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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2021; 11(5); 1309; doi: 10.3390/ani11051309

Caring for the Older Horse: A Conceptual Model of Owner Decision Making.

Abstract: The number of aged horses in the UK has been growing over recent years, with many horses remaining active and being cared for into old age. However, increasing age is paralleled with a heightened risk of morbidity and mortality; therefore, owners of older horses must manage changes in their horse, making decisions about management and health care provision. In this paper, we discuss data collected from an open-access online discussion forum, where forum users sought advice arising from concerns about their older horse. Qualitative data analysis was performed using grounded theory methods. A conceptual model was developed to demonstrate the multifaceted ways in which ageing affects the human-horse relationship and impacts upon outcomes for the horse. The model reflects the dynamic nature of caring for an older horse to accommodate change over time-outcomes for the horse shift as the context of day-to-day life changes. The model provides novel insight into how decisions around older horse care are made.
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Publication Date: 2021-05-02 PubMed ID: 34063176PubMed Central: PMC8147395DOI: 10.3390/ani11051309Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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.

The research article discusses the conceptual model of owners in the UK making decisions regarding the care and management of their aging horses. The model offers a new perspective on how changes in the human-horse relationship and day-to-day life situations influence care decisions for older horses.

Research Methodology

  • The data for this research was collected from an open-access online discussion forum where users were seeking advice for their concerns about caring for older horses.
  • Specifically, the study made use of grounded theory methods. Grounded theory is a research methodology that involves formulating theories through the method of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data.

Conceptual Model of Owner Decision Making

  • The researchers developed a conceptual model illustrating how aging affects the relationship between the horse and its owner and how these changes ultimately affect the outcomes for the horse.
  • The model is designed to reflect the dynamic nature of caring for an older horse and accommodates changes over time – the outcomes for the horse shift alongside the changing context of day-to-day life.

Insight into Care Decisions for Older Horses

  • The developed model provides a unique insight into how decisions surrounding the care of older horses are made.
  • This includes understanding how aging can potentially heighten the risk of disease and death for horses, therefore making its management and care a critical issue for owners.
  • The model can also assist in shedding light on how the relationship between an owner and their horse might evolve over time, considering the horse’s increased dependency on the owner for its wellbeing.

Significance of the Study

  • The research is significant as the population of aged horses in the UK is growing, with many remaining active and looked after well into their old age.
  • Greater understanding and awareness of older horse care are required, not just for the well-being of the horses, but for the owners to be better equipped and informed about management decisions and health care provision for their aging horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Smith R, Pinchbeck G, McGowan C, Ireland J, Perkins E. (2021). Caring for the Older Horse: A Conceptual Model of Owner Decision Making. Animals (Basel), 11(5), 1309. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051309

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 5
PII: 1309

Researcher Affiliations

Smith, Rebecca
  • Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire CH64 7TE, UK.
Pinchbeck, Gina
  • Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire CH64 7TE, UK.
McGowan, Catherine
  • Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire CH64 7TE, UK.
Ireland, Joanne
  • Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire CH64 7TE, UK.
Perkins, Elizabeth
  • Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Waterhouse Building, Block B, Brownlow Street, Liverpool L69 3GL, UK.

Grant Funding

  • G2018 / The Horse Trust

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study, in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data, in the writing of the manuscript or in the decision to publish the results.

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Citations

This article has been cited 7 times.
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