FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2023; 13(4); 748; doi: 10.3390/ani13040748

Changing Hearts and Minds in the Equestrian World One Behaviour at a Time.

Abstract: Equestrianism is currently facing a range of pressing challenges. These challenges, which are largely based on evolving attitudes to ethics and equine wellbeing, have consequences for the sport's social licence to operate. The factors that may have contributed to the current situation include overarching societal trends, specific aspects of the equestrian sector, and factors rooted in human nature. If equestrianism is to flourish, it is evident that much needs to change, not the least, human behaviour. To this end, using established behaviour change frameworks that have been scientifically validated and are rooted in practice-most notably, Michie et al.'s COM-B model and Behaviour Change Wheel-could be of practical value for developing and implementing equine welfare strategies. This review summarises the theoretical underpinnings of some behaviour change frameworks and provides a practical, step-by-step approach to designing an effective behaviour change intervention. A real-world example is provided through the retrospective analysis of an intervention strategy that aimed to increase the use of learning theory in (educational) veterinary practice. We contend that the incorporation of effective behaviour change interventions into any equine welfare improvement strategy may help to safeguard the future of equestrianism.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2023-02-19 PubMed ID: 36830535PubMed Central: PMC9952075DOI: 10.3390/ani13040748Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article
  • Review

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 research article discusses the contemporary challenges faced by the equestrian world, primarily stemming from changing views on ethics and animal welfare. The authors suggest that strategies to improve equine welfare can be developed more effectively using scientifically-based behavioural change models, providing an example from veterinary practice.

Addressing Challenges in Equestrianism

  • The authors identify a range of contemporary challenges facing the world of equestrianism, primarily related to a broader societal shift in attitudes toward ethics and animal welfare. These challenges could affect the sport’s societal licence to operate – the implicit social contract that allows equestrian sports to function with public backing.
  • Several factors that may contribute to these challenges are discussed, including broader societal trends, sector-specific elements within the equestrian world, and certain aspects of human nature.

Behavior Change Models in Practice

  • The authors argue that in order for equestrianism to flourish in the face of these challenges, significant changes need to be made, particularly in terms of human behaviour towards horse welfare.
  • As a potential solution, they suggest the use of established behaviour change frameworks that have been scientifically validated and possess practical applications. Notably, they reference Michie et al.’s COM-B model and the Behaviour Change Wheel as potentially valuable tools for developing equine welfare strategies.

Designing Effective Interventions

  • The article provides a summary of the theoretical basis of some behaviour change frameworks, and offers a practical, methodological approach to designing an effective behaviour change intervention.
  • A real-world example is provided, recounting a strategy aiming to increase the use of learning theory within veterinary practice. This serves to retrospectively demonstrate how behavior change models can be used to develop and implement impactful interventions.

The Future of Equestrianism

  • The authors argue that including effective behaviour change interventions in any strategy to improve equine welfare may be crucial in securing the future of equestrian sports and activities. Through evolving with societal attitudes and prioritizing the wellbeing of horses, the equestrian world can overcome its current challenges and continue to prosper.

Cite This Article

APA
Wolframm IA, Douglas J, Pearson G. (2023). Changing Hearts and Minds in the Equestrian World One Behaviour at a Time. Animals (Basel), 13(4), 748. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040748

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 4
PII: 748

Researcher Affiliations

Wolframm, Inga A
  • Applied Research Centre, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Larensteinselaan 26-A, 6882 CT Velp, The Netherlands.
Douglas, Janet
  • World Horse Welfare, Anne Colvin House, Snetterton, Norwich NR16 2LR, UK.
Pearson, Gemma
  • The Horse Trust, Slad Lane, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27 0PP, UK.
  • Easter Bush Campus, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

