Improving the horse-human relationship in Mexico
Together for Animals member charity World Horse Welfare’s international work with partner organisations and horse-owning communities helps the Charity to better understand the challenges that equids and their owners are facing around the world.
In Mexico, World Horse Welfare has been working in partnership with the University of Oaxaca and project coordinator and vet Dr Claudio Celaya Tónchez for several years. This project trains horse owners in equine handling to improve the welfare of their working horses, donkeys and mules.
Prior to the training, many owners – who rely on their horses for their livelihoods – admitted they were fearful of handling their animals. Owners like Bonifacio, who is a small-scale farmer, works with his horse Samson to grow organic vegetables to sell at local markets. Working horses like Samson are mainly used to pull ploughs, transport produce and collect feed for cattle.
The pair took part in the Charity’s project and Bonifacio has subsequently told World Horse Welfare that he has noticed a significant improvement in his relationship and communication with Samson, knowing what the horse needs and is thinking. Whereas once Bonifacio would be stressed if the horse didn’t act as he wanted – which in turn would stress the horse – a meaningful change has taken place and now they have a better understanding of each other. Bonifacio said they have a much healthier relationship thanks to the Charity’s help locally.