FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Green Assets of Equines in the European Context of the Ecolo...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2020; 10(1); 106; doi: 10.3390/ani10010106

Green Assets of Equines in the European Context of the Ecological Transition of Agriculture.

Abstract: Despite the decline of equine populations in the middle of the 20th century, the European horse industry is growing again thanks to economic alternatives found in the diversification of the uses of equines (sports, racing, leisure, etc.). Equines have many environmental advantages, but the fragmentation of the sector and the lack of synthetic knowledge about their environmental impacts do not enable the promotion of these assets and their effective inclusion in management practices and European policies. To highlight the equine environmental impacts, a literature review was carried out to cover the main European stakes. This work led to the identification of five "green assets", fields where equines show unique environmental advantages compared to other agricultural productions. These green assets are linked to the nature of equines (grazing and domestic biodiversity), to their geographical distribution (land use), and to their use by human beings (tourism and work). Today, when searching for sustainable solutions to modern environmental issues, the use of equines is a neglected green alternative. Better knowledge and use of equine green assets could partly respond to more ecological agricultural needs and contribute to the development of this animal industry, which has a place in regional development and in Europe's sustainable transition.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2020-01-08 PubMed ID: 31936379PubMed Central: PMC7023172DOI: 10.3390/ani10010106Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

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 discusses the environmental benefits or “green assets” of horses and their use in various industries in Europe, arguing for a better understanding and utilization of these assets in transitioning to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Background

  • The European horse industry has seen growth in recent times, following a dip in mid 20th century, due to the diversified uses of equines in sports, racing, leisure activities, and more.
  • Despite the numerous environmental advantages that horses offer, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge about their impacts on the ecosystem. Additionally, the fragmented nature of the horse industry hampers the effective promotion of these assets.

Objective of the Study

  • The study aims to highlight the environmental impacts of horses in the European context. The researchers carried out a literature review to cover the main stakes across the continent.

Findings

  • The study identified “green assets” linked to horses, representing fields where they show distinct environmental advantages over other forms of agricultural production.
  • These green options relate to the intrinsic nature of horses (grazing and domestic biodiversity), their geographical distribution (land usage), and the ways humans use them (for tourism and work).

Conclusion

  • The research suggests that in the search for more sustainable solutions to modern environmental issues, equines are an overlooked green solution. Their green assets could help to partly address the need for more ecological agricultural practices.
  • Promoting the use of these green assets could also aid the growth of the horse industry, and have a positive impact on regional development and Europe’s sustainable transition.

Cite This Article

APA
Rzekęć A, Vial C, Bigot G. (2020). Green Assets of Equines in the European Context of the Ecological Transition of Agriculture. Animals (Basel), 10(1), 106. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10010106

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
PII: 106

Researcher Affiliations

Rzekęć, Agata
  • Research Unit MOISA (Marchés, Organisations, Instituts et Stratégies d'acteurs)-French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), CIHEAM-IAMM, CIRAD, Montpellier Supagro, Univ Montpellier, 34060 Montpellier, France.
Vial, Céline
  • Research Unit MOISA (Marchés, Organisations, Instituts et Stratégies d'acteurs)-French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), CIHEAM-IAMM, CIRAD, Montpellier Supagro, Univ Montpellier, 34060 Montpellier, France.
  • Pôle développement, innovation, recherche-French Institute for Horse and Horse Riding (Ifce), 61310 Exmes, France.
Bigot, Geneviève
  • Université Clermont Auvergne, AgroParisTech, French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), VetAgro Sup, Research Unit Territoires, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

