Horse Activity Participants’ Perceptions About Practices Undertaken at Activity Venues, and Horse Welfare and Wellbeing.
Abstract: Participation in horse-related activities frequently involves relocating horses from the home stable to an activity venue, which might require local, regional, or international travel. In these circumstances, horses are exposed to unfamiliar surroundings and experience changes to their daily routines, which could have negative welfare impacts. An online survey was conducted in 2021 to ask experienced horse sector participants about the horse management practices that they perceived worked well and provided for positive horse welfare when undertaken at venues. Qualitative analysis identified four themes: 'managing venues', 'monitoring fitness to participate', 'maintaining a healthy equine digestive system', and 'using horse behaviors to inform decision-making'. The findings indicate that activity-related individuals selected practices that assisted horses to adapt to venue surroundings, remain calm, and stay healthy. The co-authors propose that experienced participants recognize that practices include both provisions (inputs) and outcomes (the horse's subjective experiences), resonating with the Five Freedoms and Five Domains models. For horse activity organizations proposing to implement the Five Domains model, the findings indicate that reviewing practices and implementing updates is timely and achievable. The authors propose that continuously updating practices will contribute to safeguarding horses and maintaining the sector's social license to operate.
Publication Date: 2025-07-24 PubMed ID: 40804971PubMed Central: PMC12345512DOI: 10.3390/ani15152182Google 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.
- 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 aims to understand the perceptions of horse activity participants regarding best practices for horse welfare during activities that require travel. The study identified successful practical approaches for maintaining a positive impact on horse welfare at venues.
Methodology
- The researchers undertook an online survey in 2021, targeting experienced participants in the horse industry. This survey was positioned to establish individual perceptions about practices beneficial to the horses’ overall wellbeing during activity venues that require relocation from their home stables.
Results
- The study presented four main themes based on a qualitative analysis of the survey responses. These themes include effective venue management, monitoring fitness to participate, maintaining a healthy equine digestive system, and the use of horse behaviors to inform decision-making.
Implications
- The results suggest that participants in horse-related activities prioritize practices that help horses adjust to unfamiliar surroundings, keep calm, and stay healthy.
- This perception mirrors the elements of the Five Freedoms and Five Domains models for animal welfare, which balance the need for necessary inputs (like resources and conditions) and consider the subjective experiences of the animal.
- For organizations striving to implement the Five Domains model, these findings make the case for revising and regularly updating their practices for the benefit of horse welfare.
- The authors posit that continuous updates and evolution of these practices will ensure the protection of horses.
- Maintaining up-to-date, successful animal welfare practices also contributes to maintaining the horse industry’s social license to operate.
Conclusion
- The study does invaluable work in underlining the importance of considering and emphasizing horses’ well-being in all practices within the industry.
- By following the insights from experienced participants and aligning with the Five Domains model, organizations can safeguard the horses in their care and maintain a socially acceptable operation.
Cite This Article
APA
Fiedler JM, Rosanowski S, Ayre ML, Slater JD.
(2025).
Horse Activity Participants’ Perceptions About Practices Undertaken at Activity Venues, and Horse Welfare and Wellbeing.
Animals (Basel), 15(15), 2182.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152182 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia.
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia.
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
This article includes 86 references
- Herholz C, Fussel A.E, Timoney P, Schwermer H, Bruckner L, Leadon D. Equine travellers to the Olympic Games in Hong Kong 2008: A review of worldwide challenges to equine health, with particular reference to vector-borne diseases.. Equine Vet. J. 2008;40:87–95.
- Spence K, O’Sullivan T, Poljak Z, Greer A. Descriptive analysis of horse movement networks during the 2015 equestrian season in Ontario, Canada.. PLoS ONE 2019;14:e0219771.
- Gregić M, Bobić T, Baban M, Bunevski G, Gantner V. Variability of stress indicators in jumping horses in parkour due to horse age and competitive season.. Maced. Vet. Rev. 2020;43:169–173.
- Budzyńska M. Stress Reactivity and Coping in Horse Adaptation to Environment.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2014;34:935–941.
- Hogg R. Negotiating Power, Personhood and (In) equality in Elite Horse-Rider Relationships. 2022;pp. 161–176.
- Hamilton K.L, Lancaster B.E, Hall C. Conflict behaviors displayed by horses during dressage tests and their relationship to performance evaluation.. J. Vet. Behav. 2022;55–56:48–57.
