences

• Upholding national equine welfare standards and expectations

By embedding horse welfare into our values, training, and competitions, NZPCA fosters a culture of empathy, respect, and lifelong responsibility, where riders learn not only how to ride but also why compassionate horsemanship matters.

A Good Life for Horses – NZPCA's 5 Domains Toolkit

At NZPCA, the welfare of our equine partners is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re proud to introduce "A Good Life for Horses – A Guide to the 5 Domains", an educational toolkit developed in partnership with Companion Animals NZ and supported by the Rodmor Charitable Trust and the New Zealand Equine Research Foundation (NZERF).

Based on the internationally recognised Five Domains Model of Animal Welfare, this toolkit moves beyond simply avoiding harm—it encourages us to actively promote positive experiences for the horses and ponies in our care. It focuses on five key areas:

• Nutrition

• Environment

• Health

• Behavioural Interactions

• Mental State (emotional wellbeing)

Filmed with the Te Awamutu Pony Club (Kihikihi Branch) and produced by Eclare Productions, the centrepiece of the toolkit is a short, engaging video designed specifically for NZPCA members. It demonstrates how to apply the Five Domains in everyday Pony Club life.

You’ll see this resource featured at rallies, in Certificate syllabi, and at coach development sessions, helping riders, families, and instructors ask the right questions:

• Are our ponies safe and calm?

• Do they have opportunities to interact and move?

• Are we enabling them to thrive—not just survive?