This article includes 70 references
  1. Evans R. Introduction to the new equine economy in the 21st century.. In: Vial C., Evans R., editors. EAAP Scientific Series. Volume 136. Wageningen Academic Publishers; Wageningen, The Netherlands: 2015. pp. 11–18.
  2. Leteux S. L’hippophagie en France. La difficile acceptation d’une viande honteuse (archives) [Horse meat in France. Difficult acceptance of a shameful meat]. Terrains Trav 2005;9:143–158.
  3. Rossier E, Coleou J, Blanc H. Le Cheval: Reproduction, Sélection, Alimentation, Exploitation [The horse: Breeding, selection, feeding, holding]. INRA; Paris, France: 1984. Les effectifs de chevaux en France et dans le monde [Numberof horses in France and in the world].
  4. Häggblom M, Rantamäki-Lahtinen L, Vihinen H. Equine Sector Comparison between The Netherlands, Sweden and Finland.. MTT Agrifood Research Finland; Jokioinen, Finland: 2008. Equine Life.
  5. Swedish University of Agricultural Science. Current Status of Equine Sector in the Central Baltic Region (Finland, Latvia and Sweden). Swedish University of Agricultural Science; Alnarp, Sweden: 2012. p. 47.
  6. Vidal C. Thirty years of agriculture in Europe: holdings with grazing livestock have followed different paths.. Eurostat Stat. Focus 2002;25:8.
  7. Liljenstolpe C. Horses in Europe.. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Uppsala, Sweden: 2009. p. 32.
  8. Jez C, Coudurier B, Cressent M, MÉa F, Perrier-Cornet P, Rossier E. La Filière Equine Française à L’Horizon 2030 [French Equine Industry in 2030]. INRA—IFCE; Paris, France: 2012.
  9. Engelsen A, IFCE, EHN. What are the Laws for Equines in Europe?. IFCE; Paris, France: Haras Nationaux; Le Pin-au-Haras, France: 2017. Synthèse.
  10. Perrot C, Barbin G, Bossis N, Champion F, Morhain B, Morin E. L’Élevage d’Herbivores au Recensement Agricole 2010. Cheptels, Exploitations, Productions. [Herbivore farming according to the Agricultural Census 2010.Livestock, farms, productions]. IDELE; Paris, France: 2013. p. 96.
  11. Vial C, Bigot G, Heydemann P, Cordilhac C. Les chiffres clés de la filière équine à l’international: Un essai de collecte d’informations [Key figures of the international equine sector: An attempt of data collection]. IFCE 2017;6:7.
  12. Geels F, Turnheim B, Asquith M, Kern F, Kivimaa P. Sustainability Transitions: Policy and Practice.. European Environment Agency; København, Denmark: 2019.
    doi: 10.2800/641030google scholar: lookup
  13. Angers D.A., Arrouays D., Saby N.P.A., Walter C. Estimating and mapping the carbon saturation deficit of French agricultural topsoils: Carbon saturation of French soils.. Soil Use Manag 2011;27:448–452.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1475-2743.2011.00366.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  14. Soussana J.-F., Loiseau P., Vuichard N., Ceschia E., Balesdent J., Chevallier T., Arrouays D. Carbon cycling and sequestration opportunities in temperate grasslands.. Soil Use Manag 2004;20:219–230.
    doi: 10.1079/SUM2003234google scholar: lookup
  15. Saastamoinen M., Herzon I., Särkijärvi S., Schreurs C., Myllymäki M. Horse Welfare and Natural Values on Semi-Natural and Extensive Pastures in Finland: Synergies and Trade-Offs.. Land 2017;6:69.
    doi: 10.3390/land6040069google scholar: lookup
  16. Jouven M., Vial C., Fleurance G. Horses and rangelands: Perspectives in Europe based on a French case study.. Grass Forage Sci 2016;71:178–194.
    doi: 10.1111/gfs.12204google scholar: lookup
  17. Bomans K., Dewaelheyns V., Gulinck H. Pasture for horses: An underestimated land use class in an urbanized and multifunctional area.. Int. J. Sustain. Dev. Plan. 2011;6:195–211.
