Before addressing ways to be proactive, it is important to understand the basic philosophical difference between animal rights and animal welfare.

Animal Welfare. Those who subscribe to animal welfare philosophies believe that humans have the right to use animals but along with that right come the responsibility to provide proper care and treatment to the animals. Animal welfare proponents work to improve conditions for animals ensure that all animals are provided proper care and treatment.

Animal Rights. Those who believe in true animal rights philosophies don't believe humans have the right to use animals - period. A quote from actress Kim Bassinger testifying before Congress about animals in entertainment sums up the believe of animal rights supporters, she said, "It's simple. We do not have the right to use other creatures for pleasure or profit."

Where does that leave the individual horse owner and the horse industry? With the responsibility to insure that the activities we enjoy or sanction have standards of care to allow for the proper care and treatment of the animals involved. It also leaves horse industry proponents with the responsibility to become involved in legislative and regulatory activities that affect us and not allow those who wish to end all animal use create legislation and regulation that will negatively affect our industry.

Following are some of the actions horse proponents can take to insure that the right to use horses in entertainment, recreation, industry and sport is preserved while the welfare of horses used in these activities is kept at the forefront.

Research animal organizations before supporting them. Before you donate money to an animal charity, do your homework. Find out if that organization supports the type of activity that you enjoy, or if they support bans on uses of animals. Many people confuse The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the ASPCA with their local shelters. HSUS, ASPCA and many other humane groups work to ban rodeo, circuses, hunting and many other uses of animals. The safe bet is to contact your local animal shelter, horse rescue or humane society and find out about the work they do and volunteer your time and donate money if they truly help animals. There are many truly great animal organizations who need support, but do your research before granting them that support.

Utilize veterinarians as the experts. When questions concerning the care and treatment of horses arise ask your local veterinarian, state veterinarian's office or organized veterinary organization. Most veterinary organizations such as the American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Veterinary Medical Association and affiliated state chapters have vast resources on the subject and of animal welfare and can serve as excellent resources.

Get involved in the process. Let your voice be heard before there is a legislative or regulatory issue that affects you. Find out if local, state and federal candidates support the horse industry before elections and vote for those who do. Join horse organizations such as the Colorado Horse Council, Back Country Horseman and local horse councils and other local organizations that work to preserve your right to enjoy your horse on your property in whatever discipline you support. Attend local government and zoning meetings and get to know your elected officials before a problem arises.

Create animal welfare standards. Does your association or club have regulations in place to deal with members that may be improperly treating their horses? If not, create these regulations and send a message to the general public that your group does not tolerate abuse of any type. Rules and regulations must have enforcement procedures and punishment in place for those who break these rules. All horse organizations should have policy statements regarding equine welfare and have these and animal welfare rules available for the media or public.

Being proactive regarding the welfare of horses used in entertainment, industry, sport and recreation can strengthen the horse industry, improve the treatment and care for the horses involved and successfully block attempts by animal rights extremists to regulate or ban horse activities.