Horse Serious

In a tragic incident during the filming of Amazon’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” a horse lost its life, sparking renewed discussions about the ethical treatment of horses in the realms of entertainment and sports.

While production officials have stated that the horse’s cardiac arrest occurred before filming commenced, animal rights advocates from PETA have seized upon this event to push for the substitution of live horses on sets with CGI and mechanical alternatives.

Cinematic Evolution: Equine Well-Being In The Limelight

This incident has brought to the forefront the escalating concerns regarding equine well-being, both on-screen and in competitive equestrian endeavors. It underscores a pressing need for comprehensive changes that go beyond mere image restoration.

Evolution of Equine Welfare in Film and Television The historical use of horses in cinema traces back to the film “Jesse James” (1939), which prompted the establishment of American Humane to oversee animal safety on sets following a horse’s death from a fatal leap. Despite considerable progress, instances of horse fatalities and mistreatment continue to arise.

Tragic occurrences like the use of a blunt object to euthanize a severely injured horse during the filming of “The Man From Snowy River II” (1987) and the cancellation of the series “Luck” due to horse deaths highlight the persistent challenges.

Global Exposure Reveals Welfare Concerns The 2021 Tokyo Olympics exposed global audiences to distressing scenes involving horses, such as excessive whipping and a show jumper’s nosebleed. This event triggered conversations about equine well-being in elite competitions, resulting in heightened attention and action.

Moreover, the perils associated with horse-related activities extend to human participants, evident through a significant number of rider fatalities in horse racing and eventing. These incidents underscore the interconnected nature of equine welfare and rider safety.

Linking Welfare to Safety: Research Unveils Strong Correlation

Recent research has unveiled a robust connection between horse welfare and rider safety. A study involving over 400 riders demonstrated that horses with higher welfare scores experienced fewer accidents and injuries. Enhanced horse welfare not only amplifies safety but also contributes to a more gratifying riding experience.

Beyond Physical Health: Acknowledging Mental Well-being

Equine welfare encompasses more than just physical health, particularly in high-stress environments like film production or competitive arenas. Horses’ innate fear of the unfamiliar and the toll of stress on their mental well-being necessitate acknowledgment.

Behaviors like fleeing, panicking, kicking, and bucking are often misconstrued as unpredictability when they may indicate compromised welfare. A novel framework derived from our research aids horse owners in recognizing facets of care and training that impact welfare, offering a pathway for advancements across diverse equine sectors.

Pioneering a New Era of Accountability

The recent incident on the set of “The Rings of Power” demands a collective commitment to safeguarding horses and the industry as a whole. In Australia, the absence of standardized guidelines for animal involvement in filmed media presents an opportunity for the industry to set new benchmarks.

An essential initial stride could involve engaging qualified equine behavior experts in the recruitment and oversight of horse actors and trainers. This would ensure proper training and ethical practices while refining scene design to mitigate stressors for horses.

Implementation of these recommendations within the film and television sector would not only raise the standard for equine welfare but also inspire other horse-related industries to adopt similar practices. By prioritizing the well-being of our equine companions, we forge a path toward a safer and more responsible future for both horses and those who collaborate with them.