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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / A cross-sectional study of geriatric horses in the United Ki...
Equine veterinary journal2010; 43(1); 30-36; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00145.x

A cross-sectional study of geriatric horses in the United Kingdom. Part 1: Demographics and management practices.

Abstract: With growing numbers of aged horses, geriatric medicine is becoming increasingly important in equine veterinary practice; however, there is a paucity of information on the UK equine geriatric population. Objective: To describe the demographic characteristics of the equine geriatric population and to assess management practices undertaken by owners of geriatric horses (aged≥15 years). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, surveying a randomly selected sample of veterinary registered owners with horses aged≥15 years, using a self-administered postal questionnaire. Results: Horses aged≥15 years represented 29% of the equine population in the study area. The response rate to the questionnaire survey was 80.2%. Management practices were similar to those previously described for the general equine population. However, the level of exercise and feeding practices changed significantly with increasing age. A summary of the demographic characteristics, feeding and management of horses in a sample of the geriatric equine population is presented. Conclusions: The management of geriatric horses has a direct effect on their health and welfare and this study has provided valuable information on the demographics and management of geriatric horses and ponies in the UK. The information can be used to form targeted owner education programmes for geriatric health and should aid in the investigation and prevention of disease.
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Publication Date: 2010-08-23 PubMed ID: 21143631DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00145.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study examined the demographics and management practices of geriatric horses (aged 15 years and above) in the UK, contributing important information for veterinary medicine focused on aged horses. It revealed that geriatric horses make up 29% of the population and their exercise and feeding practices alter significantly with advancing age.

Objective and Methodology

This research was carried out to describe the demographic characteristics of the geriatric horse population in the UK and evaluate the husbandry practices performed by their owners. This was done via a cross-sectional study in which a random sample of owners with horses aged 15 years and above were surveyed. The survey was conducted through a postal questionnaire, ensuring a wide participation from different geographic locations.

Findings of the study

  • Horses aged 15 years and above accounted for 29% of the equine population in the area studied.
  • The questionnaire achieved a high response rate of 80.2%, thus providing a representative sample for analysis.
  • Management practices for geriatric horses were found to be similar to those applied to the general equine population. But notable changes were observed in exercise and feeding routines as the horses aged.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Understanding the demographics and management practices for geriatric horses provides valuable insights for veterinarians and horsecare professionals. The level of care, exercise and feeding routines directly impacts a geriatric horse’s health and welfare.

  • This research offers vital data for the formation of targeted owner education programs in geriatric horsecare. The information can guide owners on changes needed in care routines as their horses age.
  • The study’s findings will assist in the prediction and prevention of diseases commonly seen in aged horses, increasing the effectiveness of veterinary care for this portion of the equine population.

Cite This Article

APA
Ireland JL, Clegg PD, McGowan CM, McKane SA, Pinchbeck GL. (2010). A cross-sectional study of geriatric horses in the United Kingdom. Part 1: Demographics and management practices. Equine Vet J, 43(1), 30-36. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00145.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 43
Issue: 1
Pages: 30-36

Researcher Affiliations

Ireland, J L
  • Epidemiology and Public Health Research Group, and Department of Comparative Molecular Medicine, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. j.ireland@liverpool.ac.uk
Clegg, P D
    McGowan, C M
      McKane, S A
        Pinchbeck, G L

          MeSH Terms

          • Aging / physiology
          • Animal Feed
          • Animal Husbandry / methods
          • Animal Welfare
          • Animals
          • Cross-Sectional Studies
          • Data Collection
          • Dietary Supplements
          • Female
          • Horses / physiology
          • Male
          • Physical Conditioning, Animal
          • Surveys and Questionnaires
          • United Kingdom

          Citations

          This article has been cited 20 times.
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