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The Veterinary record2026; doi: 10.1002/vetr.70554

Perspectives of UK horse carers towards the use of artificial intelligence in equine healthcare.

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in the modern world, including in veterinary medicine. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate horse carers' attitudes towards using AI use in equine care. Methods: An online survey was distributed to UK horse owners/carers in 2025, covering participants' demographics and use of AI and their opinions of AI for equine care. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, categorisation of free-text responses and logistic regression to determine factors associated with opinions. Results: Ninety-seven responses were analysed. Participants had a predominantly positive opinion of AI to automate large datasets for equine care, and a predominantly negative opinion for automating communications and medical decision making. Key categories identified in free-text responses were: AI use in general/equine care, desire for human interaction and AI as a supportive aid only. Positive attitudes towards AI for equine care were significantly associated with participants' opinions of AI in their own lives (odds ratio [OR]: 3.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.06‒4.45) and understanding of AI (OR: 1.31, 95% CI 1.03‒1.66). Conclusions: This is a small exploratory study of horse owners/carers in the UK, and the findings may not be more widely generalisable. Conclusions: Horse owners/carers had mixed opinions on the use of AI in equine care, and their primary concern was around it replacing human decision making.
© 2026 British Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2026-04-02 PubMed ID: 41924893DOI: 10.1002/vetr.70554Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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Overview

  • This study explored the attitudes of UK horse carers towards the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in equine healthcare, revealing mixed opinions with support for AI in data automation but concerns about AI replacing human decision-making.

Background and Purpose

  • Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into various fields, including veterinary medicine.
  • The study focused specifically on the perspective of horse carers in the UK regarding AI applications in equine healthcare.
  • Its goal was to assess general opinions, understand factors influencing these views, and identify areas of acceptance or resistance to AI use in horse care.

Methods

  • A cross-sectional design was used, collecting data through an online survey conducted in 2025 among UK horse owners and carers.
  • The survey collected:
    • Demographics of participants
    • Current use and familiarity with AI technology
    • Opinions on AI applications specifically for equine healthcare
  • Statistical analyses included:
    • Descriptive statistics to summarize responses
    • Categorization of open-ended, free-text answers to identify key themes
    • Logistic regression to explore factors associated with positive or negative opinions about AI

Key Findings

  • Ninety-seven respondents participated, providing a limited but meaningful sample for exploratory analysis.
  • Overall attitudes towards AI:
    • Predominantly positive attitudes towards AI’s role in automating large datasets related to equine care (e.g., data management, monitoring).
    • Predominantly negative views on AI taking over communications and medical decision-making processes, highlighting concerns about the loss of human judgment.
  • From free-text responses, three main themes emerged:
    • General attitudes towards AI and its use in equine care.
    • A strong desire to maintain human interaction in horse care and healthcare decisions.
    • Preference for AI to serve only as a supportive tool, not a replacement for human expertise.
  • Statistical associations showed:
    • Positive attitudes toward AI in equine care were strongly related to participants’ general opinions of AI in their own daily lives (odds ratio 3.69, indicating they were over 3.5 times more likely to be positive if their personal opinion was positive).
    • Greater understanding of AI also predicted more positive opinions about its use (odds ratio 1.31).

Conclusions and Implications

  • This study provides initial insight into UK horse carers’ perceptions of AI in veterinary contexts.
  • Findings demonstrate mixed opinions, with a clear distinction between acceptance of AI as a data tool versus reluctance to allow AI to make medical decisions or handle direct communication.
  • Primary concern raised was AI potentially replacing human decision-making, emphasizing the value horse carers place on human expertise and interaction.
  • The limited sample size and exploratory nature mean results may not be generalizable to all horse carers or broader audiences.
  • This research suggests that future AI applications in equine care should focus on support and augmentation rather than full automation of clinical judgment and communication.
  • Improving the general understanding of AI among horse carers could increase acceptance of AI technologies in this field.

Cite This Article

APA
Buckley CMP, Hyde RM, Freeman SL. (2026). Perspectives of UK horse carers towards the use of artificial intelligence in equine healthcare. Vet Rec. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.70554

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 2042-7670
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Buckley, Ceara M P
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.
Hyde, Robert M
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.
  • Vet Vision AI, Riverside Business Centre, Belper, UK.
Freeman, Sarah L
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK.

Grant Funding

  • MSD Undergraduate Research Bursary

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