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Animal welfare (South Mimms, England)2024; 33; e14; doi: 10.1017/awf.2024.9

‘It’s more emotionally based’: Prince Edward Island horse owner perspectives of horse weight management.

Abstract: Horse obesity is a growing concern that can result in negative welfare. The role horse owners play in horse weight management is not well understood. This study aimed to: (1) explore the attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of owners with overweight or obese horses regarding their horses' weight; and (2) understand the motivators and barriers for owners to implement, improve and maintain weight management-related strategies. A semi-structured interview guide based on the Theoretical Domains Framework was developed. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 24 owners in Prince Edward Island, Canada whose horse(s) were previously classified as overweight or obese by a veterinarian. Interviews were analysed using template analysis, organising patterns in the data into a codebook and overarching themes. Owners believed horse weight management was important, however, their perceived complexity of the issue made the implementation of the weight management practices difficult. Owners held conflicting perceptions, viewing overweight horses as well cared for, yet recognised these horses were at increased risk for negative health outcomes. Ultimately, participants felt emotionally torn about compromising their horse's mental well-being to address weight issues. Owners considered the practicality of weight-management strategies, the strategies' effectiveness, and whether recommended strategies aligned with their beliefs regarding good horse care practices. Knowledge was embedded into owners' understanding of horse weight, however, some highlighted that traditional knowledge dominates the equine industry hindering systemic industry change. Increased understanding of the effectiveness and impacts of weight management strategies on horses and fostering a society that recognises and accepts horses within a healthy weight range are warranted.
© The Author(s) 2024.
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Publication Date: 2024-03-11 PubMed ID: 38510426PubMed Central: PMC10951667DOI: 10.1017/awf.2024.9Google 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 explores the attitudes and beliefs of horse owners regarding their overweight or obese horses’ weight management and the challenges faced in maintaining weight management strategies. Horse owners expressed divergent views on horse obesity: on one hand, they equate heavier horses with good care, but on the other, they understand the health risks associated with obesity. They also had a dichotomy between caring for their horse’s mental welfare and addressing weight issues. The research indicates that more understanding and education about weight management and its effects on horse health is needed.

Understanding Owner Perspectives

  • The research involved interviews with 24 horse owners in Prince Edward Island, Canada, whose horses had previously been classified as overweight or obese by veterinarians, providing data directly from the owners’ perspectives.
  • The owners viewed weight management as an essential part of caring for their horses, but found the complexity of the issue challenging. Some found themselves torn between wanting to care for their horse’s emotional health and the need to implement weight management strategies, indicating a possible barrier to effective weight control.

Contradicting Perceptions

  • Despite understanding the health risks that come with the considerable weight of their horses, some owners believed that overweight horses are well cared for. This perception suggests a need to better educate owners about the dangers of horse obesity, as being overweight does not necessarily equate to being healthy.
  • Owners also evaluated the benefits, effectiveness, and practicality of weight management strategies, indicating a proactive approach towards their horses’ health. However, there appeared to be some reluctance to adopt strategies that did not align with their traditional beliefs about good horse care.

The Role of Traditional Knowledge

  • Traditional knowledge, understood as the common beliefs and practices passed down through generations, seems to dominate the equine industry. This prevalence forms a barrier to systemic change in the industry as these entrenched beliefs may hinder the adoption of scientifically-proven weight management strategies.
  • The study suggests that fostering a societal shift towards recognizing a healthy weight range for horses is essential to address the issue of horse obesity meaningfully.

Call for Increased Understanding and Research

  • The researchers recommend further exploration of the effectiveness and impacts of weight management strategies on horses to provide reliable information to horse owners.
  • They also advocate for developing a societal understanding that accepts horses within a healthy weight range, moving away from the perception that overweight equates to good care. This shift in perception would help overcome the barriers to the healthy weight management of horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Ross M, Proudfoot K, Campbell Nishimura E, Morabito E, Merkies K, Mitchell J, Ritter C. (2024). ‘It’s more emotionally based’: Prince Edward Island horse owner perspectives of horse weight management. Anim Welf, 33, e14. https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2024.9

Publication

Animal welfare (South Mimms, England)
ISSN: 2054-1538
NlmUniqueID: 9214272
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 33
Pages: e14
PII: e14

Researcher Affiliations

Ross, Megan
  • Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada.
Proudfoot, Kathryn
  • Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada.
Campbell Nishimura, Eileen
  • Department of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
Morabito, Emily
  • Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada.
Merkies, Katrina
  • Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
  • Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
Mitchell, Jean
  • Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada.
Ritter, Caroline
  • Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada.

Conflict of Interest Statement

None.

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