IHP is an independent association dedicated to the welfare of all equids. We combat abuse and ill-treatment, and work towards gaining both legislative and cultural changes that can lead to the recognition of the rights of horses. We also run factually based awareness raising campaigns.

We are against the use of horses in horse-racing, equestrian sports, folkloristic events and for commercial and/or competitive activities of any kind.
We rescue equids that have been legally seized by the Authorities on grounds of mistreatment, which we then host at our dedicated Rescue Centre.
We do not receive any public funding, nor are we reimbursed by the Public Prosecution Offices for the custody of the horses handed over to us


WHAT WE DO

Complaints: we lodge formal reports of cases of abuse and mistreatment, and support the relevant authorities in carrying out the rescue operations.

Investigations: we perform investigative activities to bring to light situations of equine mistreatment and exploitation.
Rescue: we take in mistreated horses and host them at our Rescue Centre, where we take care of them by providing both mental and physical rehabilitation.
Care: we take care of equines that have been legally seized, providing care, and medical treatment where needed, paying special attention to the overall well-being of our equine guests.
Rehabilitation: many horses arriving at the Rescue Centre have behavioural problems, due to the abuse and violence they have suffered. We take care of their psychological rehabilitation to help them to regain their balance, and restore their trust and confidence.
Adoption: once horses are rehabilitated, we find new homes for them, after thorough scrutiny of potential adopters.
Protection: we promote and support activities for the introduction of new equine welfare laws, with the aim of bettering the lives of all equids.
Information and awareness: we seek to better the relationship between humans and horses through didactic information about the essential veterinary and ethological aspects of horse care.


HORSES IN ITALY

Under Italian legislation, horses have no special recognition, even though many consider them as pets, just like dogs and cats: living beings to be loved, respected and protected.
Unfortunately, the current legislation does not recognize this need. There are no rules governing the treatment of horses in all the various areas in which they are used, leaving them be treated merely as “consumer goods”.
Equines are among the most exploited of animals because of this great variety of uses to which they can be put: from legal sporting competitions and street racing, palios, riding schools, tourist carriages, circuses, and transport, all the way to slaughter for meat and skins, and even vivisection.
Most of these exploitative and abusive practices are carried out without any thought for the harshness of the lives and deep psychological suffering of these noble and majestic animals. Current laws are largely insufficient to ensure their protection: there are no appropriate and solid regulations for the protection of equines, or enforceable punishments for those who mistreat and abuse them.

IHP RESCUE CENTER

IHP runs Italy’s first Rescue Centre for equids that have been legally seized as a result of mistreatment (Law 189/2004). The Centre was recognized by a Ministry of Health Decree in 2009.
At IHP’s Rescue Centre, the horses live in freedom, and benefit from a rehabilitation programme which addresses both physical and psychological issues. This helps in restoring them to a balanced, healthy state.
The horses at the IHP Centre live in a semi-wild state. The Association has created an environment for them that is as close to their natural environment as possible. They live in herds and graze in spacious pastures, and lead a comfortable and natural social life.