    doi: 10.2495/SDP-V6-N2-195-211google scholar: lookup
  18. Garrido P., Mårell A., Öckinger E., Skarin A., Jansson A., Thulin C. Experimental rewilding enhances grassland functional composition and pollinator habitat use.. J. Appl. Ecol. 2019;56:946–955.
    doi: 10.1111/1365-2664.13338google scholar: lookup
  19. Lefebvre T., Gallet C. Impacts des grands herbivores sur la végétation des prairies et conséquences sur la décomposition de la litière [Impacts of large herbivores on plants: Consequences for litter decomposition]. INRA Prod. Anim. 2018;30:455–464.
    doi: 10.20870/productions-animales.2017.30.5.2276google scholar: lookup
  20. Fleurance G. Impact du Pâturage Equin sur la Diversité Biologique des Prairies [Impacts of Equine Grazing on Biological Diversity of Pastures]. Proceedings of the Sommet de l’Elevage; Clermont-Ferrand, France. 2–4 October 2008.
  21. Orth D. Impact sur la végétation ligneuse d’un troupeau mixte de bovins et d’équins en conditions de sous-chargement [Impacts of a mixed herd (cattle/equine) on shrubby vegetation in conditions of low stocking rate]. Fourrages 2011 207:201–209.
  22. Bigot G., Mugnier S., Brétière G., Gaillard C., Ingrand S. Roles of horses on farm sustainability in different French grassland regions.. In: Vial C., Evans R., editors. EAAP Scientific Series. Volume 136. Wageningen Academic Publishers; Wageningen, The Netherlands: 2015. pp. 177–186.
  23. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors. Volume 1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Washington, DC, USA: 1995. 14.4 Enteric Fermentation—Greenhouse Gases.
  24. De Cara S., Thomas A. Projections des Missions/Absorptions de Gaz à Effet de Serre Dans Les Secteurs Forêt et Agriculture aux Horizons 2010 et 2020.. INRA; Paris, France: 2008. Évaluation des émissions de CH4 par les équins [Evaluation of CH4 emissions by equine] pp. 146–148.
  25. Fraser M.D., Stanley C.R., Hegarty M.J. Recognising the potential role of native ponies in conservation management.. Biol. Conserv. 2019;235:112–118.
    doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2019.04.014google scholar: lookup
  26. López C.L., Celaya R., Ferreira L.M.M., García U., Rodrigues M.A.M., Osoro K. Comparative foraging behaviour and performance between cattle and horses grazing in heathlands with different proportions of improved pasture area.. J. Appl. Anim. Res. 2019;47:377–385.
    doi: 10.1080/09712119.2019.1649679google scholar: lookup
  27. López-Bao J.V., Sazatornil V., Llaneza L., Rodríguez A. Indirect Effects on Heathland Conservation and Wolf Persistence of Contradictory Policies that Threaten Traditional Free-Ranging Horse Husbandry: Threats to traditional horse husbandry.. Conserv. Lett. 2013;6:448–455.
    doi: 10.1111/conl.12014google scholar: lookup
  28. Ringmark S, Skarin A, Jansson A. Impact of Year-Round Grazing by Horses on Pasture Nutrient Dynamics and the Correlation with Pasture Nutrient Content and Fecal Nutrient Composition.. Animals (Basel) 2019 Jul 29;9(8).
    doi: 10.3390/ani9080500pmc: PMC6720502pubmed: 31362460google scholar: lookup
  29. Bott R.C., Greene E.A., Koch K., Martinson K.L., Siciliano P.D., Williams C., Trottier N.L., Burk A., Swinker A. Production and Environmental Implications of Equine Grazing.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2013;33:1031–1043.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2013.05.004google scholar: lookup
