Better Beginnings is a BHF initiative focusing on the improved management and welfare of the young horse from conception to 2 years through the lens of the increasing threat to equestrianism’s social license to operate. The purpose of the project is to address and improve equine sustainable welfare with a new approach, by improving breeding and production practice, up to the age of two, when the growth plates fuse. Giving horses the very best start to ensure a long and happy life for our equine partners.

Dr Jane Hastie (nee Nixon) explains that ‘Changing long held practices and beliefs and even changing the way we look at what we do is difficult but, where we can make small changes that will improve the lives and wellbeing of our equine partners, it’s up to us do everything we can.‘