19/04/2025
At the beginning of April, Debbie and I accepted an invitation from Proyecto Caballo to attend a two-day gathering in Spain, where fifteen participants explored concepts that go Beyond Welfarism. This topic holds deep significance for me, particularly when it comes to the welfare of horses. The event provided an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the connection between humans and horses and to explore ways to improve their lives.
I would like to thank the organizers and especially Carlos Ganzabal for inviting us to the meeting. The accommodation, food and hospitality was perfect.
From the PROYECTO CABALLO website: As legal guardians of equines, we believe it is our moral duty to confront the loss of freedom imposed by domestication.
During our visit we engaged in discussions and collaborated on a White Paper aimed at redefining the future of equine welfare. Participants from various countries joined these conversations, exploring fundamental questions about human interactions with equines, including:
• The pursuit of power and control
• The desire for adrenaline and excitement
• The influence of social status and belonging
• The genuine care, love, and need for connection
Over two days, we engaged in brainstorming sessions to delve deeper into these themes, examining how domestication impacts horses both physically and emotionally.
I quote again from the PROYECTO CABALLO website: We acknowledge that restricting equine freedom—confining them behind fences, no matter how spacious—profoundly affects their psychological, emotional, and physical development. Much like humans deprived of autonomy, horses experience boredom, stress, and frustration, often developing stereotypic behaviors due to the lack of stimulation and the inability to express natural instincts. These limitations affect their capacity to explore, learn, and adapt, ultimately diminishing their overall well-being.
As caretakers entrusted with their welfare, we bear a moral responsibility to mitigate these restrictions by creating enriching environments that promote their physical, mental, and social health. This means providing access to suitable spaces, encouraging meaningful social interactions with fellow equines, and fostering activities that engage their minds and bodies. By implementing these measures, we can counteract the negative effects of confinement, improving their quality of life while honoring their intrinsic needs as sentient beings.
For more information, visit Proyecto Caballo: Beyond Welfarism.
