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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2021; 11(4); 1072; doi: 10.3390/ani11041072

Public Roads as Places of Interspecies Conflict: A Study of Horse-Human Interactions on UK Roads and Impacts on Equine Exercise.

Abstract: Real or perceived traffic risk is a significant barrier to walking and cycling. To understand whether similar barriers influence equestrians, this study obtained exercise behaviours, road use and experiences of road-related incidents from UK equestrians ( = 6390) via an online questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with road use and experiencing a near-miss or injury-causing incident in the previous year. Content analysis identified themes around equestrians' decisions not to use roads. Our results show that most equestrians (84%) use roads at least once weekly, and in the previous year, 67.7% had a near-miss and 6.1% an injury-causing incident. Road use differs regionally, with exercise type and off-road route availability. Road-using equestrians covered greater daily distances and were younger. However, younger equestrians were at higher risk of near-misses. Respondents' decisions not to use roads were based on individualised risk assessments arising from: the road itself, perceptions of other road users, the individual horse and the handler's own emotional management. Roads were perceived as extremely dangerous places with potentially high conflict risk. Injury-causing incidents were associated with increasing road-use anxiety or ceasing to use roads, the proximity of off-road routes, having a near-miss and type of road use. Targeted road-safety campaigns and improved off-road access would create safer equestrian spaces.
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Publication Date: 2021-04-09 PubMed ID: 33918900PubMed Central: PMC8070417DOI: 10.3390/ani11041072Google 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.

This study investigates the impact of real or perceived traffic risk on horse riders in the UK, including their road use, exercise behaviors and experiences of road-related incidents. Using analysis of survey data from a significant number of participants (6390), the study finds that most equestrians use roads at least weekly but many have experienced near-miss incidents and some have suffered injury-causing accidents. It concludes that seeing roads as high-risk environments can increase anxieties and influence decision-making on road use among equestrians.

Research Methods

  • The study utilised an online questionnaire to gather data from equestrians across the UK, focusing on their exercise behaviours, usage of roads and experiences of road-related incidents. This comprehensive survey approach provided a broad spectrum of data points for analysis.
  • A technique known as multivariable logistic regression models was used to identify factors linked with road use and the occurrence of close calls or injury-inducing accidents in the past year. These statistical models allow for the consideration of simultaneous effects of various factors.
  • The researchers conducted content analysis to identify themes surrounding why equestrians opt not to use roads. This analysis facilitated understanding of the multidimensional factors influencing decision-making among equestrians.

Discussion of Findings

  • The study found that the vast majority of equestrians (84%) use roads at least once a week. This demonstrates how integral roads are as part of equestrian activity in the UK.
  • Nevertheless, notable numbers of equestrians experienced incidents linked to road usage, with 67.7% having a near miss and 6.1% suffering an accident resulting in injury in the preceding year.
  • The research showed a regional difference in road use, exercise preferences and availability of off-road routes. Road-using equestrians covered more daily distances and were typically younger. However, younger riders were more likely to experience near-miss incidents.
  • Decisions to abstain from road usage were rooted in individualised risk assessments, taking into consideration factors such as the characteristics of the road, impressions of other road users, the individual horse’s behaviour, and personal emotional responses.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • Roads were largely perceived as dangerous, posing high risk and potential for conflict. Traumatic incidents often resulted in escalating anxiety about road use or complete rejection of using roads.
  • The findings suggest that focussed road safety initiatives and enhanced off-road access would foster safer environments for equestrians, potentially reducing the number of near misses and accidents.

Cite This Article

APA
Pollard D, Furtado T. (2021). Public Roads as Places of Interspecies Conflict: A Study of Horse-Human Interactions on UK Roads and Impacts on Equine Exercise. Animals (Basel), 11(4), 1072. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11041072

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 4
PII: 1072

Researcher Affiliations

Pollard, Danica
  • Safety Department, The British Horse Society, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2XZ, UK.
Furtado, Tamzin
  • Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Furtado T, King M, Perkins E, McGowan C, Chubbock S, Hannelly E, Rogers J, Pinchbeck G. An Exploration of Environmentally Sustainable Practices Associated with Alternative Grazing Management System Use for Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and Mules in the UK. Animals (Basel) 2022 Jan 8;12(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12020151pubmed: 35049774google scholar: lookup
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