This article includes 74 references
  1. Campbell ML. Freedoms and frameworks: How we think about the welfare of competition horses.. Equine Vet J 2016 Sep;48(5):540-2.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12598pubmed: 27515500google scholar: lookup
  2. Wilkins C. Full Report (English): Horse Welfare Overhaul for Paris 2024. .
  3. Bekoff M. The Unknown Emotional and Physical Lives of Sport Horses. .
  4. Sten-Ziemons A. Animal Cruelty on Display at the Olympics. .
  5. Moore T, Crane E. Collapsed NYC Carriage Horse Was Malnourished, Much Older than Reported: Cops. .
  6. Holmes TQ, Brown AF. Champing at the Bit for Improvements: A Review of Equine Welfare in Equestrian Sports in the United Kingdom.. Animals (Basel) 2022 May 5;12(9).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12091186pmc: PMC9100173pubmed: 35565612google scholar: lookup
  7. Kelly KJ, McD￮ LA, Mears K. The Effect of Human-Horse Interactions on Equine Behaviour, Physiology, and Welfare: A Scoping Review.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Sep 24;11(10).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11102782pmc: PMC8532845pubmed: 34679804google scholar: lookup
  8. Boldt J, Orrù E. Towards a Unified List of Ethical Principles for Emerging Technologies. An Analysis of Four European Reports on Molecular Biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence. Sustain. Futures 2022;4:100086.
    doi: 10.1016/j.sftr.2022.100086google scholar: lookup
  9. Coccia M. Why Do Nations Produce Science Advances and New Technology?. Technol. Soc. 2019;59:101124.
    doi: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2019.03.007google scholar: lookup
  10. Patrick K, Hekler EB, Estrin D, Mohr DC, Riper H, Crane D, Godino J, Riley WT. The Pace of Technologic Change: Implications for Digital Health Behavior Intervention Research.. Am J Prev Med 2016 Nov;51(5):816-824.
    doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2016.05.001pubmed: 27745681google scholar: lookup
  11. Buddle E.A., Bray H.J. How Farm Animal Welfare Issues Are Framed in the Australian Media. J. Agric. Environ. Ethics 2019;32:357–376.
    doi: 10.1007/s10806-019-09778-zgoogle scholar: lookup
  12. Vrontis D, Siachou E, Sakka G, Chatterjee S, Chaudhuri R, Ghosh A. Societal Effects of Social Media in Organizations: Reflective Points Deriving from a Systematic Literature Review and a Bibliometric Meta-Analysis. Eur. Manag. J. 2022;40:151–162.
    doi: 10.1016/j.emj.2022.01.007google scholar: lookup
  13. Hampton JO, Jones B, McGreevy PD. Social License and Animal Welfare: Developments from the Past Decade in Australia.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Nov 28;10(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10122237pmc: PMC7760378pubmed: 33260531google scholar: lookup
  14. Campbell ML. The role of veterinarians in equestrian sport: a comparative review of ethical issues surrounding human and equine sports medicine.. Vet J 2013 Sep;197(3):535-40.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.05.021pmc: PMC3898908pubmed: 23773811google scholar: lookup
  15. Douglas J, Owers R, Campbell MLH. Social Licence to Operate: What Can Equestrian Sports Learn from Other Industries?. Animals (Basel) 2022 Aug 5;12(15).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12151987pmc: PMC9367437pubmed: 35953977google scholar: lookup
  16. Mather V. Modern Pentathlon Drops Equestrian Competition after Abuse Claims. .
  17. Church B. Modern Pentathlon Opts to Remove Horse Riding from Competition after Tokyo 2020 Incident. .
  18. Waran N, Visser K. Equine Ethics & Wellbeing Commission, Report to the FEI General Assembly. FEI; Lausanne, SUI: 2022.
