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Horse welfare is our focus

We are a non-profit organisation, committed to providing hope for equines through
education, rehabilitation and advocacy.

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Learn about horse health

Reporting a horse

If you are worried about a horse's health, contact Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria (PHHWV) immediately on 1300 881 606

We have representatives across Victoria to take the call and talk through any concerns you have. We can provide advice and education to try and remedy problems before they escalate.

Horse neglect and abuse is an act of cruelty and needs to be called out. Together we can be the voice for these highly intelligent, sensitive and giving animals.

How to identify a horse
at risk

If you identify one or more of the following, report a horse:

Injury or disease
Trapped
Collapsed/laying down alot
Lameness
Overgrown feet
Lack of food
Lack of supervision
Lack of water
Lack of shelter
Skinny/under weight
Too fat/obese
Horses loose on the road
Concern about rugging
Poor fencing
Rubbish in the paddock
Manure filled paddocks

Click to download the article by Dr Lesley Hawson titled "Spotting the Troubled Horse"

Aged Horses

Today’s horses are living longer, this is due to a number of reasons including improvements in veterinary care, increased knowledge of equine nutrition and a lighter workload compared to horses from a century ago. Parasite control programs for horses have also improved enormously. Generally, a horse begins its golden years from 18-20 years of age. Because of the bodily changes associated with aging, older horses may require adjustments in health care, environment, and diet. Learn more about aged horses.

Founder and Obesity

Did you know it is just as dangerous for a horse to be overweight as it is to be underweight? Horses evolved to live on sparse tough grass and to be able to run fast on specially designed legs. Carrying too much weight makes the horse likely to experience:

Pain and inflammation such as arthritis
An increased risk of secondary disease and organ failure such as laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome
Poor quality of life
A shortened life span

Learn more about founder and obesity in horses.

Body Scoring

Accurately body scoring your horse is an important skill to learn as a responsible horse owner. Body scoring involves assessing the overall condition of your horse.

It is important to understand a horse’s body condition score (BCS) is not just about how much the horse weighs but also how fat is distributed. Horses with fat deposited on their rump, back, withers and neck are vulnerable to diseases such as laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome.

Learn more about body scoring and managing a horse weight.

Farewelling Your Horse

Humane destruction is possibly the least discussed topic of horse ownership. Euthanasia is often be the most compassionate and kindest outcome for a horse facing the issues that come with age. Every horse owner ought to give this matter considered thought so they will be prepared when the time comes to ensure their beloved four legged friend has a dignified farewell.

It is difficult to accept death at any time. It can be painful and traumatic, therefore knowing how to prepare and manage such a situation is very important. Learn more about farewelling your horse.

Rehoming Your Horse Responsibly

Circumstances change for all of us and sometimes this means that you are no longer to care for your horse. As a horse owners, you have a responsibility to ensure that the welfare of your horse is not compromised and that can mean finding a new home or exploring other avenues to enable you to keep you horse.

We have put together some ideas that you may not have considered when you find your self in this situation. Learn more about rehoming your horse responsibly.