Manual de manejo para cavalos militares

Abstract

The objective of this work is to produce a manual with general recommendations on the creation of horses, respecting the five freedoms of animal welfare and applying them to the particularities required of a military police horse. The recommendations set out in this manual are based on scientific work, research and literature reviews directed to these animals. Regardless of the function that the animal performs, be it reproduction, sport or leisure, the basic needs of food and health management are the same and must be treated with great responsibility by the caregivers. Although there is some literature available on the use and management of horses in the Brazilian Army, there is no single and referenced legislation for the military police, and each institution is responsible for regulating its standards, most of the times based solely on the Standards for the Control of Horses of the Army (NORCE), which do not consider the needs and particularities inherent to the routines of the state police. Currently there is no standardization or recommendations on how these animals should be raised. It is important to study and understand the particularities of breeding and work carried out by military horses, as they result in a great impact on the quality of life and performance of the troop during daily missions. From this product, the importance of understanding the species and how to offer good conditions through correct handling and daily care is highlighted, guaranteeing horses the possibility of expressing their natural behavior, thus increasing their yield during service and their useful life in the unit it serves.