  19. Reidpath DD, Allotey P, Barker SF, Clasen T, French M, Leder K, Ramirez-Lovering D, Rhule ELM, Siri J. Implementing "from here to there": A case study of conceptual and practical challenges in implementation science.. Soc Sci Med 2022 May;301:114959.
    doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114959pubmed: 35398672google scholar: lookup
  20. Zohar D, Erev I. On the Difficulty of Promoting Workers’ Safety Behaviour: Overcoming the Underweighting of Routine Risks. Int. J. Risk Assess. Manag. 2007;7:122.
    doi: 10.1504/IJRAM.2007.011726google scholar: lookup
  21. Mills DS. Clinical Animal Behaviour: Paradigms, Problems and Practice.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 10;12(22).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12223103pmc: PMC9687072pubmed: 36428330google scholar: lookup
  22. Damschroder LJ, Aron DC, Keith RE, Kirsh SR, Alexander JA, Lowery JC. Fostering implementation of health services research findings into practice: a consolidated framework for advancing implementation science.. Implement Sci 2009 Aug 7;4:50.
    doi: 10.1186/1748-5908-4-50pmc: PMC2736161pubmed: 19664226google scholar: lookup
  23. Kwasnicka D, Dombrowski SU, White M, Sniehotta F. Theoretical explanations for maintenance of behaviour change: a systematic review of behaviour theories.. Health Psychol Rev 2016 Sep;10(3):277-96.
    doi: 10.1080/17437199.2016.1151372pmc: PMC4975085pubmed: 26854092google scholar: lookup
  24. Marteau TM, Hollands GJ, Shemilt I, Jebb SA. Downsizing: policy options to reduce portion sizes to help tackle obesity.. BMJ 2015 Dec 2;351:h5863.
    doi: 10.1136/bmj.h5863pubmed: 26630968google scholar: lookup
  25. James M, Ambrose M. Retrofit or Behaviour Change? Which Has the Greater Impact on Energy Consumption in Low Income Households?. Procedia Eng. 2017;180:1558–1567.
    doi: 10.1016/j.proeng.2017.04.318google scholar: lookup
  26. Hargreaves T. Practice-Ing Behaviour Change: Applying Social Practice Theory to pro-Environmental Behaviour Change. J. Consum. Cult. 2011;11:79–99.
    doi: 10.1177/1469540510390500google scholar: lookup
  27. Mellish S, Ryan JC, McLeod EM, Tuckey MR, Pearson EL. Challenges and successes to the implementation of a zoo conservation-education program.. Eval Program Plann 2021 Oct;88:101950.
    doi: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2021.101950pubmed: 33866233google scholar: lookup
  28. Kwasnicka D, Presseau J, White M, Sniehotta F.F. Does Planning How to Cope with Anticipated Barriers Facilitate Health-Related Behaviour Change? A Systematic Review. Health Psychol. Rev. 2013;7:129–145.
    doi: 10.1080/17437199.2013.766832google scholar: lookup
  29. Heckhausen H, Beckmann J. Intentional Action and Action Slips. Psychol. Rev. 1990;97:36–48.
    doi: 10.1037/0033-295X.97.1.36google scholar: lookup
  30. ROTTER JB. Some implications of a social learning theory for the prediction of goal directed behavior from testing procedures.. Psychol Rev 1960 Sep;67:301-16.
    doi: 10.1037/h0039601pubmed: 13743936google scholar: lookup
  31. Chapman GB. Short-term cost for long-term benefit: time preference and cancer control.. Health Psychol 2005 Jul;24(4S):S41-8.
    doi: 10.1037/0278-6133.24.4.S41pubmed: 16045418google scholar: lookup
  32. Michie S, van Stralen MM, West R. The behaviour change wheel: a new method for characterising and designing behaviour change interventions.. Implement Sci 2011 Apr 23;6:42.
    doi: 10.1186/1748-5908-6-42pmc: PMC3096582pubmed: 21513547google scholar: lookup
  33. Michie S, Atkins L, West R. The Behaviour Change Wheel-A Guide To Designing Interventions. Silverback Publishing; London, UK: 2014.