  30. Launay F., Genevet E., Jouven M., AurÉjac R., IDELE. Les Parcours: Des Pâtures Intéressantes Pour les Equins Dans les Régions Méditéranéennes [Heathlands: Interesting Pastures for Equine in Mediterranean Regions]. IDELE, Oier-suamme; Paris, France: Montpellier SupAgro, CE LR; Montpellier, Occitanie, France: 2014. p. 15.
  31. Fleurance G., Duncan P., Farruggia A., Dumont B., Lecomte T. Impact du pâturage équin sur la diversité floristique et faunistique des milieux pâturés [Impacts of equine grazing on floral and animal diversity in grazed areas]. Fourrages 2011 207:189–199.
  32. Tälle M., Deák B., Poschlod P., Valkó O., Westerberg L., Milberg P. Grazing vs. mowing: A meta-analysis of biodiversity benefits for grassland management.. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 2016;222:200–212.
    doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2016.02.008google scholar: lookup
  33. Bigot G., Brétière G., Micol D., Turpin N. Management of cattle and draught horse to maintain openness of landscapes in French Central Mountains. Proceedings of the 17th Meeting of the FAO-CIHEAM Mountain Pasture Network, Pastoralism and Ecosystem Conservation; Trivero, Italy. 5–7 June 2013; pp. 72–75.
  34. Morhain B. Systèmes fourragers et d’alimentation du cheval dans différentes régions françaises [Forage and feed system for equine in different French regions]. Fourrages 2011 207:155–163.
  35. Forteau L, Dumont B, Sallé G, Bigot G, Fleurance G. Horses grazing with cattle have reduced strongyle egg count due to the dilution effect and increased reliance on macrocyclic lactones in mixed farms.. Animal 2020 May;14(5):1076-1082.
    doi: 10.1017/S1751731119002738pmc: PMC7163393pubmed: 31679547google scholar: lookup
  36. Miraglia N. Sustainable development and equids in rural areas: An open challenge for the territory cohesion.. In: Vial C., Evans R., editors. EAAP Scientific Series. Volume 136. Wageningen Academic Publishers; Wageningen, The Netherlands: 2015. pp. 167–176.
  37. Institut Français du Cheval et de L’équitation. Panorama Economique de la Filière Equine: Synthèse. Les races d’équidés et leurs utilisations dans le monde [Equine breeds and uses in the world]. Institut Français du Cheval et de L’équitation; Le Pin au Haras, France: 2011. pp. 34–35.
  38. Camillo F., Rota A., Biagini L., Tesi M., Fanelli D., Panzani D. The Current Situation and Trend of Donkey Industry in Europe.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2018;65:44–49.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.11.008google scholar: lookup
  39. Bigot G., Vial C., Fleurance G., Heydemann P., Palazon R. Productions et activités équines en France: Quelles contributions à la durabilité de l’agriculture? [Equine production and activities in France: What contributions to the sustainability of agriculture?]. INRA Prod. Anim. 2018;31:37–50.
    doi: 10.20870/productions-animales.2018.31.1.2205google scholar: lookup
  40. Miraglia N. Equids contribution to sustainable development in rural areas: a new challenge for the third millennium.. In: Saastamoinen M., Fradinho M.J., Santos A.S., Miraglia N., editors. Forages and Grazing in Horse Nutrition. Wageningen Academic Publishers; Wageningen, The Netherlands: 2012. pp. 439–452.
  41. Lauvie A., Audiot A., Couix N., Casabianca F., Brives H., Verrier E. Diversity of rare breed management programs: Between conservation and development.. Livest. Sci. 2011;140:161–170.
    doi: 10.1016/j.livsci.2011.03.025google scholar: lookup
  42. Leinonen R.-M., Dalke K. National Treasure: Nationalistic Representations of the Finnhorse in Trotting Championships.. In: Adelman M., Thompson K., editors. Equestrian Cultures in Global and Local Contexts. Springer International Publishing; Cham, Germany: 2017. pp. 105–117.
