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Owners’ everyday interactions with their horse: Pain-related issues and those of veterinary concern.
Abstract: The decisions made by horse owners on behalf of their animal, including decisions to involve a veterinarian, play an important role in the management of pain. This study explored horse owners' experiences to understand how they conceptualised chronic pain within the context of their horse-human relationship, what led them to seek veterinary involvement, and how veterinary interactions shaped their perceptions of pain and its management. An ethnographic approach using constructivist grounded theory methods was adopted. This paper draws upon field notes generated through 200 h of observation undertaken within four veterinary practices in the UK, as well as interviews with horse owners and carers. Analysis identified that owners' understandings of pain-related issues of their horse were based upon knowledge of what was normal for their animal, and deviation from this norm. Horse behaviours were ascribed meaning by owners in light of contextual factors, in turn affecting owners' perceptions of pain. While pain could factor into decisions to initiate a veterinary consultation, it was generally not the specific reason owners presented their animal. Veterinarians' approaches to identifying and treating painful problems played a role in the formulation of owners' understanding of their horse's behaviour. Interactions had implications not only for treatment opportunities, but for perceptions of veterinary expertise. This study highlights the context-specific nature through which pain recognition and decisions regarding a horse's treatment arise. It highlights the drivers of human decision-making and offers potential avenues to support human behaviour change and improve horse welfare.
© The Author(s) 2025.
Publication Date: 2025-09-17 PubMed ID: 40988863PubMed Central: PMC12451390DOI: 10.1017/awf.2025.10036Google 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.
Overview
- This study investigates how horse owners perceive and respond to their horses’ chronic pain within their daily interactions.
- It explores what influences owners to seek veterinary care and how veterinary interactions shape owners’ understanding and management of their horses’ pain.
Research Context and Objectives
- The management of pain in horses is heavily influenced by the decisions made by their owners, particularly regarding seeking veterinary intervention.
- The study aims to explore horse owners’ experiences to understand:
- How owners conceptualize chronic pain in the context of their relationship with the horse.
- What factors encourage owners to involve a veterinarian.
- How interactions with veterinarians influence owners’ perceptions and approaches to pain management.
Methodology
- An ethnographic approach was adopted, using constructivist grounded theory methods, which focus on understanding meanings constructed in social contexts.
- Data sources included:
- Field notes derived from 200 hours of observation within four veterinary practices in the UK.
- Interviews conducted with horse owners and carers to capture their personal experiences and perspectives.
Key Findings on Owners’ Perceptions
- Owners base their understanding of their horse’s pain primarily on what they know to be “normal” for their individual horse.
- Deviation from this normal behavior is interpreted as a potential indicator of pain or discomfort.
- Horse behaviors are given meaning by owners depending on the specific context surrounding the behavior, which influences their judgment about the presence and severity of pain.
Decision-Making Regarding Veterinary Involvement
- Although pain can be a factor in deciding to consult a veterinarian, it usually is not the sole or explicit reason for seeking veterinary help.
- Owners may present other concerns or symptoms to the veterinarian even if pain is implicitly involved.
Role of Veterinary Interactions
- Veterinarians’ methods of assessing and managing painful conditions affect how owners understand and interpret their horse’s behaviors and health status.
- These interactions influence:
- The type of treatments pursued or accepted.
- Owners’ confidence and perceptions of veterinary expertise.
Implications and Significance
- The study highlights how pain recognition and treatment decisions for horses are highly context-specific and socially constructed within the owner-veterinarian relationship.
- Understanding these drivers behind owners’ decision-making offers opportunities to:
- Encourage behavior changes that improve how pain and health issues are managed.
- Support better horse welfare by aligning veterinary advice and owner perceptions.
Cite This Article
APA
Smith R, Perkins L, Pinchbeck G, Ireland J.
(2025).
Owners’ everyday interactions with their horse: Pain-related issues and those of veterinary concern.
Anim Welf, 34, e62.
https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2025.10036 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Equine Clinical Science, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK.
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK.
- Department of Equine Clinical Science, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK.
Conflict of Interest Statement
None.
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