The horses of the Unbridled herd are part of the Jefferson Family.  They are loved and vigilantly cared for.  We meet and exceed the standards of animal and equine welfare and we live on site with our horses giving cuddles, love and attention everyday.

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1. Commitment to Animal Welfare

Unbridled Equine is committed to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare in all aspects of our operations. We recognize that the well-being of our equine partners is essential for the success of our equine-assisted learning programs.

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2. Compliance with Regulations

2.1 Legal Compliance: Unbridled Equine operates in compliance with and exceeds all relevant laws, regulations, and standards pertaining to animal welfare in Australia.

2.2 International Standards: We adhere to and exceed the guidelines and principles outlined by The International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) to ensure the welfare of our animals.

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3. Housing and Facilities

3.1 Shelter: Our equine partners are provided with adequate shelter to protect them from adverse weather conditions, including sun, rain, and extreme temperatures.

3.2 Living Conditions: We maintain clean and hygienic living conditions for our animals, including appropriate bedding, ventilation, and access to clean water and food.  Our horses enjoy 24 hour turn out 7 days a week and live in stable herd groups.

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4. Nutrition and Healthcare

4.1 Nutrition: Our equine partners receive a balanced diet tailored to their individual needs, with access to quality forage, feed, and supplements as required.

4.2 Veterinary Care: We prioritize the health and well-being of our animals through regular veterinary examinations, vaccinations, deworming, dental care, and other necessary medical interventions.

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5. Exercise and Enrichment

5.1 Exercise: Our equine partners have access to sufficient and appropriate exercise and turnout opportunities to promote physical health and mental well-being.

5.2 Enrichment: We provide environmental enrichment and mental stimulation for our animals through varied activities, such as turnout in different paddocks, interaction with other horses, and engagement in natural behaviors.

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6. Handling and Training

6.1 Gentle Handling: We employ positive reinforcement and gentle handling techniques to build trust and rapport with our equine partners.

6.2 Ethical Training: Our training methods are based on principles of humane and ethical treatment, emphasizing clear communication, consistency, and respect for the individual needs and preferences of each animal. 

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7. Monitoring and Evaluation

7.1 Regular Assessment: We conduct regular assessments of our equine partners' health, behavior, and well-being to identify any signs of distress or discomfort.

7.2 Feedback Mechanisms: We encourage feedback from staff, volunteers, and participants regarding the welfare of our animals, and take appropriate action in response to any concerns raised.

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8. Continuous Improvement

Unbridled Equine is committed to continuous improvement in animal welfare practices through ongoing education, training, and collaboration with experts in the field.

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9. Transparency and Accountability

9.1 Transparency: We are transparent about our animal welfare practices and welcome inquiries from stakeholders regarding the care and treatment of our equine partners.

9.2 Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for upholding the highest standards of animal welfare and take responsibility for any lapses in compliance with our policies and procedures.

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This Animal Welfare Policy reflects Unbridled Equine's dedication to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of our equine partners in alignment with both Australian regulations and international standards set forth by IAHAIO.