Draft horses and other equines used for logging, agriculture, and heavy work face welfare challenges distinct from sport horses. Understanding working equine welfare in draft contexts reveals both welfare risks and examples of excellent practice.
Draft horse welfare in working contexts is shaped by very different considerations from sport horse welfare. The primary welfare concerns are physical: collar and harness fit that prevents pressure sores and abrasion injuries, appropriate rest and hydration schedules, weight management under demanding work, and recognition of lameness that can be masked by the stoic working disposition that draft breeds were selected for. Heat management is critical — large body mass creates substantial internal heat production during heavy work. The tradition of draft horse logging is experiencing a modest revival as a sustainable forestry alternative; operators who embrace this tradition with genuine welfare commitment can demonstrate that working animals can be well-cared-for while providing genuine economic value. End-of-career welfare is a persistent challenge for large draft breeds, whose care costs and space requirements make rehoming difficult.