As a species, humans, all humans, are responsible for making humane and ethical choices in regards to the care and welfare of equines, and indeed, all animals.
This premise overrides 'ownership' of individual
animals and places an obligation upon the shoulders of all of us to ensure that those who do not abide by, or practice common decency in their role as custodian of an equine/s are educated, supported, and as a last resort, prosecuted for any conscious and wilful acts of neglect or cruelty.
It is up to us as a society to impress upon our peers standards and attitudes towards equine welfare which reflect the humane and cruelty-free society in which we all wish to live.