COVID-19 impacts equine welfare: Policy implications for laminitis and obesity.
Authors: Ward Ashley B, Stephen Kate, Argo Caroline McGregor, Harris Patricia A, Watson Christine A, Neacsu Madalina, Russell Wendy, Grove-White Dai H, Morrison Philippa K
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary: COVID-19 and Equine Welfare When UK lockdown restrictions were introduced in March 2020, equestrian professionals faced unprecedented challenges in maintaining routine care for horses and ponies—particularly those predisposed to obesity and laminitis. Researchers conducted 24 semi-structured interviews across five stakeholder groups (owners, vets, farriers, nutritionists, and welfare organisations) between May and July 2020, using thematic analysis to identify how pandemic-related policy changes affected equine management practices. Key barriers emerged around inconsistent guidance, difficulties implementing biosecurity measures in yard settings, and substantially reduced exercise opportunities, all of which posed significant metabolic and orthopaedic risks for susceptible populations. Notably, farriers who provided clear, consistent communication about hoof care management during lockdown measurably improved owner compliance and understanding, highlighting the value of direct professional input. The research indicates that future lockdown scenarios will require collaboratively developed, industry-wide guidelines specifically addressing the management needs of obesity and laminitis-prone horses, rather than relying on fragmented information sources, to protect welfare outcomes when normal supervision and exercise protocols are disrupted.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •During future lockdowns or restrictions, ensure consistent messaging across veterinary, farrier, and welfare networks about laminitis/obesity management—farriers' clear guidance was notably effective.
- •Develop and pre-emptively disseminate specific management guidelines for at-risk horses (obesity, laminitis predisposition) that address reduced exercise scenarios and reduced yard supervision.
- •Coordinate with veterinary and welfare experts now to create ready-to-deploy protocols for emergency situations, rather than relying on ad-hoc advice during crisis periods.
Key Findings
- •COVID-19 lockdown restrictions resulted in reduced exercise opportunities for horses and ponies, increasing laminitis and obesity risk.
- •Disparate and inconsistent guidance from industry stakeholders created confusion among horse owners about appropriate management during lockdown.
- •Clear, consistent information provided by farriers improved owner understanding of routine hoof care maintenance during restrictions.
- •Lack of clearly defined or adequately disseminated recommendations for managing at-risk horses under reduced supervision across the equine industry.