Pro-Environmental Transformation of the Equine Sector-Facilitators and Challenges.
Authors: Hedenborg Susanna, Kronborg Mathilde, Sätre Anna, Radmann Aage, Torell Palmquist Gabriella, Andersson Petra
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Environmental Transformation in Equine Sectors Swedish and Norwegian equine professionals demonstrate genuine environmental commitment and possess the knowledge required to implement sustainable practices, yet many report feeling powerless to drive meaningful change within their operations. Using mixed-methods research combining 697 survey responses with 36 in-depth interviews, researchers identified a critical mismatch between capability and perceived influence: whilst individuals across the sector have the skills and understanding needed, significant structural barriers—including location constraints, resource limitations, time pressures, and economic viability concerns—consistently block implementation. Notably, the analysis reveals that the strongest impediments lie in practical opportunity rather than motivation or competence, suggesting that sector-wide transformation requires systemic solutions beyond individual effort. The findings propose a pragmatic pathway forward: leveraging existing cultural values around stable management and orderliness as entry points for environmental improvements that simultaneously enhance horse welfare and sustainability. For practitioners seeking to adopt greener practices, these results validate that resistance is typically circumstantial rather than ideological, and that targeted support addressing resource allocation, knowledge-sharing networks, and economic incentives may unlock the substantial latent capacity for change already present within the equine community.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Your sector is moving toward sustainability, but perceived powerlessness is limiting participation—engaging with practical, locally-adaptable solutions can increase sense of agency
- •Knowledge gaps exist: seek out education on environmental impacts specific to your operation; many peers report wanting clearer guidance on actionable changes
- •Economic and logistical constraints are real and shared—explore collaborative approaches with neighboring yards to pool resources, reduce costs, and solve location-based challenges
Key Findings
- •The equine sector in Sweden and Norway has shown stronger environmental commitment over 15 years, but 697 survey participants expressed perceived lack of influence on transformation
- •Capacity for change exists with adequate skills and knowledge present, though some individuals desire more information and deeper understanding of environmental issues
- •Physical constraints (location, resources, time) and economic factors represent major barriers to environmental transformation at the individual actor level
- •Cultural norms regarding stable orderliness may serve as foundation for promoting environmental initiatives that simultaneously improve horse welfare