Stable Beginnings – A call to transform methods of weaning horses.

Overview

• This study explores the opinions of equine welfare charity professionals in the UK regarding current horse weaning methods.
• It highlights the welfare concerns associated with abrupt and isolating weaning practices and calls for changes to improve both mare and foal welfare.

Introduction and Objective

• Weaning horses is a critical process impacting both mares and foals, yet the UK lacks standardized guidance or consensus on optimal methods.
• The study aimed to understand welfare charity professionals’ perceptions of various weaning approaches and their effects on horse welfare during and after weaning.

Methodology

• Participants: Five professionals primarily working in equine welfare charities with experience managing horses from birth to death were recruited.
• Materials: They reviewed videos depicting different weaning techniques and a chart illustrating behavioral indicators relevant to assessing welfare.
• Data Collection: Participants engaged in recorded discussions reflecting on weaning methods and their personal opinions and experiences regarding impacts on both mare and foal.
• Analysis: Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to interpret transcribed discussions, allowing themes to be identified from the data.

Key Findings – Thematic Results

• 1. Responsibility and Accountability of the Equine Community:
  • Participants emphasized that the entire equine community shares responsibility to improve weaning practices.
  • Accountability is essential to implement welfare-positive changes industry-wide.
• 2. Flexibility and Tailoring for Individual Needs:
  • There was recognition that no single weaning method suits all horses; individual differences must inform approach selection.
  • Flexibility in timing and method helps address the needs of both mare and foal for better welfare outcomes.
• 3. The Complexities of Assessing Welfare:
  • Participants acknowledged challenges in objectively measuring welfare during weaning.
  • They discussed the use of behavioral indicators but noted that assessing emotional and psychological states remains complex.
• 4. The Short-term Impacts of Weaning:
  • Abrupt and isolating separation methods were unanimously agreed to negatively affect immediate welfare.
  • Short-term stress and behavioral disturbances were common when these harsher methods were used.
• 5. The Long-term Impacts of Weaning:
  • Participants expressed concerns about psychological issues persisting from poor early weaning experiences.
  • The lasting effects may influence foal behavior and welfare well into adulthood.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• All participants agreed that the current prevalent abrupt and isolating weaning methods are detrimental to both short- and long-term welfare.
• They highlighted education as a key tool to shift equine industry culture towards better practices.
• The demand for horses with positive early life experiences was viewed as an incentive to encourage welfare-friendly weaning methods among breeders, trainers, and owners.
• Barriers within the industry were acknowledged, including tradition and lack of awareness, but proactive engagement and shared responsibility can drive improvements.
• Overall, the research calls for transforming weaning methodologies to prioritize the emotional and physical welfare of mares and foals alike, favoring gradual, social, and less stressful alternatives.