  34. Michie S, Richardson M, Johnston M, Abraham C, Francis J, Hardeman W, Eccles MP, Cane J, Wood CE. The behavior change technique taxonomy (v1) of 93 hierarchically clustered techniques: building an international consensus for the reporting of behavior change interventions.. Ann Behav Med 2013 Aug;46(1):81-95.
    doi: 10.1007/s12160-013-9486-6pubmed: 23512568google scholar: lookup
  35. Michie S, Johnston M, Abraham C, Lawton R, Parker D, Walker A. Making psychological theory useful for implementing evidence based practice: a consensus approach.. Qual Saf Health Care 2005 Feb;14(1):26-33.
    doi: 10.1136/qshc.2004.011155pmc: PMC1743963pubmed: 15692000google scholar: lookup
  36. West R, Michie S. A Brief Introduction to the COM-B Model of Behaviour and the PRIME Theory of Motivation. Qeios 2020;CC-BY:4,1-6.
    doi: 10.32388/WW04E6.2google scholar: lookup
  37. Bohlen LC, Michie S, de Bruin M, Rothman AJ, Kelly MP, Groarke HNK, Carey RN, Hale J, Johnston M. Do Combinations of Behavior Change Techniques That Occur Frequently in Interventions Reflect Underlying Theory?. Ann Behav Med 2020 Nov 1;54(11):827-842.
    doi: 10.1093/abm/kaaa078pmc: PMC7646153pubmed: 32959875google scholar: lookup
  38. Lewis CC, Boyd MR, Walsh-Bailey C, Lyon AR, Beidas R, Mittman B, Aarons GA, Weiner BJ, Chambers DA. A systematic review of empirical studies examining mechanisms of implementation in health.. Implement Sci 2020 Apr 16;15(1):21.
    doi: 10.1186/s13012-020-00983-3pmc: PMC7164241pubmed: 32299461google scholar: lookup
  39. Morris J, Marzano M, Dandy N, O’Brien L. Forestry, Sustainable Behaviours and Behaviour Change–A Discussion Paper. Forest Research; Farnham, UK: 2012.
  40. Sparkman G, Walton G.M. Witnessing Change: Dynamic Norms Help Resolve Diverse Barriers to Personal Change. J. Exp. Soc. Psychol. 2019;82:238–252.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jesp.2019.01.007google scholar: lookup
  41. Prochaska JO, Velicer WF. The transtheoretical model of health behavior change.. Am J Health Promot 1997 Sep-Oct;12(1):38-48.
    doi: 10.4278/0890-1171-12.1.38pubmed: 10170434google scholar: lookup
  42. Borden D.S., Cohn S.I., Gooderham C. Transitioning “Upward” When “Downstream” Efforts Are Insufficient. Soc. Mar. Q. 2018;24:151–163.
    doi: 10.1177/1524500418761625google scholar: lookup
  43. Kelly MP, Barker M. Why is changing health-related behaviour so difficult?. Public Health 2016 Jul;136:109-16.
    doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2016.03.030pmc: PMC4931896pubmed: 27184821google scholar: lookup
  44. Albarracín D, Gillette JC, Earl AN, Glasman LR, Durantini MR, Ho MH. A test of major assumptions about behavior change: a comprehensive look at the effects of passive and active HIV-prevention interventions since the beginning of the epidemic.. Psychol Bull 2005 Nov;131(6):856-97.
    doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.131.6.856pmc: PMC2713787pubmed: 16351327google scholar: lookup
  45. Hobbs N, Godfrey A, Lara J, Errington L, Meyer TD, Rochester L, White M, Mathers JC, Sniehotta FF. Are behavioral interventions effective in increasing physical activity at 12 to 36 months in adults aged 55 to 70 years? A systematic review and meta-analysis.. BMC Med 2013 Mar 19;11:75.
    doi: 10.1186/1741-7015-11-75pmc: PMC3681560pubmed: 23506544google scholar: lookup
  46. Bamberg S, Schulte M. To Explain Behavior Change We Need to Research All Stages of This Process: Where Environmental Psychology Needs to Connect the Dots. Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes. Elsevier; Amsterdam, The Netherlands: 2020; pp. 330–338.
