Ponies and horses used in trekking tourism globally face welfare challenges from overloading, inadequate rest, and insufficient veterinary care, but welfare improvement programs are demonstrating change.
Tourism ponies and horses work in conditions that can range from excellent to severely abusive depending on the operator. The economic value of the animal motivates some degree of care, but pressure from competitive pricing can drive welfare compromise. Weight limits, rest requirements, shade access, and veterinary care are the primary welfare variables. Consumer choice and operator certification by animal welfare organizations can drive improvement where regulation is weak.