- Williams J.M, Berg L.C, Clayton H.M, Kirsch K, Marlin D, Randle H, Roepstroff L, Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan M.S.v., Weishaupt M.A, Munsters C. A Delphi Study to Determine International and National Equestrian Expert Opinions on Domains and Sub-Domains Essential to Managing Sporthorse Health and Welfare in the Olympic Disciplines.. Animals 2023;13:3404.
- Brown B, Cardwell J.M, Verheyen K.L, Campbell M.L. Testing and Refining the Ethical Framework for the Use of Horses in Sport.. Animals 2023;13:1821.
- Librado P, Tressières G, Chauvey L, Fages A, Khan N, Schiavinato S, Calvière-Tonasso L, Kusliy M.A, Gaunitz C, Liu X. Widespread horse-based mobility arose around 2200 BCE in Eurasia.. Nature 2024;631:819–825.
- Doidge C, Palczynski L, Zhou X, Bearth A, van Schaik G, Kaler J. Exploring the data divide through a social practice lens: A qualitative study of UK cattle farmers.. Prev. Vet. Med. 2023;220:106030.
- . Social Practices, Rituals and Festive Events.. .
- . Intangible Cultural Heritage: Equitation in the French Tradition.. .
- Broom D.M. A history of animal welfare science.. Acta Biotheor. 2011;59:121–137.
- Mitsuda T. The equestrian influence and the foundation of veterinary schools in Europe, c. 1760-1790.. Europe 2007;100:1760–1790.
- Mellor D.J, Burns M. Using the Five Domains Model to develop welfare assessment guidelines for Thoroughbred horses in New Zealand.. N. Z. Vet. J. 2020;68:150–156.
- Littlewood K.E, Heslop M.V, Cobb M.L. The Agency Domain and Behavioural Interactions: Assessing Positive Animal Welfare Using the Five Domains Model.. Front. Vet. Sci. 2023;10:1284869.
- Adelman M, Thompson K. Equestrian Cultures in Global and Local Contexts.. 2017.
- Blair K.J, Moran D, Alexander P. Worldviews, values and perspectives towards the future of the livestock sector.. Agric. Hum. Values. 2024;41:91–108.
- Campbell M.L.H. Ethical Justifications for the Use of Animals in Competitive Sport.. Sport Ethics Philos. 2023;17:403–421.
- Haddy E, Burden F, Raw Z, Rodrigues J.B, Zappi Bello J.H, Brown J, Kaminski J, Proops L. Belief in Animal Sentience and Affective Owner Attitudes are linked to Positive Working Equid Welfare across Six Countries.. J. Appl. Anim. Welf. Sci. 2023;28:116–134.
- Riva M.G, Dai F, Huhtinen M, Minero M, Barbieri S, Dalla Costa E. The Impact of Noise Anxiety on Behavior and Welfare of Horses from UK and US Owner’s Perspective.. Animals 2022;12:1319.
- Morales-Briceño A, Oliva H, Falaknaz F, Andrea J. Risk Factors of Equine Colic and Series of Cases in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi-United Arab Emirates.. J. Anim. Res. Vet. Sci. 2020;4:026.
- Chapman M, Fenner K, Thomas M.J. Development of a human factors approach to equine-related human accident analysis, and preliminarily evaluation with simulated incidents.. Safety 2022;8:72.
- McLean A.N, Christensen J.W. The application of learning theory in horse training.. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2017;190:18–27.
- Schuurman N. Horses as co-constructors of knowledge in contemporary Finnish equestrian culture.. 2017;pp. 53–64.
- Mellor D.J, Beausoleil N.J, Littlewood K.E, McLean A.N, McGreevy P.D, Jones B, Wilkins C. The 2020 Five Domains Model: Including Human–Animal Interactions in Assessments of Animal Welfare.. Animals 2020;10:1870.
- Hausberger M, Lesimple C, Henry S. Detecting Welfare in a Non-Verbal Species: Social/Cultural Biases and Difficulties in Horse Welfare Assessment.. Animals 2021;11:2249.
- Watney M, Lancaster B, Randle H. Horse owners’ knowledge of fundamental care and their perceptions on the implementation of a mandatory certificate of knowledge.. J. Appl. Anim. Welf. Sci. 2024:1–20.
- Ikinger C, Spiller A, Kayser M. Factors influencing the attitude of equestrians towards sport horse welfare.. Anim. Welf. 2016;25:411–422.
