SCIENTIFIC JUSTIFICATION OF WELFARE STANDARDS FOR THERAPEUTIC HORSES IN EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY IN UKRAINE
Authors: K. Bielikova, Sofia Haidamaka, Nataliia Zhurbina
Journal: The Scientific and Technical Bulletin of the Institute of Animal Science NAAS of Ukraine
Summary
# Editorial Summary Ukrainian researchers have developed the first national welfare standards for therapeutic horses, establishing evidence-based guidelines that govern hippotherapy, equine intervention, and adaptive riding programmes across the country. Using the internationally recognised Five Domains Model—which evaluates both physical and psychological welfare indicators—a working group synthesised international protocols from HETI and the FEI, adapting them to Ukraine's specific climatic, economic, and breeding contexts. The resulting Standards introduce quantifiable requirements including minimum stall dimensions of 3.65 × 3.65 m (notably larger than conventional sport horse facilities), concentrate portions capped at 2 kg per meal, daily water intake of 25–50 litres, and pasture allocations of 0.5–1.0 hectares per animal, alongside mandatory annual dental checks and provisions for post-retirement care. Critically, the Standards prioritise psycho-emotional welfare by mandating daily social interaction and establishing clear criteria for recognising behavioural burnout, at which point therapeutic work must cease immediately. For practitioners working across hippotherapy and adaptive riding, these evidence-based parameters offer a scientifically defensible framework for safeguarding horse welfare whilst extending effective working life and ensuring therapeutic programmes maintain both ethical integrity and service quality.
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Practical Takeaways
- •If operating a therapeutic riding facility, ensure stall dimensions are at least 3.65 × 3.65 m and restrict concentrate to 2 kg per meal to protect horse welfare and longevity
- •Implement daily social interaction and monitor behavioral indicators of burnout; stop work immediately if signs appear—this extends effective working years and improves rehabilitation outcomes
- •Establish a mandatory annual dental examination protocol and plan for responsible care throughout each horse's life cycle, including retirement provisions
Key Findings
- •Minimum stall size of 3.65 × 3.65 m recommended for therapeutic horses, exceeding typical sport horse norms
- •Maximum concentrate portion limited to 2 kg per feeding to prevent obesity, acidosis, and laminitis
- •Daily water intake norm of 25–50 L and pasture requirement of 0.5–1.0 ha per horse established
- •Behavioral burnout signs identified as indicators requiring immediate cessation of therapeutic work