Dutch horse enthusiasts emphasise natural behaviour as the core of equine welfare
April 4, 2024
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19 March
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April 4, 2024
Online Open Day
19 March
Online Open Day
4 June
Online Open Day
19 March
Online Open Day
4 June
A recent study led by Dr. Inga Wolframm, applied research group leader of Sustainable Horse Husbandry and Equestrian Sports at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, shows that Dutch horse enthusiasts base the welfare of horses on three pillars: keeping horses, interacting with horses, and training horses. Central to this concept of welfare is the emphasis on the natural behaviour of the horse. This insight is fundamental to the new Horse Welfare Certificate (PWB), an initiative of the Stichting Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen Ruiter en Menner (SRR).
Of the 875 participants who completed the survey, no less than 91% emphasised the importance of natural behaviour for horse welfare. This indicates a deep understanding of the basic needs of horses. Nonetheless, the study also shows a clear demand for more knowledge and skilled instruction to fully understand and apply the complexity and versatility of welfare aspects.
Free movement, social contact, and the provision of roughage are high on the list of priorities, complemented by the importance of understanding horse behaviour and fostering mutual respect. However, some aspects, such as enriching the horses' environment or the importance of hoof care, are mentioned less frequently. This indicates that there is still room for improvement when it comes to horse care and welfare.
Dr. Inga Wolframm notes: “It is encouraging to see that Dutch horse enthusiasts have a good understanding of the essentials of horse welfare. However, there is a gap between knowledge and practical application. Continuous education and awareness are therefore essential to sustainably improve horse welfare.”
The PWB, supported by the findings of the study and supplemented with existing scientific research, is seen as an essential step forward towards responsible horse care and training. Bert van Wanrooij, chairman of the SRR, the examination institute for the Rider and Driving Certificate, states: “Our goal is to provide horse enthusiasts with the confidence that they are responsibly managing their horses and to be able to convey this to the outside world.”
The full study, titled “What is welfare? A qualitative study into perceptions of equine welfare of the Dutch equestrian community,” published in the International Journal of Equine Science, offers valuable insights into the perceptions and practices surrounding horse welfare within the Dutch equestrian community.