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“In developing
countries inappropriate harness is the direct cause of serious injury and
morbidity
to working equines, most of which is
preventable”
Our
aim…
To educate and advise on appropriate,
sustainable methods of
equine harnessing in developing countries and to create a better
understanding
in the use and manufacture of harness systems used by
draught
animals worldwide.
Equines, for centuries have played an active role in the progress of mankind.
Currently, in the developing
world they’re still greatly depended upon as a
vital, low cost
energy source and this needs to be supported, indeed further
encouraged in the
light of a pending energy crisis……<. About
us >
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harness as seen in Kenya
Harness-aid PROJECT OUTLINE FIRST DRAFT Jan ’06
Ø
The aim of the project is to reduce the serious injury
and morbidity to draught animals (donkeys, mules, horses) caused by
inappropriate
harness.
Ø
Widespread poverty and lack of understanding of the
dynamics of draught principles have been shown to be the main
contributing factors by pilot
studies in Central America (Davis, 2005).
Ø Harnessaid has produced a simple, cheap and
efficient harness that has been designed to increase efficiency by apporx.
25% which would
substantially benefit both the owner and animal.
Ø
We believe the best way to popularise this harness would
be to hold local workshops to advise, demonstrate and teach the
simple
manufacture of such equipment, using locally available resources.
The impact of these workshops on the local economy and on the
welfare of working animals would be
evaluated by the regional university department of veterinary medicine
or agriculture.
Ø
The teaching of correct harness design and fitting
requires the expertise of experienced, professional harness makers.
International organisations concerned with animal welfare rarely have
this expertise; while animals may be treated,
the
cause of the commonest debilitating
injuries is not being addressed.
Ø
This widespread problem is central to local rural
economies. The solution is
straightforward, highly cost effective and achievable with appropriate funding,
through education and skills training
