Exploring human behavior change in equine welfare: Insights from a COM-B analysis of the UK's equine obesity epidemic

Abstract

While equine obesity is understood by equine professionals to be a serious and widespread welfare problem, thus far approaches to reducing the prevalence of obesity in the UK's leisure horses have mainly been limited to educating owners about the dangers of obesity in their horses. In human health, approaches to behavior change encourage holistic thinking around human behavior, recognizing the importance of the connection between the individuals' knowledge, attitudes, habits, and the social and physical environments. This study used qualitative data from interviews with horse owners and professionals, open-access discussion fora and focus groups in order to collate extensive information about the factors shaping the UK's equine obesity crisis. The data were initially analyzed using a grounded theory method to determine the common themes, and were then analyzed using the COM-B model of behavior change, in order to identify areas where human behavior change might be better supported. The analysis highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to behavior change, since all areas of the COM-B were important in limiting owners' recognition of, and response to, equine obesity. For example, environments and social norms limited the likelihood of owners proactively managing horse weight, and owners also found it difficult to identify overweight horses, and evaluate the risks of long-term health issues as a result of weight, with short-term negative impacts of weight management. While interventions often aim to educate owners into changing their behavior, this analysis highlights the importance of creative and holistic approaches which work alongside the owners' motivations, while shaping the social and physical environments.

‘It’s more emotionally based’: Prince Edward Island horse owner perspectives of horse weight management

“…In this study, owners often felt that they had to choose between their horses’ mental and physical health when making decisions related to weight management strategies. This is consistent with Furtado et al ( 2022b ), reporting that horse owners were less inclined to implement weight management strategies that entailed trade-offs for their horses’ welfare. Healthcare decision-making for horses has been described as a multifaceted process rooted in the human-horse relationship (Smith et al 2022 ); thus, weight management strategies that align with horse owners’ beliefs and values will likely receive greater use in practice (Furtado et al 2021a , 2022b ).…”

“…This is consistent with Furtado et al ( 2022b ), reporting that horse owners were less inclined to implement weight management strategies that entailed trade-offs for their horses’ welfare. Healthcare decision-making for horses has been described as a multifaceted process rooted in the human-horse relationship (Smith et al 2022 ); thus, weight management strategies that align with horse owners’ beliefs and values will likely receive greater use in practice (Furtado et al 2021a , 2022b ). Ensuring owners recognise that weight management strategies can be temporary and enhance horses’ long-term physical and mental health will be imperative for their uptake in practice.…”

Confidence does not mediate a relationship between owner experience and likelihood of using weight management approaches for native ponies

“…This suggests that it may be uncommon for analysis of forage to be undertaken with great frequency, perhaps attributable to high preserved forage bale turnover, such as on livery yards or where owners feed a large number of horses. With regard to hay soaking, its efficacy in reducing sugar content of preserved forage is dependent upon soaking conditions [ 62 , 63 ], and owners may be physically unable to adopt this practice due to its physically demanding and time consuming nature [ 31 ]. Despite their limitations, hay soaking and forage analysis are measures which could encourage owners to consider the NSC concentrations in preserved forage when making decisions on the appropriate nutrition for their ponies.…”

“…The proceeding steps towards reducing obesity in UK equids are to construct behavioural models specific to the equine management, and progress in this area has already been made. Comprehensive behavioural analysis of the human role in equine obesity has shown the complex social environment within the horse management domain [ 31 ], and suggests that interventions should be targeted not only toward owner knowledge of obesity, but also toward owner motivation and equestrian social structures. The present findings are in agreement with the concept that generic approaches to improving confidence in weight management are not sufficient.…”

“…Owner compliance with weight-loss regimens and adherence to recommended WMAs may be influenced by a combination of behavioural, social, and physical factors [ 31 ]. Recreational horse owner beliefs’ on the appropriate management for their animals appears to be linked to knowledge and experience [ 32 ], both of which are modifiable factors, suggesting a role for targeted education and training to promote the best practices for native pony weight management.…”