- Furtado T, Preshaw L, Hockenhull J, Wathan J, Douglas J, Horseman S, Smith R, Pollard D, Pinchbeck G, Rogers J. How happy are equine athletes? Stakeholder perceptions of equine welfare issues associated with equestrian sport.. Animals 2021;11:3228.
- Campbell M. The role of veterinarians in equestrian sport: A comparative review of ethical issues surrounding human and equine sports medicine.. Vet. J. 2013;197:535–540.
- Mellor D.J. Moving beyond the “Five Freedoms” by Updating the “Five Provisions” and Introducing Aligned “Animal Welfare Aims”.. Animals 2016;6:59.
- Webster J. Animal Welfare: Freedoms, Dominions and “A Life Worth Living”.. Animals 2016;6:35.
- . FEI Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan.. .
- . IFHA Publishes Minimum Horse Welfare Standards.. .
- Fernandes J.N, Hemsworth P.H, Coleman G.J, Tilbrook A.J. Costs and Benefits of Improving Farm Animal Welfare.. Agriculture 2021;11:104.
- Jones B, McGreevy P.D. Ethical equitation: Applying a cost-benefit approach.. J. Vet. Behav. 2010;5:196–202.
- Slater J. Biosecurity at equestrian competitions: Olympic legacy?. Equine Vet. J. 2013;4:396–397.
- Špinka M, Wemelsfelder F. Environmental challenge and animal agency.. 2011;pp. 27–43.
- Bini de Lima A.C, Sebastião da Fé V.C, Palermo Hernandes M.S, Oliveira dos Santos V.M. Olfactory Stimulation as Environmental Enrichment for Domestic Horses—A Review.. Animals 2023;13:3180.
- Thompson K, Clarkson L, Riley C, van den Berg M. Horse Husbandry and Preventive Health Practices in Australia: An Online Survey of Horse Guardians.. J. Appl. Anim. Welf. Sci. 2018;21:347–361.
- Thompson K, Clarkson L, Riley C, van den Berg M. Horse-keeping practices in Australia: Findings from a national online survey of horse owners.. Aust. Vet. J. 2017;95:437–443.
- . FEI Veterinary Regulations.. .
- Bragança F, Brommer H, van den Belt A, Maree J, van Weeren P, van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan M. Subjective and objective evaluations of horses for fit-to-compete or unfit-to-compete judgement.. Vet. J. 2020;257:105454.
- Fiedler J, Ayre M, Rosanowski S, Slater J. Animal Safeguarding for Organisations; Proceedings of the Animals in Sports and Work: Ethics and Animal Welfare Symposium; Melbourne, Australia.. 1 March 2024.
- McGregor S.L. Transdisciplinary Professional Learning and Practice.. 2015;pp. 9–24.
- Maller C. The Nexus of Practices.. 2016;pp. 80–92.
- Walker K.D. Appreciative Inquiry.. 2023;pp. 29–33.
- Mellor D.J. Updating Animal Welfare Thinking: Moving beyond the “Five Freedoms” towards “A Life Worth Living”.. Animals 2016;6:21.
- Grodal S, Anteby M, Holm A.L. Achieving rigor in qualitative analysis: The role of active categorization in theory building.. Acad. Manag. Rev. 2021;46:591–612.
- . The 2020 Five Domains Model for Animal Welfare Assessment and Monitoring.. .
- Thomas S.L, Pitt H, McCarthy S, Arnot G, Hennessy M. Methodological and practical guidance for designing and conducting online qualitative surveys in public health.. Health Promot. Int. 2024;39:daae061.
- Fowler F.J. Survey Research Methods.. 2009.
- . Qualtrics.. .
- Wang X, Cheng Z. Cross-sectional studies: Strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations.. Chest 2020;158:S65–S71.
- . Microsoft Excel.. .
- Braun V, Clarke V. Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide.. 2021.
- . NVivo. Statistical and Mathematical Software.. .
- Beck J.M, Elliott K.C, Booher C.R, Renn K.A, Montgomery R.A. The application of reflexivity for conservation science.. Biol. Conserv. 2021;262:109322.
- Hall C, Goodwin D, Heleski C, Randle H, Waran N. Is There Evidence of Learned Helplessness in Horses?. J. Appl. Anim. Welf. Sci. 2008;11:249–266.
- Baragli P, Padalino B, Telatin A. The role of associative and non-associative learning in the training of horses and implications for the welfare (a review). Ann. Dell’istituto Super. Sanita. 2015;51:40–51.
