Equine sustainability
Author: Dr. Sarah O Dwyer MVB MANZVs(EM) CertAVP (Int Med) MRCVS.
There is an Irish saying that reads:
“Is idir an diallait agus an talamh a bhíonn rath Dé’
which translates to “The grace of God is between the saddle and the ground”. While there are various interpretations of this saying, my interpretation is that the space between the saddle and the ground is occupied by a horse, making that space one of the most beautiful on earth.
Veterinary sustainability is now becoming a major concern for all veterinary medicine professionals. I felt compelled to put pen to paper after recently meeting with Dr Caitlin Wood and Dr Sarah Van Dyk from Vets for Climate Action (VfCA) in Australia and Dr Nikki Walshe from University of Limerick.
While our main topic of conversation was equine parasitology, we soon digressed into veterinary sustainably, climate change, carbon footprints and the responsibility that we have as veterinarians, veterinary nurses and members of the veterinary community to contribute, collaborate, educate and support ourselves, our colleagues and our clients to move forward with a sustainable focus in mind.
Equine veterinarians and veterinary nurses are affected by climate change in their daily practice. This can be through dealing with the rising costs of fuel and electricity in our daily practice, or through treating increasing or emerging infectious diseases caused by increasing temperatures. But we can also be affected on a personal level feeling guilt, frustration or a sense of helplessness in the face of what seems insurmountable to address.
Our horses are also at risk to the effects of climate change. Every year, climate change is increasingly making its presence known in equine practice. Hotter summers, unpredictable rainfall, and shifting parasite patterns are no longer abstract concerns—they consistently show up in the horses we treat. Colic spikes during heatwaves, laminitis risk rise as grazing seasons change, and vector-borne diseases expand into new regions.
Horses are very susceptible to being displaced in episodes of extreme weather events such as flooding, storms and fires. Increased temperatures and increasing humidity mean horses that are racing or exercising can be at an increased risk of heat stress.
Reduced rainfall at certain times of the year can cause periods of drought which affects pasture and hay availability and quality, which has a knock-on effect on cost of feed.
Equine vets are often on the frontline of these events. The emotional and physical weight of emergency work, ethical dilemmas, client expectations, financial pressures, and compassion fatigue can take a toll.
Equine environmental sustainability is an equine welfare issue requiring us to look beyond diagnosing and treating horses. Responsible use of medicines, improved waste disposal, sustainable pasture management and energy-conscious clinics are essential components of our commitment to long term equine health & welfare.
Equine environmental sustainability must become a shared commitment across the entire equine community. Veterinarians cannot shoulder the responsibility alone. Owners, trainers, breeders, farriers, riding and pony clubs and national organisations all play essential roles in the transition to a better future for all.
About the author
Sarah is a veterinarian who has worked in both equine and companion animal practice. She has a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (in Equine Internal Medicine) and is a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. Sarah currently works as the Veterinary Technical Advisor at Telenostic.
