Equine welfare is a complex topic that relies on the physical, nutritional, social, and psychological needs of horses, and all of these are directly influenced by the daily management practices applied. The current study examines the effects of housing, feeding, and management approaches on the welfare of horses in general, drawing on recent scientific literature, welfare assessment models, and evidence from equine science. The design of stables, ventilation, bedding, turnout schedules, and opportunities to exercise natural behaviours are all features of housing conditions that greatly influence stress levels, locomotor patterns, and the incidence of musculoskeletal or respiratory problems. All of them, such as digestive health, metabolic balance, and stereotype development, are significantly affected by feeding methods, including fodder availability, feeding frequency, diet balance, and the extent to which these methods align with natural grazing behaviour. This question is based on the Five Domains Model and the concept of animal-centred care. It is holistic in its investigation of how the three fundamental areas of management relate to equine well-being outcomes. The study's findings demonstrate that management techniques that encourage natural behaviour, ensure access to fibre-rich forage at all times, reduce social isolation, and employ low-stress handling methods have a dramatic impact on welfare outcomes. On the other hand, keeping an animal in a small space, feeding it a diet high in concentrates, and treating it unpleasantly are all factors that may increase the likelihood of the animal developing behavioural disorders, physiological stress, and health issues. The study indicates that management conducive to animal welfare requires evidence-based, integrated tactics that prioritise behavioural needs, nutritional balance, and the establishment of healthy interactions between humans and horses. The recommendations emphasise the utility of welfare assessment methods, the enhancement of caretaker training, and the introduction of management changes in equine institutions to enable humane and sustainable care for horses.
Hoof health is a crucial part of overall horse health and directly impacts mobility, performance, and lifespan. Lameness is common and expensive in horses and is often closely associated with poor foot care, such as failure to trim, shoe, and maintain the hooves. In this work, the relationship between hoof treatment practices and lameness incidence is examined, underscoring that under-care may result in structural disruptions, infections, and musculoskeletal strains. Basing the analysis on clinical observations, veterinary logs, and existing literature, the study identifies such critically important parameters as frequency of trimming, quality of farriery, ambient conditions, and nutritional support that can have a significant impact on the integrity of the hoof. Overall research indicate that active and regular hoof care not only reduces lameness but also enhances performance, reduces veterinary costs, and improves welfare outcomes. The paper highlights the importance of integrating organised hoof-care services into equine management systems and the need to train caretakers and owners in evidence-based farriery practices. Future study recommendations include longitudinal studies to establish the immediate effects of some hoof care interventions on the Prevalence and severity of lameness. In general, this paper has shed light on the fact that careful attention to hoof care is a critical component of lameness prevention and overall health and performance of horses in diverse fields of discipline.
The increasing effects of environmental change on the equine population, such as global warming, climatic changes and deteriorating air quality, have been faced in a greater proportion. This paper looks at the interaction between variables related to climate change, including heat stress, changed precipitation cycles, and extreme weather, and air pollutants, including particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen oxides and wildfire smoke, to affect equine health, welfare and performance. Based on an extensive review of veterinary science, environmental health and equine management literature, the paper examines the physiological, respiratory, metabolic, and behavioral consequences of ecological stresses experienced by horses. It has been shown that high temperatures and humidity exacerbate the thermoregulatory load, resulting in dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, reduced athletic capacity, and a predisposition to heat-related infections. The paper also describes how climate-related alterations in pasture quality, vector ecology, and pathogen survival are modifying the dynamics of equine diseases, increasing the incidence of parasitic infections, vector-borne diseases, and plant toxicities. Moreover, protracted droughts and intense rainfall also affect the availability of fodder, water quality, and stable conditions, thereby increasing the risk of gastrointestinal diseases and poor welfare. Exposure to wildfire smoke has become a major seasonal issue in most locations, particularly affecting performance horses and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, especially those who are young or elderly. The results underscore the need to implement environmental risk assessment in veterinary and equestrian management practices. Finally, this study demonstrates that climate change and deteriorating air quality are the primary drivers of complex risks to equine well-being and require policy intervention, evidence-based management, and joint action by veterinarians, researchers, and horse owners to ensure the long-term health and well-being of the equine population.
Diet is an essential factor in shaping the performance of the equine, its health, and welfare. This paper examines the multidimensional effects of dietary management in horses, with particular attention to the association between nutrient intake and physiological, behavioural, and metabolic outcomes. An appropriate diet is necessary because it supports energy metabolism, muscle growth, and stamina, which are essential for the performance of both athletic and working horses. Moreover, balanced meals have benefits: they are likely not only to positively affect the immune system but also to improve intestinal health, thereby reducing the risk of certain metabolic diseases that directly affect the duration and quality of life. The study examines the effects of macronutrients, micronutrients, and feeding habits, and how deficiencies or imbalances may contribute to poor performance, disease susceptibility, and behavioural challenges. The study presents the necessity of specialised feeding plans based on a horse's age, workload, and physiological state. It draws on findings from existing research, case-study observations, and field practices. The findings show that planned nutritional interventions not only enhance physical performance but also promote mental health, decrease stress, and promote recovery. This comprehensive guide to equine nutrition offers practical advice for veterinarians, trainers, and horse owners to maximise health measures, improve performance indices, and provide environmentally sustainable welfare. The study proposes that, to ensure optimal performance and long-term health and well-being of equine populations, evidence-based nutritional solutions are needed.
This study was conducted to clarify the behavioral dynamics of the equine larynx during exertion and rest under the influence of different bits, and to ascertain potential variations in the overall surface area of the larynx among bits within individual horses. Various researchers highlight the impact of bits on equine breathing and upper airway disorders. While some attribute respiratory discomfort solely to bit use, others suggest negative effects in combination with rein tension. Riding without a bit has been associated with improved animal welfare and reduced hyperreactive behaviors. The extreme sensitivity of the mouth to mechanical stimulation makes the bit a potential source of discomfort, leading to resistance, lesions, and injury. Poll flexion induced by rein tension and bit use can obstruct the airway, causing hy-poxia and decreased performance. This investigation focused on three bits commonly used in international grand prix showjumping events in Europe during 2022: the loose ring bit, the three-ring bit, and the Pelham snaffle. Employing overground endoscopy, this research observed nine Warmblood horses engaging in walking, trotting, and cantering with different bits. An overground endoscope facilitated the examination of laryngeal behavior during motion. Statistical analyses revealed that the chosen bits did not significantly influence laryngeal behavior during different gaits. Similarly, there was no substantial variation in laryngeal surface area among bits within individual horses. However, a significant main effect of state (rest, trot, canter) highlighted the considerable influence of the horse's physiological state on laryngeal behavior.
