Animalweb expert Dr Linda Greening has launched a new nationwide questionnaire investigating how light is used and managed at equine yards across the UK, and she’s calling on all horse owners to take part.
The study, supported by the British Horse Society, is the first of its kind to explore the impact of natural and artificial lighting on horse management. Despite light being a critical regulator of rest and activity in mammals, it’s a topic that has received little attention in equine husbandry.
“We are pleased to be launching a new collaborative study into the use of light on equine yards in the UK,” said Dr Greening. “Light exposure plays a key role in the regulation of sleep and activity patterns, yet we know very little about how it’s being managed in everyday horse care.”
The questionnaire takes just five minutes to complete and is open to anyone who keeps or manages horses at a UK equine establishment – from livery yards and riding schools to private homes and professional setups.
The project was officially launched at this year’s Alltech Hartpury Conference and forms part of a broader body of work Dr Greening is developing around equine sleep and management practices, which she will also be discussing in an upcoming Animalweb webinar.
Take Part in the Survey Here
If you’d like to find out more, contact Dr Linda Greening directly at linda.greening@hartpury.ac.uk.