Sustainable Equine Futures
Currently under development by Vets for Climate Action!
Climate change isn’t just a future problem — it’s already affecting the way we live, work, and care for horses.
- Horses are at high risk of being displaced, injured or killed in extreme weather events like floods and bushfires.
- Rising temperatures and increased humidity affect racehorse and sport horse performance, as overheating can lead to reduced stamina and higher risk of heat stress.
- Droughts and irregular rainfall patterns reduce the availability and quality of pasture and hay, leading to increased feed costs.
- The changing climate and weather are causing an increased incidence and shifting distribution of infectious diseases affecting both horses and humans, e.g. Hendra virus, Ross River virus, Murray Valley encephalitis, and Japanese encephalitis.
Sustainable Equine Futures is an equine-focused Emissions Reduction Program. The aim of this program is to educate and empower the Australian equine sector to make meaningful changes towards providing more sustainable veterinary care, reducing carbon emissions, and advocating for environmental responsibility across veterinary, community, and industry groups.
This novel program will provide a solid foundation in climate literacy and explore how rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation are reshaping animal health, veterinary operations, and the broader agricultural sectors in Australia.
Phase 1: Empowering Equine Veterinary Teams in Sustainability
Veterinary teams are among the most trusted professionals in the community and play a vital role in the equine sector. Their commitment to animal health and welfare naturally extends to protecting the environment, as healthy animals rely on healthy ecosystems. Advocating for environmental sustainability aligns with the responsibility of preventative veterinary care and reflects the principles of One Health - recognising that the health of animals, people, and the environment are deeply interconnected.
To ensure long-term resilience and environmental responsibility, the Australian equine sector must begin integrating sustainability practices now - before external pressures demand more reactive and potentially disruptive changes.
The program will offer clear, proven strategies to help you on your journey, ensuring your clinic’s policies and operations are climate-resilient and positioned for a healthy, sustainable future.
What does that look like?
✨ Ongoing clinic access and support to complete the Climate Care Program for Equine Teams
✨ Toolkit of quick tips and relevant resources for sustainable veterinary practice strategies
✨ A framework for ongoing carbon reporting and emission reduction strategies
✨ Support with sustainable goal setting and tracking progress
✨ Facilitated peer learning through buddy and mentoring initiatives
✨ Invitations to exclusive webinars and workshops
✨ Opportunities to showcase your practices progress
Benefits of becoming a member of Sustainable Equine Futures
✔️ Reduce your clinic’s carbon footprint
✔️ Lower operational costs (e.g., energy savings, waste reduction)
✔️ Attract eco-conscious clients and build brand leadership
✔️ Boost team morale and pride
✔️ Earn CPD points and enjoy a tax-deductible membership
✔️ Gain support, tools, and mentoring to become a sustainability leader in the equine sector
Sounds interesting?
Help us tailor the best possible program for Australian equine veterinary teams.
👉 Please complete this short survey to share your thoughts and register your interest to become a Sustainable Equine Futures Pilot Practice!
Any questions?
Contact Caitlin at [email protected]