  47. Seyfang G. Ecological Citizenship and Sustainable Consumption: Examining Local Organic Food Networks. J. Rural Stud. 2006;22:383–395.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2006.01.003google scholar: lookup
  48. Moloney S, Horne R.E., Fien J. Transitioning to Low Carbon Communities—From Behaviour Change to Systemic Change: Lessons from Australia. Energy Policy 2010;38:7614–7623.
    doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2009.06.058google scholar: lookup
  49. Fjeldsoe B, Neuhaus M, Winkler E, Eakin E. Systematic review of maintenance of behavior change following physical activity and dietary interventions.. Health Psychol 2011 Jan;30(1):99-109.
    doi: 10.1037/a0021974pubmed: 21299298google scholar: lookup
  50. Lombard CB, Deeks AA, Teede HJ. A systematic review of interventions aimed at the prevention of weight gain in adults.. Public Health Nutr 2009 Nov;12(11):2236-46.
    doi: 10.1017/S1368980009990577pubmed: 19650959google scholar: lookup
  51. Falk M, Magnusson H. Sun protection advice mediated by the general practitioner: an effective way to achieve long-term change of behaviour and attitudes related to sun exposure?. Scand J Prim Health Care 2011 Sep;29(3):135-43.
    doi: 10.3109/02813432.2011.580088pmc: PMC3347962pubmed: 21682578google scholar: lookup
  52. Cullen KW, Baranowski T, Smith SP. Using goal setting as a strategy for dietary behavior change.. J Am Diet Assoc 2001 May;101(5):562-6.
    doi: 10.1016/S0002-8223(01)00140-7pubmed: 11374350google scholar: lookup
  53. Gardner B, Wardle J, Poston L, Croker H. Changing diet and physical activity to reduce gestational weight gain: a meta-analysis.. Obes Rev 2011 Jul;12(7):e602-20.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00884.xpubmed: 21521451google scholar: lookup
  54. Golley RK, Hendrie GA, Slater A, Corsini N. Interventions that involve parents to improve children's weight-related nutrition intake and activity patterns - what nutrition and activity targets and behaviour change techniques are associated with intervention effectiveness?. Obes Rev 2011 Feb;12(2):114-30.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2010.00745.xpubmed: 20406416google scholar: lookup
  55. Greaves CJ, Sheppard KE, Abraham C, Hardeman W, Roden M, Evans PH, Schwarz P. Systematic review of reviews of intervention components associated with increased effectiveness in dietary and physical activity interventions.. BMC Public Health 2011 Feb 18;11:119.
    doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-119pmc: PMC3048531pubmed: 21333011google scholar: lookup
  56. Pomerleau J, Lock K, Knai C, McKee M. Interventions designed to increase adult fruit and vegetable intake can be effective: a systematic review of the literature.. J Nutr 2005 Oct;135(10):2486-95.
    doi: 10.1093/jn/135.10.2486pubmed: 16177217google scholar: lookup
  57. Sargent GM, Pilotto LS, Baur LA. Components of primary care interventions to treat childhood overweight and obesity: a systematic review of effect.. Obes Rev 2011 May;12(5):e219-35.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2010.00777.xpubmed: 20630025google scholar: lookup
  58. Gehlen H, Puhlmann J, Merle R, Thöne-Reineke C. Evaluating Horse Owner Expertise and Professional Use of Auxiliary Reins during Horse Riding.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jul 20;11(7).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11072146pmc: PMC8300424pubmed: 34359274google scholar: lookup
  59. McGreevy P.D., McLean A.N. Punishment in Horse-Training and the Concept of Ethical Equitation. J. Vet. Behav. 2009;4:193–197.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2008.08.001google scholar: lookup
