The 5th
International Colloquium on Working Equines took place at the Ghion hotel in
the centre of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on the 28th Oct – 2nd
Nov 2006.
It
was organised by the U.K. based Donkey Sanctuary from Sidmouth, Devon who are
to be congratulated for their many months of hard work in bringing together,
under one roof, so many prominent professionals, scientists from university
departments, societies and animal welfare charities.
185
people attended to listen to presentations given by experts in their field on a
wide range of subjects in connection with draught animal welfare issues in
developing countries. Over a four-day
period of debate, analysis and prognosis of working equines in poorer regions
of the world, it was made clear that although progress was being made there’s
still a long way to go!
Throughout
the proceedings reference was frequently made to the injuries received as a
result of “inappropriate” harness.
There has
been for some time considerable uncertainty into what constitutes “appropriate
harnessing” This is borne out by the lack of continuity in harness design,
fitting and construction methods in developing countries emphasizing an urgent
need for a consensus amongst interested parties into what form harness
should take.
It needs to be understood
that regardless of type, all harness must comply with set criteria in order to
be effective.
Listed
below are just a few relevant technical questions relating to the composition
of harness that give rise to confusion. In the interests of consistency and a
better understanding of harnessing methods your comments would be most welcome
and appreciated.
(1) What should appropriate harness comprise
of?
(2) Should blinkers be used?
(3) Which is preferable – Breast collar / Full
neck collar?
(4) Should collars be open topped or closed?
(5) Should long or short traces be used? How
should they attach to the vehicle?
(6) Is a crupper dock necessary?
(7) Should false or full breeching be used?
(8) How effective are swingle trees?
(9) What materials are most suitable?
(10)
Which defining feature takes precedence? Cost, efficiency, simplicity
Questions
such as these need to be resolved to avoid continued confusion and to create a
coherent agenda that’s understood by both field-operators and recipients alike
in the
transference
of this technology to developing countries. Until an acceptable solution is
found the use of inappropriate harness will continue to injure draught animals
and restrict their ability in reaching their full potential.
Feedback
regarding all aspects of harness development is most welcome.
T. Davis ( Harness-Aid)
Tele. 01694 781206
Email : harnessaid@yahoo
co.uk