Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve

Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences

- ELEANOR JONES

MANY domestic horses’ needs for space, forage and socialisation are not being met, a survey has shown – but this provides opportunity to improve equine wellbeing.

The National Equine Welfare Council’s (NEWC) two-part study “delivers a comprehensive review of factors influencing the wellbeing of domestic horses”.

For the study, published in the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare journal Animal Welfare, Carol Hall and Rachel Kay conducted a review of research, looking mainly at species-specific needs and horse-human interactions.

The first paper references the need to show that the horse world is actively working to improve equine quality of life or risk losing public acceptance of riding, and states that we must be able to demonstrate evidence-based assessment of wellbeing. Having reviewed available research, the team found horses have to be able to fulfil their species-specific needs to have a good life.