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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.
Publication Date: 2023-02-19 PubMed ID: 36830535PubMed Central: PMC9952075DOI: 10.3390/ani13040748Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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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

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.

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Citations

This article has been cited 8 times.