  43. Vial C. Le développement des activités équestres dans les campagnes françaises: Enjeux et conséquences pour les territoires ruraux et périurbains [Developpment of equine activities in French countryside: Issues and consequences for rural and suburban areas]. Proceedings of the the Colloque de Cerisy: Les Chevaux de L’imaginaire Universel aux Enjeux Prospectifs pour les Territoires; Presses Universitaires de Caen; Cerisy-la-Salle, France. 17–22 May 2014;; 368p.
  44. Perret É., Turpin N. Territoires et exploitations équines en France [Equine territories and holdings in France]. Écon. Rural. Agric. Aliment. Territ. 2016:85–98.
    doi: 10.4000/economierurale.5070google scholar: lookup
  45. Elgåker H., Wilton B.L. Horse farms as a factor for development and innovation in the urban-rural fringe with examples from Europe and Northern America. Proceedings of the Nature and Landscape as an Asset to Development in Rural Areas; Copenhagen, Denmark. 8–10 March 2008; Copenhagen, Denmark: University of Copenhagen; 2008. pp. 43–55.
  46. Quetier F.F., Gordon I.J. ‘Horsiculture’: How important a land use change in Scotland?. Scott. Geogr. J. 2003;119:153–158.
    doi: 10.1080/00369220318737168google scholar: lookup
  47. Zasada I., Berges R., Hilgendorf J., Piorr A. Horsekeeping and the peri-urban development in the Berlin Metropolitan Region.. J. Land Use Sci. 2011;8:199–214.
    doi: 10.1080/1747423X.2011.628706google scholar: lookup
  48. Vial C., Evans R, editors. The New Equine Economy in the 21st Century.. Wageningen Academic Publishers; Wageningen, The Netherlands: 2015. EAAP Publication.
  49. Doboszewski P., Doktór D., Jaworski Z., Kalski R., Kułakowska G., Łojek J., Płąchocki D., Ryś A., Tylkowska A., Zbyryt A.. Konik polski horses as a mean of biodiversity maintenance in post-agricultural and forest areas: An overview of Polish experiences.. Anim. Sci. Pap. Rep. 2017;35:333–347.
  50. Bailey A., Williams N., Palmer M., Geering R. The farmer as service provider: The demand for agricultural commodities and equine services.. Agric. Syst. 2000;66:191–204.
    doi: 10.1016/S0308-521X(00)00047-0google scholar: lookup
  51. Elgåker H., Pinzke S., Lindholm G., Nilsson C. Horse keeping in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas: New Conditions for Physical Planning in Sweden.. Geogr. Tidsskr.-Dan. J. Geogr. 2010;110:81–98.
    doi: 10.1080/00167223.2010.10669498google scholar: lookup
  52. De L’Escaille T. Personnal communication.. ((European Land Owners, Bruxelles, Belgium)). 2019.
  53. Bigot G., Perret É., Turpin N. L’élevage équin, un atout pour la durabilité des territoire ruraux: Cas de la région Auvergne [Equine breeding, an asset for the sustainability of rural areas: case of Auvergne region]. Proceedings of the Identité, qualité et compétitivité territoriale; Association de Science Régionale de Langue Française; Aoste, Italy. 20–22 September 2010; p. 15.
  54. Reynaud E., von Niederhaüsern R., Ackermann C. Le cheval de travail en Suisse, enquête 2017 [Working horse in Switzerland, survey 2017]. Agroscope Transf. 2018 :51.
  55. Almeida A., Rodrigues J. Animal Traction: New Opportunities and New Challenges. Proceedings of the Farm Machinery and Processes Management in Sustainable Agriculture, IX International Scientific Symposium; Lublin, Poland. 20–24 November 2017; pp. 27–31.
  56. Cerutti A.K., Calvo A., Bruun S. Comparison of the environmental performance of light mechanization and animal traction using a modular LCA approach.. J. Clean. Prod. 2014;64:396–403.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.09.027google scholar: lookup
