Show Horse Welfare: The Viewpoints of Judges, Stewards, and Show Managers.

The research revolves around the welfare of stock-type show horses and the perceptions of show officials, such as judges, stewards, and, managers about it. It further suggests possible ways to anticipate and handle issues compromising horse welfare in these shows.

Research Methodology

• The study aimed to enhance understanding about the stock-type show horse welfare and how it is perceived by officials part of such shows.
• Thirteen officials involved in these shows, inclusive of judges, stewards, and show managers, were selected for interviews.
• These interviews were designed to comprehend their viewpoint about animal welfare, their concerns around public perception, and their insights into the causes for frequently noted compromises to horse welfare in these shows.

Findings

• Results of the interviews demonstrated that officials’ understanding of non-human animal welfare was incomplete; however, they expressed a high level of caution regarding public perceptions of show horse welfare.
• According to the officials, most of the issues challenging the horse welfare in show events are due to inexperience or lack of expertise of novices, amateurs, and young trainers, and unrealistic expectations of trainers and owners who prioritize winning over welfare of the horses.

Proposed Solutions

• The interviewed officials stressed upon the need for sharing responsibility among associations, officials, and individuals involved in the show horse industry to ensure better horse welfare.
• The officials have seen noticeable progress in the industry in recent times but think that the industry still requires significant improvements in horse welfare.
• According to the officials, there must be increased educational opportunities for all stakeholders in the industry to understand and prioritize horse welfare.