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The Veterinary record2021; 188(6); e79; doi: 10.1002/vetr.79

Qualitative study of the influence of horse-owner relationship during some key events within a horse’s lifetime.

Abstract: There is a lack of research exploring how the horse-human relationship influences horse owners' decision-making. The aim of this study was to investigate how an owner's relationship with their horse affects decisions around key events during their horse's lifetime. An online survey and semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with horse-owners. The online survey asked horse owners about their experiences of decision-making and their relationship with their horse and identified interview participants. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 horse owners on their experience of purchasing and euthanasia of horses. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and thematic analysis was performed. There were 938 responses to the online survey. The majority of owners considered their horse to be a member of the family (92.9%, 808/870). The mean amount spent annually on their horse was £9215 (range £324-14,240). Seven themes were identified in the interviews including mismatching of horse and rider; financial, time, welfare and personal obligations involved in horse ownership; shared-decision making; the horse's quality of life; guilt and responsibility grief surrounding euthanasia decisions. This study highlighted the strong owner-horse relationship, the significant obligations involved in horse ownership and the emotional impact of euthanasia decisions.
© 2021 British Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2021-01-28 PubMed ID: 33739494DOI: 10.1002/vetr.79Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 research discusses the relationship between horse owners and their horses, and how this relationship influences decision-making around key events in a horse’s life such as purchasing and euthanasia.

Objective of the Study

  • The primary goal of the study was to shed more light on how the horse-owner relationship shapes decisions related to crucial instances in a horse’s life, given the lack of extensive research in this particular area. These key instances include when acquiring a horse and making decisions about euthanasia.

Methodology

  • Researchers used two main methods to gather data from horse owners – an online survey and semi-structured telephone interviews.
  • The online survey focused on owners’ experiences of decision-making and their overall relationship with their horses, and was a selection tool for identifying interview participants.
  • The researchers conducted two semi-structured interviews with 11 horse owners. These interviews were focused on the participants’ experiences of purchasing and euthanizing horses.
  • Qualitative analysis was done on the data collected from the interviews, where they were recorded, transcribed and analyzed to identify thematic patterns.

Findings

  • A total of 938 horse owners responded to the online survey. The majority, about 93%, considered their horses as part of their family.
  • The average amount the owners spent on their horse in a year was £9215, ranging between £324 and £14,240.
  • From the interviews, seven themes were identified, including: The mismatch of horse and rider, the financial and time investments, animal welfare concerns, personal obligations associated with horse ownership, joint decision-making process, the quality of life of the horse, guilt and grief related to decisions about euthanasia.
  • This study showcased the strong bond between horse owners and their horses, underscored the significant responsibilities of horse ownership, and illuminated the emotional toll that decisions like euthanasia can take on horse owners.

Cite This Article

APA
Clough H, Roshier M, England G, Burford J, Freeman S. (2021). Qualitative study of the influence of horse-owner relationship during some key events within a horse’s lifetime. Vet Rec, 188(6), e79. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.79

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 2042-7670
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 188
Issue: 6
Pages: e79

Researcher Affiliations

Clough, Harriet
  • School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK.
Roshier, Mandy
  • School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK.
England, Gary
  • School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK.
Burford, John
  • School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK.
Freeman, Sarah
  • School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Decision Making
  • Female
  • Horses
  • Human-Animal Bond
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ownership
  • Qualitative Research
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult

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Citations

This article has been cited 8 times.
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