- Voigt M, Russell M, Hiney K, Richardson J, Borron A, Brady C. Show horse welfare: Evaluating stock-type show horse industry legitimacy.. J. Agric. Environ. Ethics. 2015;28:647–666.
- . FEI General Regs & Statutes.. .
- . Ethics Explainer: Ethical Infrastructure.. .
- Ermers C, McGilchrist N, Fenner K, Wilson B, McGreevy P. The Fibre Requirements of Horses and the Consequences and Causes of Failure to Meet Them.. Animals 2023;13:1414.
- Verwijs R. The horse’s behavioural and welfare needs for optimal foraging opportunities.. UK-Vet Equine 2024;8:26–34.
- Zupan M, Štuhec I, Jordan D. The effect of an irregular feeding schedule on equine behavior.. J. Appl. Anim. Welf. Sci. 2020;23:156–163.
- Ruet A, Lemarchand J, Parias C, Mach N, Moisan M.-P, Foury A, Briant C, Lansade L. Housing Horses in Individual Boxes Is a Challenge with Regard to Welfare.. Animals 2019;9:621.
- Bloom F, Draper S, Bennet E, Marlin D, Williams J. A description of veterinary eliminations within British National Endurance rides in the competitive season of 2019.. Comp. Exerc. Physiol. 2022;18:329–338.
- . Code of Practice for Managing Risks When New or Inexperienced Riders or Handlers Interact with Horses in the Workplace.. .
- . Risk Management for Pony Club Events.. .
- Chapman M, Thompson K. Preventing and investigating horse-related human injury and fatality in work and non-work equestrian environments: A consideration of the workplace health and safety framework.. Animals 2016;6:33.
- . The Dog Scentsory Garden.. .
- . Semapaw Park.. .
- Rendle D, Couroucé A, Goehring L, Hall J, Ivens P, Marr C, Newton R, Osterrieder K. How do we prevent and control future outbreaks of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy at equestrian gatherings?. UK-Vet Equine 2023;7:21–30.
- Slater J. Ensuring equine biosecurity at London 2012.. Vet. Rec. 2013;172:117–119.
- Taylor J, Thompson K, Annand E, Massey P, Bennett J, Eden J, Horsburgh B, Hodgson E, Wood K, Kerr J. Novel variant Hendra virus genotype 2 infection in a horse in the greater Newcastle region, New South Wales, Australia.. One Health 2022;15:100423.
- Wiethoelter A, Sawford K, Schembri N, Taylor M, Dhand N, Moloney B, Wright T, Kung N, Field H, Toribio J. “We’ve learned to live with it”—A qualitative study of Australian horse owners’ attitudes, perceptions and practices in response to Hendra virus.. Prev. Vet. Med. 2017;140:67–77.
- Spence K.L, Rosanowski S.M, Slater J, Cardwell J.M. ‘I want to be the sort of owner that he wants me to be’: Rationales for biosecurity implementation among British horse owners.. Equine Vet. J. 2024;57:183–192.
- Spence K.L, Slater J, Rosanowski S.M, Cardwell J.M. A cross-sectional study of horse owners’ awareness and perceived risk of exotic diseases in the United Kingdom.. Prev. Vet. Med. 2019;169:104706.
- Schemann K, Taylor M, Toribio J.-A, Dhand N. Horse owners’ biosecurity practices following the first equine influenza outbreak in Australia.. Prev. Vet. Med. 2011;102:304–314.
- Couroucé A, Normand C, Tessier C, Pomares R, Thévenot J, Marcillaud-Pitel C, Legrand L, Pitel P.-H, Pronost S, Lupo C. Equine Herpesvirus-1 Outbreak During a Show-Jumping Competition: A Clinical and Epidemiological Study.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2023;128:104869.
- Fernandes J, Blache D, Maloney S.K, Martin G.B, Venus B, Walker F.R, Head B, Tilbrook A. Addressing Animal Welfare through Collaborative Stakeholder Networks.. Agriculture 2019;9:132.
- . Animal Welfare Charter A Thriving, Rewarding Life for All Animals in Our Care.. .
- Elbrink S.H, Elmer S.L, Osborne R.H. Understanding needs and expectations to start effective communities of practice.. BMC Health Serv. Res. 2023;23:1230.
- Fenner K, Hyde M, Crean A, McGreevy P. Identifying Sources of Potential Bias When Using Online Survey Data to Explore Horse Training, Management, and Behaviour: A Systematic Literature Review.. Vet. Sci. 2020;7:140.
Citations
This article has been cited 0 times.Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists