Cross-sectional survey of owner knowledge and husbandry practices, tack and health issues affecting working horses in Lesotho.

The research article “Cross-sectional survey of owner knowledge and husbandry practices, tack and health issues affecting working horses in Lesotho” aimed to understand the knowledge and practices of horse owners in Lesotho, and the impact on the health of their equines and the condition of their tack (equipment). The study served as a baseline before the initiation of a training program by an equine charity.

Objective and Methodology

The objective of the research was to describe and investigate associations between:

• Owner knowledge
• Equine husbandry practices
• Horse health
• Tack-related parameters

A cross-sectional survey methodology was employed, with face-to-face interviews of horse owners in Lesotho. Horses were also clinically examined and the tack was evaluated based on standardised protocols.

Findings

The research established that:

• Owners ranged in their knowledge and understanding of horse care and appropriate healthcare practices.
• Common equine health issues were identified, including parasite infestations, mouth lesions, poorly managed hooves, and wounds associated with tack usage.
• Most of the tack being used was found to be dirty, in poor condition, and ill-fitting.

Surprisingly, there was no association found between major adverse horse-related clinical findings and owners perceiving their horse to be ‘unhealthy’, with the exception of horses that had a below-average body condition score.

Conclusions

Based on the findings, the research concluded that working horses in Lesotho often suffer from a range of physical problems which could be improved with better owner education. Given the limited access to veterinary advice and scarce resources in Lesotho, the study suggested that improving local skills in the equine trade and providing affordable resources could be key to improving equine health. The survey also provides useful baseline data to monitor the effects of the equine charity’s training program and other potential interventions.