Demographic characteristics of the equine population of northern Britain.
Abstract: The size, composition and distribution of the equine population of Scotland and the five northernmost counties in England were estimated through a series of mailed questionnaire surveys of sentinel veterinary practices and horse owners. An estimated 96,622 equine animals were kept by an estimated 26,114 owners. The mean (sd) age of the population was 11.0 (7.5) years (range one month to 37 years). Thoroughbred or thoroughbred-cross animals were the most numerous, constituting 30 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval 27 to 33 per cent) of the total population. The ratio of males:females was 1:1.
Publication Date: 1999-10-09 PubMed ID: 10515615DOI: 10.1136/vr.145.11.299Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This study aims to estimate the size, composition, and distribution of the horse population in Northern Britain through surveys distributed to veterinary practices and horse owners.
Research Methodology
- The researchers utilized a series of mailed questionnaire surveys in order to gather data on the equine population in Scotland and the five northernmost counties in England.
- These surveys were sent out to both veterinary practices, referred to as ‘sentinel’ in this context because they are seen as key info points, and horse owners in the aforementioned regions.
Research Findings
- The researchers estimated the total horse population in the area surveyed to be approximately 96,622.
- These horses were found to be owned by an estimated 26,114 individuals or entities.
- The average age of the horse population was calculated to be around 11.0 years, with a standard deviation of 7.5. The range of ages in the population was broad, from as young as a month old to a maximum age of 37 years old.
- In terms of genetics, Thoroughbred or Thoroughbred-cross animals were found to be the most prevalent, constituting about 30% of the total population. The confidence interval for this percentage was between 27 to 33%, meaning that the researchers are 95% sure that the true proportion of Thoroughbred or Thoroughbred-cross horses in the population falls within this range.
- Another significant finding was the gender distribution in the horse population. The researchers reported a ratio of males to females being 1:1, indicating an equal number of male and female horses.
Research Significance
- This research paper provides crucial demographic information that could inform decisions related to veterinary services, animal welfare policies, and horse breeding and racing industries in the area.
- With a clear gender ratio, breeding programs and gender-specific health and care requirements can be better planned and executed.
- Knowledge of the prevalent horse breeds can help direct breed-specific health research and conservation efforts.
Cite This Article
APA
Mellor DJ, Love S, Gettinby G, Reid SW.
(1999).
Demographic characteristics of the equine population of northern Britain.
Vet Rec, 145(11), 299-304.
https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.145.11.299 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Division of Farm Animal Medicine and Production, University of Glasgow Veterinary School.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Demography
- England
- Female
- Horses
- Male
- Population
- Scotland
- Surveys and Questionnaires
Citations
This article has been cited 11 times.- Freccero F, Petrucelli M, Cipone M, Nocera I, Sgorbini M. Doppler evaluation of renal resistivity index in healthy conscious horses and donkeys. PLoS One 2020;15(2):e0228741.
- Lippi I, Bonelli F, Meucci V, Vitale V, Sgorbini M. Estimation of glomerular filtration rate by plasma clearance of iohexol in healthy horses of various ages. J Vet Intern Med 2019 Nov;33(6):2765-2769.
- Rogers CW, Bolwell CF, Gee EK. Proactive Management of the Equine Athlete. Animals (Basel) 2012 Dec 19;2(4):640-55.
- McGowan C. Welfare of Aged Horses. Animals (Basel) 2011 Oct 31;1(4):366-76.
- Boden LA, Parkin TD, Yates J, Mellor D, Kao RR. An online survey of horse-owners in Great Britain. BMC Vet Res 2013 Sep 28;9:188.
- Boden LA, Parkin TD, Yates J, Mellor D, Kao RR. Summary of current knowledge of the size and spatial distribution of the horse population within Great Britain. BMC Vet Res 2012 Apr 4;8:43.
- Leadon D, O'Toole D, Duggan VE. A demographic survey of unwanted horses in Ireland 2005-2010. Ir Vet J 2012 Mar 2;65(1):3.
- Archer DC, Pinchbeck GL, Proudman CJ, Clough HE. Is equine colic seasonal? Novel application of a model based approach. BMC Vet Res 2006 Aug 24;2:27.
- Christie JL, Hewson CJ, Riley CB, Mcniven MA, Dohoo IR, Bate LA. Demographics, management, and welfare of nonracing horses in Prince Edward Island. Can Vet J 2004 Dec;45(12):1004-11.
- Williams JM, Jordan S, Friend L, Kay E, Edmunds M, Flynn H, Wensley S. A move in the right direction: Tracking the traceability of British Thoroughbreds outside of racing. PLoS One 2025;20(9):e0331968.
- Allen SE, O'Neill DG, Cardwell JM, Verheyen KLP, Brodbelt DC. A study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on equine veterinary care in the UK. Vet Rec Open 2023 Dec;10(2):e74.
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