  57. Głębocki B., Główny Urząd Statystyczny. Zróżnicowanie Przestrzenne Rolnictwa: Powszechny Spis Rolny 2010: Praca Zbiorowa. Produkcja zwierzęca—Rozwój i zmiany przestrzenne w latach 2002–2010—9.7 konie [Animal production—evolution and land development between 2002–2010—9.7 Horses]. Główny Urząd Statystyczny; Warszawa, Poland: 2014. pp. 402–409.
  58. Gantner R., Baban M., Glavaš H., Ivanović M., Schlechter P., Šumanovac L., Zimmer D. Indices of sustainability of horse traction in agriculture. Proceedings of the 3. Međunarodni Znanstveni Simpozij Gospodarstvo Istočne Hrvatske-Vizija i Razvoj/3rd International Scientific Symposium Economy of Eastern Croatia-Vision and Growth; Osijek, Croatia. 22–24 May 2014; pp. 616–626.
  59. Steven R, Pickering C, Guy Castley J. A review of the impacts of nature based recreation on birds.. J Environ Manage 2011 Oct;92(10):2287-94.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2011.05.005pubmed: 21640470google scholar: lookup
  60. Linot O. La commission des chevaux territoriaux en France [The commission of territorial horses in France]. In: Leroy du Cardonnoy É., Vial C., editors. Les Chevaux: De L’imaginaire Universel aux Enjeux Prospectifs pour les Territoires. Presses Universitaires de Caen; Caen, France: 2017. pp. 161–171. Colloques de Cerisy.
  61. Pickel-Chevalier S. Can equestrian tourism be a solution for sustainable tourism development in France?. Loisir Soc./Soc. Leis. 2015;38:110–134.
    doi: 10.1080/07053436.2015.1007580google scholar: lookup
  62. EU Equus. The Horse Industry in the European Union.. Department of Economics Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Skara/Solvalla, Sweden: 2001. p. 50.
  63. Sigurðardóttir I., Helgadóttir G. Riding High: Quality and Customer Satisfaction in Equestrian Tourism in Iceland.. Scand. J. Hosp. Tour. 2015;15:105–121.
    doi: 10.1080/15022250.2015.1015765google scholar: lookup
  64. Pickering CM, Hill W, Newsome D, Leung YF. Comparing hiking, mountain biking and horse riding impacts on vegetation and soils in Australia and the United States of America.. J Environ Manage 2010 Jan-Feb;91(3):551-62.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2009.09.025pubmed: 19864052google scholar: lookup
  65. Kozak M.W. Making Trails: Horses and Equestrian Tourism in Poland.. In: Adelman M., Thompson K., editors. Equestrian Cultures in Global and Local Contexts. Springer International Publishing; Cham, Germany: 2017. pp. 131–152.
  66. Vial C., Gouget J.-J., Barget E., Clipet F., Caillarec C. Manifestations Equestres et Développement Local [Equestrian Events and Local Development]. 1st ed. Institut Français du Cheval et de L’équitation; Arnac-Pompadour, France: 2016. Synthèse.
  67. McCarthy K., Cosgrove A., Zelmer A. A Study into the Business & Skills Requirements of the UK Equine Industry.. Lantra; Warwickshire, UK: 2011. p. 112.
  68. Sigurðardóttir I., Helgadóttir G. The new equine economy of Iceland.. In: Vial C., Evans R., editors. EAAP Scientific Series. Volume 136. Wageningen Academic Publishers; Wageningen, The Netherlands: 2015. pp. 223–236.
  69. World Horse Welfare, Eurogroup for Animals. Removing the Blinkers: The Health and Welfare of European Equidae in 2015.. World Horse Welfare; London, UK: Eurogroup for Animals; Brussels, Belgium: 2015. p. 122.
  70. Bellino R., Affeltranger B., Battistini B., Evanno S., Le Pochat S. Comparative environmental assessment of two systems of agronomic and energetic valorisation of horse manure. Proceedings of the 2nd LCA Conference; Lille, France. 6–7 November 2012; p. 7.

