Racehorse welfare across a training season.
Authors: Annan Rachel, Trigg Leah E, Hockenhull Jo, Allen Kate, Butler Deborah, Valenchon Mathilde, Mullan Siobhan
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Racehorse Welfare Across a Training Season Annan et al. (2023) conducted the first systematic welfare assessment of racehorses using objective, animal-based measures across a competitive season, visiting 13 English training yards at the season's start and peak to evaluate 353 horses through behavioural observation, physical examination, and environmental assessment. Whilst the cohort demonstrated generally good physical health markers—94% ideal body condition scores and minimal hoof neglect—welfare indicators showed season-dependent deterioration, with Human Reactivity Tests, Horse Grimace Scale scores, and resting/feeding behaviours all significantly affected by training intensity. Notable findings included a 12.9% prevalence of mouth corner lesions (significantly higher in Flat racing), 14.5% of horses displaying stereotypic behaviour on multiple occasions, and considerable variation in social contact opportunity between yards, with stabled horses spending approximately one-third of daytime feeding and one-fifth resting. The welfare assessment protocol proved sufficiently reliable and practical for industry implementation, offering practitioners and yard managers a standardised framework for identifying at-risk individuals and informing evidence-based management interventions to support equine welfare throughout the racing season.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Mouth corner lesions appear to be a breed/discipline-specific welfare indicator worth monitoring, particularly in Flat racehorses—consider bit fit and contact practices as potential intervention points
- •Training intensity measurably affects horse behavior and stress indicators (grimace scores, reactivity); monitor these signs seasonally and adjust workload or management if negative changes are detected
- •Simple stable design changes like windows improve welfare by enabling environmental engagement; combine with adequate feeding time (target ~34% of daytime) and rest periods to support both physical and mental health
Key Findings
- •94% of racehorses maintained ideal body condition score with no hoof neglect observed across 353 horses in 13 training yards
- •Mouth corner lesions occurred in 12.9% of horses overall but were significantly more prevalent in Flat racing compared to Jump racing horses
- •Training season significantly affected human reactivity tests, grimace scale scores, and time spent resting and feeding, with 14.5% of horses displaying stereotypic behavior on at least two occasions
- •67.5% of horses showed positive human interactions; horses with stable windows spent more time surveying surroundings, spending approximately one-third of daytime feeding and 22.6% standing resting