A Study of Traveller Horse Owners’ Attitudes to Horse Care and Welfare Using an Equine Body Condition Scoring System

Abstract

Traveller horses are often perceived to be exposed to poor welfare due to Travellers’ traditional way of horsemanship. However, few studies have investigated Traveller horse welfare. Hence, the present study aims to explore Traveller horse owners’ attitudes to horse care and welfare. Semi-structured interviews and discussion groups examined 14 Irish Traveller horse owners’ attitudes and approach to horse ownership. Additionally, a body condition scoring (BCS) instrument was assessed for its accuracy and ease of use when applied by Traveller horse owners. Additionally, the BCS system was used to assess 18 horses. Results show that Travellers have a good understanding of horses’ natural behaviours and environment, which is reflected in their management practices. However, barriers to improved welfare are land availability, since landowners are often reluctant to lease to Travellers, and the impoundment of horses as a consequence of fly grazing, under the Control of Horses Act 1996 (Ireland). Furthermore, Travellers regarded the BCS as a useful tool, but would require training to apply the scoring successfully. The results suggest that attitudes and management practices are favourable, but Travellers have limited means to overcome barriers. Therefore, it is necessary to increase capacity building and assist with the acquisition of land.

Determining a Welfare Prioritization for Horses Using a Delphi Method

“…In our study, although these areas were mentioned in the initial rounds of developing the lists of horse welfare concerns, they were not included in the final prioritization. Recent studies of racehorse welfare [16] and perceptions of welfare in travellers [23] have addressed these issues and suggest that some concerns may be misplaced, which perhaps reflects the lower concern for these areas in our study.…”

Comparison of the Surface Thermal Patterns of Horses and Donkeys in Infrared Thermography Images

“…The equids were fed three times a day with a dose of hay personalized to each animal to maintain an optimal, healthy condition and had daily access to a grassy paddock no shorter than 8 h per day. All horses received a BCS 3 (body condition score) [32], and all donkeys obtained an FNS 3 (fatty neck score) [33], both on a five-point scale. Both during the study and the month preceding the study, equids were not used in riding, nor were harnessed.…”

The Human–Horse Relationship: Identifying the Antecedents of Horse Owner Attitudes towards Horse Husbandry and Management Behaviour

“…The research investigating the human–animal relationship (HAR) in livestock has focused primarily on the influence that human–animal interactions associated with daily handling have on the welfare and productivity of farm animals. However, research suggests that while handling of horses is most likely important in determining the horse’s response to the horse owner and other humans [ 13 , 21 , 22 , 23 ], the husbandry and management behaviour of horse owners may also be a significant determinant of the welfare of their horses. It should also be recognised that the HAR research in livestock indicates relationships between human attitudes and behaviour and other job-related characteristics including job satisfaction, work motivation, and motivation to learn, all of which may affect the husbandry and management behaviour of stockpeople [ 24 ].…”

“…The antecedents of horse owner attitudes may include a range of background factors including demographics, horse ownership experience, knowledge, and commitment. Thus, based on the research from the livestock industries and the limited research available regarding the role of human–horse relationships (for example [ 15 , 23 ]), a number of horse owner attributes are potentially associated with horse welfare. The human component of this relationship involves both behavioural and psychological aspects and as such, the horse owner attributes to be examined should include background factors, attitudinal variables, and behavioural variables.…”

“…With regard to horse-based variables, those concerning horse health and welfare are obvious inclusions for investigation. A recent study by Rowland et al [ 23 ] investigated some belief and welfare variables in horses owned by Irish travellers. However, the focus was on knowledge and use of body condition scoring, and a limited number of questions about exercise, horse-owner bonding, horse capacity for feelings, and some of the problems with horse ownership.…”