The research focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on unwanted horses in the United States, with a specific focus on perceptions and changes in horse ownership and management. It concludes that the pandemic had little impact on these aspects, although it did affect participation in equine events.

Study Objectives and Methodology

In this study, the researchers aimed to:

• Assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on unwanted or “in-transition” horses.
• Determine the current perceptions and behaviors related to horses in-transition.

The researchers designed a 23-question online survey using the Qualtrics platform. This survey focused on multiple aspects, including the effects of the pandemic on equine ownership and management, participation in equine events, and views on unwanted horses.

Key Results and Findings

The survey results showed:

• No significant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on horse ownership, management practices, and time spent with horses.
• A decrease in participation in equine events, likely linked to pandemic-related restrictions and changes.
• As regards the causes for horses becoming “in-transition,” financial hardship, unmanageable behavior, and injury were cited most frequently.
• Euthanasia was viewed as the most accessible method for transitioning unwanted horses, whereas donation to an equine program was perceived as least accessible.

Implications and Conclusions

Based on the study findings, the researchers concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic had limited impact on the number of unwanted horses in the United States during the period of the study. However, specific impacts such as decreased participation in equine events were identified.

There is also a need to consider the long-term effects of COVID-19 on equine ownership and management decisions and how this might affect the in-transition horse population in the future. Increased understanding in these areas could guide industry responses and improve welfare outcomes for horses during major crises.