A Nordic survey of management practices and owners’ attitudes towards keeping horses in groups.

This research focused on the practice and attitudes towards keeping horses in groups in the Nordic countries. The survey observed that the majority of horses live in groups, either permanently or during specific times of the day, and only a small percentage are always kept alone. Most owners agreed that group housing enhanced horse welfare. However, problems such as injuries, conflicts during feedings, and difficulties in introducing new horses into established groups were identified as ongoing issues.

Survey Methodology

• The researchers conducted an online survey targeting horse owners in four Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
• The survey was translated into corresponding languages and distributed through equestrian organizations, forums, and social media platforms.
• There were 3,229 respondents, collectively taking care of 17,248 horses.

Findings on Horse Management Practices

• The findings showed that 8% of the horses were always kept alone. In contrast, 47% were kept in groups 24 hours a day, while 45% were housed separately but grouped during outside time.
• Mares and geldings were more likely to be grouped during parts of the day (50% and 51%, respectively), while stallions were often kept alone (38%).
• Yearlings were the most frequently kept in groups around the clock (75%).
• The breed of the horse influenced the likelihood of group housing. Icelandic horses were more likely to be kept in groups (36%) than warmbloods (16%) and ponies (15%).
• The purpose of the horse also affected its housing. Competition horses were twice as likely never to be housed in groups (51%), compared with horses used for breeding (20%) or leisure (15%).

Owners’ Attitudes Towards Group Housing

• A majority of the respondents (86%) strongly agreed that group housing improved horse welfare.
• Owners also agreed (92%) that it was essential for horses to have companionship with other horses.
• However, some concerns were expressed. 45% of owners were worried about the risk of injury in group housing. Difficulties with group feedings and integration of unfamiliar horses into established groups were a concern for 44% and 40% of respondents respectively.
• Lesser problems included human safety (23%) and difficulties in handling group-kept horses (19%).

Implications for Future Research

• The researchers suggested that future studies need to investigate the impact on horse welfare of being part-time group members vs. full-time group members.
• For group housing to be more widespread, future research needs to address prevalent issues related to group housing of horses.
• The authors also suggested a need to disseminate scientifically-backed information on all aspects of group horse housing, to promote further positive change in horse management practices.