Pet Attachment and Wellbeing of Older-Aged Recreational Horseback Riders

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine if and how emotional attachment to their animal of older-aged (45+) horseback riders affects their physical, psychological and social wellbeing in comparison to dog owners. Overall, 124 individuals 45+ years answered questionnaires about pet attachment and wellbeing. Comparisons were carried out using a general linear model with activity group (rider/dog owner) as the main variable of interest. Horseback riders had no significantly lower pet attachment scores compared to dog owners. Gender differences of pet attachment were found in riders, with women having higher love factor scores. Self-reported mood during activities with the animal was significantly correlated with overall pet attachment, pet love and personal growth by contact with the pet in both, riders and dog owners. We observed no correlation of physical wellbeing during and after the activity with the animal and overall pet attachment in dog owners and horseback riders. Psychological wellbeing during the activity was significantly correlated with overall pet attachment in riders and social wellbeing during the activity in both groups. Recreational horseback riders nearly reach pet attachment scores of dog owners, increasing social and psychological wellbeing in a manner similar to that in dog owners.

Nature Relatedness of Recreational Horseback Riders and Its Association with Mood and Wellbeing

“…Regardless of the animal species, attachment to dogs [16,[60][61][62], cats [20], and horses [56] are observed. As published before, our study showed that horse ownership was related to overall pet attachment, but riders had significantly lower scores and sub-scores compared to dog owners [63]. Overall, pet attachment was associated with mental and social wellbeing.…”

“…Overall, pet attachment was associated with mental and social wellbeing. By contrast, no association was found with physical wellbeing neither in riders nor in dog owners [63]. On the other hand, studies with dog owners indicated a correlation between pet attachment and physical wellbeing [64,65].…”

“…We reported about the relationship between pet attachment and riders' and dog ownersẃ ellbeing [63]. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that recreational horseback riders aged 45+, show nature relatedness (NR) scores, pet attachment (PA) and activity levels comparable to dog owners, whom have been studied more extensively.…”

“…The recruitment strategy has been described before [63] and included conducting a search for riders with the help of the Equestrian Association of Austria (OEPS), which is dedicated to different riding disciplines and has about 48,500 members [75]. The search for dog owners was conducted with the help of the Working Dog Sports Association of Austria (OEGV), with about 55,000 members [76], which is dedicated to education and training of dogs and owners.…”

“…People without pets, as controls, were found through a call in a weekly newspaper and announcements in shops in the same regions the people with pets came from. One hundred and eighty-four riders and dog owners [63] and 56 people without pets followed the call to participate in the study and were contacted via mail or phone.…”