Exercise as a welfare strategy? Insights from horse (Equus caballus) owners in the UK DOI Creative Commons

Cynthia Joanne Naydani,

Tamsin Coombs

Animal Welfare, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 34

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Obesity and its comorbidities (e.g. laminitis) are identified as major welfare issues among domestic equids in the United Kingdom (UK) abroad. Weight-management typically focuses on restricting consumption limiting pasture grazing), often facilitated through stabling. This leads to social isolation, prompting other issues. Increased exercise may be a preferable solution for equine obesity, if viable. The aims of this study were explore horse (Equus caballus) owner perceptions regarding importance exercise, investigate how provision related outcomes. Data obtained via an online survey from 804 UK owners indicated that most respondents' horses managed obesogenic conditions, 40% owner-reported overweight/obese. Exercise-related variables was ridden) correlated with physical health problems, including decreased reports laminitis Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Approximately 90% respondents reported barriers outside their control substantially limited opportunities provide human-led riding, lunging). Analysis hypothetical weight-management scenario found at livery yards felt significantly less able increase horses' self-directed free movement fields/pastures) than keeping own properties. These findings indicate while increased improve welfare, knowledge is not only barrier must overcome implement prospective solution. Both appear by lack available humans. results justify future investigations into alternative management strategies potentially viable methods increasing welfare.

Language: Английский

Exercise as a welfare strategy? Insights from horse (Equus caballus) owners in the UK DOI Creative Commons

Cynthia Joanne Naydani,

Tamsin Coombs

Animal Welfare, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 34

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Obesity and its comorbidities (e.g. laminitis) are identified as major welfare issues among domestic equids in the United Kingdom (UK) abroad. Weight-management typically focuses on restricting consumption limiting pasture grazing), often facilitated through stabling. This leads to social isolation, prompting other issues. Increased exercise may be a preferable solution for equine obesity, if viable. The aims of this study were explore horse (Equus caballus) owner perceptions regarding importance exercise, investigate how provision related outcomes. Data obtained via an online survey from 804 UK owners indicated that most respondents' horses managed obesogenic conditions, 40% owner-reported overweight/obese. Exercise-related variables was ridden) correlated with physical health problems, including decreased reports laminitis Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Approximately 90% respondents reported barriers outside their control substantially limited opportunities provide human-led riding, lunging). Analysis hypothetical weight-management scenario found at livery yards felt significantly less able increase horses' self-directed free movement fields/pastures) than keeping own properties. These findings indicate while increased improve welfare, knowledge is not only barrier must overcome implement prospective solution. Both appear by lack available humans. results justify future investigations into alternative management strategies potentially viable methods increasing welfare.

Language: Английский

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