New Survey Seeks to Better Understand Horse Welfare Practices

The #FutureHorse project, led by professor Josh Slater of the University of Melbourne, is investigating the attitudes of the equine industry regarding horse welfare practices in racing, riding, sports, and tourism in Australia and the United Kingdom.

“This project will generate outcomes that will help the industry, including welfare statements that will be free to access and can be adapted and used by organisations,” shared Slater.

In the first stage of the #FutureHorse project, the University of Melbourne aims to understand what practices are working well in the industry through the use of a survey for equine industry decision-makers such as stewards, judges, officials, committee members, managers, paid administrators, veterinarians, senior riders and drivers who contribute to event organisation, and horse welfare officers in Australia and the United Kingdom. A second, follow-up stage will develop a set of welfare statements to address what can be improved.

The survey is open to adults who have an interest in the welfare of horses, donkeys, or mules; contribute to horse welfare decision-making as an individual, or as a committee or team member; or are currently involved with horse racing, riding, sport, or tourism sectors, with three or more years of experience.

While the survey only takes 15-20 minutes to complete, Slater and colleagues hope to identify what welfare practices, such as health checks or handling routines, are done effectively at equine workplaces around Australia and the United Kingdom.

Julie Fiedler, the graduate researcher at the University of Melbourne Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences who is conducting the survey, explained, “That way, the study results will be underpinned by evidence-based information and, importantly, be socially robust and grow public confidence in the importance of horse welfare within the industry.”

To participate in the survey, visit here.

For more information about the project, contact Josh Slater at [email protected] or Julie Fiedler at [email protected].