The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), in conjunction with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and leading equine welfare charities, has launched an online forum, the first of its kind, to help share information between those involved with the health and welfare of working equids. The International Forum for Working Equids (IFWE) went live on Sept. 13, 2012.

The idea for IFWE was initially considered at the first Worldwide Equine Welfare Symposium hosted by BEVA back in 2010. The concept came to fruition this year as a result of the combined endeavors of the AAEP Foundation, The BEVA Trust, The Brooke, The Donkey Sanctuary, SPANA and World Horse Welfare.

The collective experience of the IFWE member organizations is immense and the new Forum enables knowledge to be readily shared online amongst those involved with working equids in most nations around the world.

BEVA Past President Deidre Carson, BVSc(Sydney), MRCVS, explains, "By sharing ideas, research, news and experience we believe that even more can be done to improve the health and welfare of working equids. In some instances this may result in more joint initiatives, for improved efficiency and smarter delivery. In every case our primary intention is that IFWE should help to provide the best possible care for the working horses, donkeys and mules that need our support