  60. Starling M, McLean A, McGreevy P. The Contribution of Equitation Science to Minimising Horse-Related Risks to Humans.. Animals (Basel) 2016 Feb 23;6(3).
    doi: 10.3390/ani6030015pmc: PMC4810043pubmed: 26907354google scholar: lookup
  61. Warren-Smith A.K., McGreevy P.D. Equestrian Coaches’ Understanding and Application of Learning Theory in Horse Training. Anthrozoos 2008;21:153–162.
    doi: 10.2752/175303708X305800google scholar: lookup
  62. Merkies K, Nakonechny L, DuBois C, Derisoud E. Preliminary study on current perceptions and usage of training equipment by horse enthusiasts in Canada.. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 2018 Apr-Jun;21(2):141-152.
    doi: 10.1080/10888705.2017.1392301pubmed: 29172720google scholar: lookup
  63. Parkin T.D.H., Brown J, Macdonald E.B. Occupational Risks of Working with Horses: A Questionnaire Survey of Equine Veterinary Surgeons. Equine Vet. Educ. 2018;30:200–205.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.12891google scholar: lookup
  64. Mills DS. Applying learning theory to the management of the horse: the difference between getting it right and getting it wrong.. Equine Vet J Suppl 1998 Nov;(27):44-8.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb05145.xpubmed: 10485004google scholar: lookup
  65. Pearson G, Reardon R, Keen J, Waran N. Difficult Horses–Prevalence, Approaches to Management of and Understanding of How They Develop by Equine Veterinarians. Equine Vet. Educ. 2021;33:522–530.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.13354google scholar: lookup
  66. Carroll SL, Sykes BW, Mills PC. Moving toward Fear-Free Husbandry and Veterinary Care for Horses.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Oct 24;12(21).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12212907pmc: PMC9653666pubmed: 36359031google scholar: lookup
  67. Pearson G. Managing Difficult Behaviour in Horses. Practice 2019;41:329–336.
    doi: 10.1136/inp.l4845google scholar: lookup
  68. Pearson G, Waran N, Reardon R.J.M., Keen J, Dwyer C. A Delphi Study to Determine Expert Consensus on the Behavioural Indicators of Stress in Horses Undergoing Veterinary Care. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2021;237:105291.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105291google scholar: lookup
  69. Pearson G. MScR Thesis. Equine Learning Theory and the Horse-Veterinarian Interaction. Glasgow University; Glasgow, UK: 2017.
  70. Austin HE, Hyams JH, Abbott KA. Training in animal handling for veterinary students at Charles Sturt University, Australia.. J Vet Med Educ 2007 Winter;34(5):566-75.
    doi: 10.3138/jvme.34.5.566pubmed: 18326765google scholar: lookup
  71. Reijula K, Räsänen K, Hämäläinen M, Juntunen K, Lindbohm ML, Taskinen H, Bergbom B, Rinta-Jouppi M. Work environment and occupational health of Finnish veterinarians.. Am J Ind Med 2003 Jul;44(1):46-57.
    doi: 10.1002/ajim.10228pubmed: 12822135google scholar: lookup
  72. Heath TJ. Australian veterinarians who work with horses: attitudes to work and career.. Aust Vet J 2004 Jul;82(7):404-8.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2004.tb11125.xpubmed: 15354846google scholar: lookup
  73. McGreevy P. Firm but gentle: learning to handle with care.. J Vet Med Educ 2007 Winter;34(5):539-41.
    doi: 10.3138/jvme.34.5.539pubmed: 18326760google scholar: lookup
  74. Pearson G, Connor M, Keen J, Reardon R, Waran N. Incorporation of Equine Learning Theory into the Undergraduate Curriculum.. J Vet Med Educ 2021 Jun;48(3):351-360.
    doi: 10.3138/jvme-2019-0078pubmed: 32516075google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 8 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 100,113 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.