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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2021; 11(8); 2163; doi: 10.3390/ani11082163

The Human Aspect of Horse Care: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted the Wellbeing of Equestrian Industry Stakeholders.

Abstract: During the lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, equestrian stakeholders faced a dilemma whereby they were required to balance caring for the welfare of horses with adapting to the restrictions imposed to protect public health. The present study investigated the impact of the pandemic on the wellbeing of a sample of industry stakeholders, including horse owners, equine veterinarians, farriers and welfare centre managers ( = 26) using a qualitative methodology. Findings from the interviews indicated that the mental health and wellbeing of veterinarians and horse owners was negatively affected by pandemic-related obstacles to communication and limitations to horse-owner interactions. However, this study also identified several positive outcomes for wellbeing during lockdown resulting from pro-social activities that were engaged with by horse owners to overcome social isolation, the separation of the community and loneliness. These findings provide accounts of ways in which those caring for horses might be challenged during national emergency scenarios, pointing to areas that would benefit from future mental health and wellbeing interventions.
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Publication Date: 2021-07-22 PubMed ID: 34438622PubMed Central: PMC8388490DOI: 10.3390/ani11082163Google 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.

The research article studies the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental wellbeing of workers in the equestrian industry, particularly veterinarians and horse owners, through qualitative interviews. It points out the increased mental stress due to imposed restrictions, but also identifies positive outcomes due to proactive social activities.

Research Objectives

  • The motive of this study was to examine the effects of COVID-19 lockdown measures on those involved in horse care, including veterinarians, horse owners, farriers, and welfare centre managers.
  • The research aimed to identify the conflicts these stakeholders faced between ensuring horse wellbeing and adhering to public health guidelines.
  • It also sought to identify potential areas where future mental health interventions could be beneficial.

Methodology

  • The authors utilized a qualitative research methodology for this study.
  • A sample of 26 equestrian industry stakeholders participated in the study.
  • Data was collected through interviews to understand the participants’ experiences during the pandemic.

Key Findings

  • The interviews revealed that the pandemic had a negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of these industry stakeholders. This was primarily due to communication hurdles and limitations on interactions between horse owners and their horses created by public health restrictions.
  • Interestingly, the study also uncovered positive outcomes in terms of wellbeing during the lockdown. The participants reported an increase in pro-social activities to combat social isolation and loneliness. This included various acts of support within their community, leading to a sense of unity amongst them.

Implications of the Study

  • The findings offer insight into the challenges that individuals caring for horses might face during a national emergency and areas where they could benefit from mental health and wellbeing interventions.
  • Future policies for managing similar crises can consider these findings to minimize impacts on mental health.
  • The positive outcomes can inspire encouraging community-level initiatives to maintain morale in such critical situations.

Cite This Article

APA
Ward A, Stephen K, Argo C, Watson C, Harris P, Neacsu M, Russell W, Grove-White D, Morrison P. (2021). The Human Aspect of Horse Care: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted the Wellbeing of Equestrian Industry Stakeholders. Animals (Basel), 11(8), 2163. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082163

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 8
PII: 2163

Researcher Affiliations

Ward, Ashley
  • Scotland's Rural College, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, UK.
  • The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
Stephen, Kate
  • Scotland's Rural College, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, UK.
Argo, Caroline
  • Scotland's Rural College, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, UK.
Watson, Christine
  • Scotland's Rural College, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, UK.
Harris, Patricia
  • Equine Studies Group, WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK.
Neacsu, Madalina
  • The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
Russell, Wendy
  • The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
Grove-White, Dai
  • Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK.
Morrison, Philippa
  • Scotland's Rural College, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, UK.

Grant Funding

  • HIPS/19/51 / Chief Scientist Office
  • NA / Scottish Funding Council
  • NA / Mars Petcare

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Brooks SK, Greenberg N. The Well-Being of Companion Animal Caregivers and Their Companion Animals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2023 Oct 22;13(20).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13203294pubmed: 37894018google scholar: lookup
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