Horse and rider © Benkert
The ethical principles of horse keeping
- Whoever deals with the horse takes responsibility for the living creature entrusted to him
- The attitude of the horse must be adapted to its natural needs.
- The physical and mental health of the horse must be given top priority, regardless of its use.
- One must respect every horse equally, regardless of its breed, age and sex, as well as its use in breeding, leisure or sport.
- The knowledge of the history of the horse, its needs as well as the knowledge in handling the horse are cultural-historical goods. These must be preserved and passed on to future generations.
- Dealing with the horse has a personality-forming meaning, especially for young people. This importance must always be observed and encouraged.
- The person who practices sport together with the horse must train himself and the horse entrusted to him. The goal of any training is the greatest possible harmony between man and horse.
- The use of the horse in competitive and general riding, driving and vaulting sport must be based on its disposition, its performance capacity and its willingness to perform. The influence on the horse's performance through medication or other influences of humans that are not appropriate for the horse is to be rejected and must be punished.
- The responsibility of man for the horse entrusted to him extends to the end of the horse's life. This responsibility must always be met by man in the interest of the horse.
In summary, it is the obligation of every person who has to deal with horses in any way to care for the well-being and the species-appropriate keeping of the horse and to bear responsibility.
