Advice/Education , Comment/Statement , Research

Revealing our ambitious environmental commitments

We are proud to announce the launch of our Environmental Sustainability Strategy as first steps towards becoming net zero

Posted on 06/11/2024

Birth of first foal from rescued ‘smuggled’ Dover 26 horses

One year after our Conference dedicated to horses and the environment, we have launched our sustainability strategy, which sets out our commitment to making a positive impact on the natural world through our welfare work.

Produced with the pro bono support of sustainability consultancy White Griffin, the strategy contains eight overarching goals and a roadmap of commitments.

“Our environmental welfare strategy acknowledges the interconnectedness of the wellbeing of people, horses and the environment.

“This strategy focuses upon the ways in which we will ensure environmental sustainability is embedded in our own operations, as well as our research, education and influencing work.

“We are at the beginning of our journey into these complex connections, and we do not have all the answers. But we are committed to learning – and crucially, acting – to move forward towards a world that is kinder for people, the environment and of course horses.”
Roly Owers, Chief Executive

In the UK, part of our plan is to launch research-based land management projects at our farms, such as an environmentally friendly track system for grazing, to ensure the 300 or so horses in our care are looked after more sustainably and in ways that could even further benefit their welfare.

Plans are also in place to partner with wildlife charities to promote nature and conservation at our visitor centres.

By embracing the current environmental challenges, we aim to demonstrate our desire to improve welfare holistically and use research to develop evidence-based approaches.

Globally we work in areas where environmental impacts are felt strongly, and with this in mind, we will continue to support communities to create sustainable frameworks which collaborate rather than work against nature.

The full Environmental Welfare Strategy is now available to download now.

We also have a dedicated section of educational resources for horse owners on our website, which includes an equine carbon calculator and a webinar focused on de-worming and the environment as well as information on our UK and international initiatives for environmental sustainability.

You can watch our 2023 Conference, ‘Horses and the Environment: Friend or Foe?’, on our website today.