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Journal of applied animal welfare science : JAAWS2007; 10(4); 309-329; doi: 10.1080/10888700701555576

Don’t fence me in: managing psychological well being for elite performance horses.

Abstract: This article posits that stereotypical behavior patterns and the overall psychological well being of today's performance horse could be substantially enhanced with care that acknowledges the relationship between domesticated horses and their forerunners. Feral horses typically roam in stable, social groups over large grazing territories, spending 16-20 hr per day foraging on mid- to poor-quality roughage. In contrast, today's elite show horses live in relatively small stalls, eat a limited-but rich-diet at specific feedings, and typically live in social isolation. Although the horse has been domesticated for more than 6000 years, there has been no selection for an equid who no longer requires an outlet for these natural behaviors. Using equine stereotypies as a welfare indicator, this researcher proposes that the psychological well being of today's performance horse is compromised. Furthermore, the article illustrates how minimal management changes can enhance horses' well being while still remaining compatible with the requirements of the sport-horse industry. The article discusses conclusions in terms of Fraser, Weary, Pajor, and Milligan's "integrative welfare model" (1997).
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Publication Date: 2007-11-01 PubMed ID: 17970632DOI: 10.1080/10888700701555576Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research article focuses on the mental well-being of elite performance horses, emphasizing how an understanding of their natural, non-domesticated behaviors can result in better care and improved performance.

Theoretical Basis: Integrative Welfare Model

The study uses Fraser, Weary, Pajor, and Milligan’s “integrative welfare model,” proposed in 1997, as its theoretical basis. This model aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and improving the welfare of animals.

  • It suggests that effective animal welfare requires an integrative viewpoint, where both the physiological health, and psychological well-being are considered.
  • The model recommends taking not only the current state of an animal, but also its evolutionary history into consideration when assessing its welfare needs.

Horse Nature vs. Domesticated Care

The article highlights the stark differences between the natural behaviors of feral horses, and the conditions in which modern elite performance horses live.

  • Feral, or wild, horses usually form stable, social groups and roam large territories for up to 20 hours a day, mainly foraging on roughage of middling to poor quality.
  • On the other hand, elite horses are kept in relatively small stalls, fed limited but rich diets at specific feedings, and experience social isolation as they are often kept alone.
  • These domestication practices have been in place for over 6000 years, but researchers argue that there has not been significant selection for horses that can thrive without their natural behaviors.

Equine Stereotypies as Mental Health Indicator

Equine stereotypies – repetitive, purposeless behaviors often seen in captive animals – are used in this study as a measure of psychological well-being of performance horses.

  • Since these behaviors are believed to be linked to stress and sub-optimal living conditions, their presence in the horses studied would indicate compromised psychological well-being.

Improving Horse Welfare

The research explores how minimal changes in the management of these horses can notably improve their mental health while still complying with the sport-horse industry’s needs.

  • Although the specifics of these suggested changes are not detailed in the abstract, this suggests that they are manageable adjustments that balance the horses’ natural instincts and their contemporary roles.

In conclusion, the article underscores the need for more attention to the psychological well-being of elite performance horses, arguing that this focus can enhance both the horses’ welfare and their performance.

Cite This Article

APA
Henderson AJ. (2007). Don’t fence me in: managing psychological well being for elite performance horses. J Appl Anim Welf Sci, 10(4), 309-329. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888700701555576

Publication

Journal of applied animal welfare science : JAAWS
ISSN: 1088-8705
NlmUniqueID: 9804404
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 4
Pages: 309-329

Researcher Affiliations

Henderson, Antonia J Z
  • Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. zamoyska@shaw.ca

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animal Welfare
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Horses / psychology
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal
  • Stereotyped Behavior

Citations

This article has been cited 28 times.
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