Citations

This article has been cited 13 times.
  1. Wiśniewska A, Janczarek I, Tkaczyk E, Wilk I, Janicka W, Próchniak T, Kaczmarek B, Pokora E, Łuszczyński J. Minimizing the Effects of Social Isolation of Horses by Contact with Animals of a Different Species: The Domestic Goat as an Example. Animals (Basel) 2022 Sep 2;12(17).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12172271pubmed: 36077991google scholar: lookup
  2. Furtado T, King M, Perkins E, McGowan C, Chubbock S, Hannelly E, Rogers J, Pinchbeck G. An Exploration of Environmentally Sustainable Practices Associated with Alternative Grazing Management System Use for Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and Mules in the UK. Animals (Basel) 2022 Jan 8;12(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12020151pubmed: 35049774google scholar: lookup
  3. Miraglia N, Salimei E, Fantuz F. Equine Milk Production and Valorization of Marginal Areas-A Review. Animals (Basel) 2020 Feb 22;10(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10020353pubmed: 32098374google scholar: lookup
  4. Ullah A, Chen W, Shi L, Wang M, Geng M, Na J, Akhtar MF, Khan MZ, Wang C. Challenges and Enhancing Strategies of Equine Semen Preservation: Nutritional and Genetic Perspectives. Vet Sci 2025 Aug 25;12(9).
    doi: 10.3390/vetsci12090807pubmed: 41012733google scholar: lookup
  5. Huang X, He L, Ma J, Li Y, Li J, Zang C, Hou M, Li X. Ellagic acid on milk production performance, blood and milk hormones, antioxidant capacity and fecal microbial communities in lactating Yili mares. Front Microbiol 2025;16:1656100.
    doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1656100pubmed: 40881293google scholar: lookup
  6. Watson T, Clancy C. Shared work? Unravelling interspecies entanglements, agency, and the rhythms of equids at work. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1570879.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1570879pubmed: 40765743google scholar: lookup
  7. Wen X, Bou G, He Q, Liu Q, Yi M, Ren H. Comprehensive Integrated Analyses of Proteins and Metabolites in Equine Seminal Plasma (Horses and Donkeys). Proteomes 2025 Jul 4;13(3).
    doi: 10.3390/proteomes13030033pubmed: 40700277google scholar: lookup
  8. Vial C, Lamy A, Sebbane M. Chefs Saddle Up-Perceptions of Horse Meat as a Sustainable Gastronomic Alternative in France. Foods 2025 Feb 14;14(4).
    doi: 10.3390/foods14040638pubmed: 40002082google scholar: lookup
  9. Giubega S, Ilie MS, Morariu S, Imre M, Dreghiciu C, Rugea T, Ivascu S, Simion G, Dărăbuș G. Molecular Investigations of Babesia caballi from Clinically Healthy Horses in Southwestern Romania. Vet Sci 2024 Nov 27;11(12).
    doi: 10.3390/vetsci11120600pubmed: 39728940google scholar: lookup
  10. Radovic L, Remer V, Rigler D, Bozlak E, Allen L, Brem G, Reissman M, Brockmann GA, Ropka-Molik K, Stefaniuk-Szmukier M, Kalinkova L, Kalashnikov VV, Zaitev AM, Raudsepp T, Castaneda C, von Butler-Wemken I, Patterson Rosa L, Brooks SA, Novoa-Bravo M, Kostaras N, Abdurasulov A, Antczak DF, Miller DC, Lopes MS, da Câmara Machado A, Lindgren G, Juras R, Cothran G, Wallner B. The global spread of Oriental Horses in the past 1,500 years through the lens of the Y chromosome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024 Dec 3;121(49):e2414408121.
    doi: 10.1073/pnas.2414408121pubmed: 39556761google scholar: lookup
  11. Raw Z, Collins JA, Burden FA. What Is a Working Equid? Analysis of Current Terminology and a Suggested Definition. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jul 9;14(14).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14142026pubmed: 39061488google scholar: lookup
  12. Blanco-Doval A, Barron LJR, Aldai N. Nutritional Quality and Socio-Ecological Benefits of Mare Milk Produced under Grazing Management. Foods 2024 May 4;13(9).
    doi: 10.3390/foods13091412pubmed: 38731783google scholar: lookup
  13. Wolframm IA, Heric L, Allen AM. Green treasures: Investigating the biodiversity potential of equine yards through the presence and quality of landscape features in the Netherlands. PLoS One 2024;19(4):e0301168.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301168pubmed: 38603711google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,357 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.