New research exploring how horse owners understand equine welfare has highlighted a strong commitment to improving horses’ lives, but also a continuing gap between understanding welfare principles and consistently putting them into practice.
The study, What Is Welfare? A Qualitative Study into Perceptions of Equine Welfare of Horse Owners, involved 341 horse owners and equestrian participants and explored their views on horse care, management, riding, training and welfare.
The research identified four key areas influencing perceptions of welfare: equine husbandry, human-horse interaction, equitation and training, and personal development and ethics.
Good husbandry was particularly important to participants, with factors including appropriate housing, access to forage and water, sufficient space and movement, turnout, social contact with other horses and opportunities to express natural behaviours all highlighted as important to welfare.
The research also identified the importance of understanding horse behaviour and recognising signs of pain, stress and discomfort. Training and riding practices were another key area, with participants highlighting the need for ethical, consistent and evidence-based approaches and access to knowledgeable coaches.
However, the findings suggest that awareness alone does not always translate into everyday practice. The researchers highlight education as an important tool in helping owners, riders and coaches develop their knowledge, question established practices and make informed welfare decisions.
For the wider equestrian sector, the research reinforces the need for accessible, evidence-based education and practical support that can help people put welfare knowledge into action, whatever their level of experience or discipline.
Read the full research
The full peer-reviewed study, published in the International Journal of Equine Science, provides further detail on the research methodology, findings and recommendations.
Read the full research paper – International Journal of Equine Science