IN the July 25th issue of The Irish Field, PhD student Emma Golding introduced readers to the twin concepts of One Health and One Welfare. Pioneered by Dr Rebeca Garcia Pinillos, One Welfare is a newer, broader some might feel ‘softer’ concept.

Golding referenced the interconnectedness of humans with animals, both health and welfare – or well-being if you prefer. The emotional bond between humans and animals is strong and particularly notable with horses here in Ireland. We have only to look across the spectrum of our attachment to the horses we care for – whether as the breeder or owner of a winning racehorse, the rider of an elite sport horse, the weekend leisure and pleasure seeker, the parent supervising a child’s pony-keeping prowess.