[Possibilities for the all-year free-range raising of horses].

This research explores the concept of all-year free-range raising of horses, using the ethological concept of satisfying needs and preventing harm in the evaluation of animal welfare. An in-depth analysis of horse management, specifically using an example of 250 Dülmen horses kept in a semi-natural environment, is conducted to identify what needs to be in place to uphold a free-ranging horse rearing system.

Ethological Concept

• The concept of ethology, the scientific study of animal behaviour, is utilized by the authors as a theoretical framework for interpreting and assessing the welfare of horses in an all-year free-range raising system.
• This approach considers the satisfaction of needs and prevention of harm as fundamental metrics for the welfare of animals – a lens through which the practice of horse management was evaluated by the researchers.

Horse Management in a Semi-Natural Environment

• The authors use 250 Dülmen horses belonging to the Duke of Croy as a case example to explore the potential for free-range horse rearing.
• These horses are kept in a semi-natural environment that is spread over a sizeable 300 hectares, creating conditions that largely emulate a free-range environment.

Essential Elements for Free-Range Horse Keeping

• Upon careful analysis of conditions within the Dülmen horse population, the researchers identify several core components for the successful keeping of horses in a semi-natural, free-range environment.
• Sufficient provision of food and water, availability of efficient sheltering locations, and adequate structures to cater to social and comfort behaviours of the horses are earmarked as central necessities.

Catalogue of Factors, Functions, and Facilities

• The culmination of the research is a comprehensive catalogue of factors, functions, and facilities deemed instrumental in creating favourable conditions for semi-natural, free-range horse rearing.
• This catalogue presents an array of valuable insights for interested stakeholders, potentially serving as a guide for the implementation of similar horse management systems.