There are indeed many stories circulating about the trading of horses both domestically and abroad. However, they often seem to be based on misunderstandings and misperceptions. In some cases, reality is even deliberately distorted or taken out of context to make the industry look bad. Hypocrisy - or should we call it ‘hippocrisy’? – never escapes this facet in today’s equestrian world. On top of that, emotions often run high, which makes a sober and objective view of the matter difficult, if not impossible. Yet we notice that even those who are passionate about the equestrian world often only know part of the story. This text is written by someone who has an in-depth knowledge of all facets of the trade, both the good ones and the not-so-good ones. Nothing is emphasised unnecessarily, nor have the darker sides been glossed over. We want to show the whole picture, the complete life cycle of the horse, as it is in reality. We shed light on the past, present and future trade, give you facts and figures, and dismantle misconceptions and distortions of reality. Horses are beautiful and noble animals that occupy an important place in many people’s lives and brings them great pleasure. However, at the end of their lives, horses can also help to provide answers to the many challenges of our time, such as: avoiding the waste of valuable, healthy and high-quality food that is suitable for human consumption, helping to reduce CO2 emissions in the food chain, using the available space economically, preserving horse breeds and further optimising animal welfare by increasing scientific knowledge about horses. If you are not a supporter of trading of horses, we have no intention of changing your mind. However, by telling the whole story of the horse trade as it is in everyday life, we do want to give you the opportunity to substantiate your opinion with the right elements. And so perhaps you will see the industry in a more balanced way. Even if you have not yet formed an opinion, facts and figures can help you to do so, with the right arguments. After all, it is not always the case that those who shout the loudest are the ones that hold the truth...

 Read the full publication here or download the PDF.