Using Web-Based Surveys to Explore Equine Industry Practices and Future Research Needs.

This research article discusses how social media can be leveraged to conduct web-based surveys on equine industry practices, and how the results from such surveys could help shape future research. The authors share findings from two surveys they conducted via the University of Minnesota’s equine Extension Facebook page and e-newsletter, probing matters such as hay net usage and winter water provision methods for horses.

Methods and Survey Focus

• The researchers from the University of Minnesota (UMN) equine Extension program designed and administered two web-based surveys via their Facebook page and e-newsletter. These surveys had a specific focus on the equine industry and the prevalent practices among horse owners.
• The first survey targeted the use of hay nets – devices containing hay for horses to eat – while the second survey examined the methodologies employed by horse owners to provide water to their horses during winter.

Completion Rates and Participant Demographics

• The survey on hay nets was initiated by 2088 participants and saw an impressive completion rate of 96%. The winter water survey was started by 930 respondents with a completion rate of 94%.
• In terms of the geographical representation, people from all regions of the United States participated in both surveys, and demographics were consistent with prior survey populations.

Survey Findings and Future Research Needs

• These surveys not only provided insights into prevalent practices in the equine industry, but they also highlighted areas that demand further scientific research.
• A significant portion of survey participants were unsure whether scientific research would influence their future decisions regarding horse management when it came to hay net practices. Meanwhile, a majority of participants from the winter water survey affirmed research would affect their decisions.

Benefits of Web-based Surveys on Social Media

• Executing surveys via social media platforms eliminates the high costs and labor usually associated with the traditional mailed surveys.
• However, the researchers acknowledged that this survey methodology may only work for organizations with substantial social media followers.

In summary, the research showcases how web-based surveys administered through social media can offer valuable insights into industry practices as well as identify future research needs – proving especially useful for resources such as the UMN equine Extension program.