A survey of welfare problems associated with transporting horses by road in Germany (2022-2024).
Authors: May Anna, Riley Christopher B, Scharre Annabel, Zablotski Yury, Padalino Barbara
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary Road transport remains a significant welfare challenge for horses, with documented links to stress-related behavioural and health complications, yet practical management factors may substantially mitigate these risks. Between 2022 and 2024, German researchers surveyed 258 horse owners (amateurs and professionals) about their transport practices, observing behaviour and health outcomes through logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors. Behavioural problems were reported by one-third of respondents, whilst 42.6% noted health issues—predominantly diarrhoea (33.9%), injuries (19.3%), and less frequently muscle disorders, respiratory disease and colic (2.4% each). Notably, horses transported alone showed significantly higher odds of behavioural problems compared to group transport (OR 0.53, P = 0.001), and amateur owners reported more transport-related diarrhoea than professionals, suggesting experience and management practices influence outcomes. The prevalence of shorter journeys (<2 hours in 72.5% of cases), hay provision during transit (45.8%), and established safety protocols in Germany may explain why health complications were relatively modest in this population, offering farriers, veterinarians and coaches evidence-based guidance on mitigating transport stress through social grouping and nutritional management.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Transport horses in groups rather than singly when possible, as this significantly reduces behavioral problems during transit
- •Implement hay feeding during transport and ensure proper management practices and safety equipment to minimize health complications like diarrhea and injuries
- •Short journeys (<2 hours) are common in Germany; prioritize stress-reduction strategies during transport regardless of duration, as behavioral issues are reported in one-third of cases
Key Findings
- •72.5% of journeys in Germany were less than 2 hours in duration
- •42.6% of respondents reported health problems, with diarrhea being most common at 33.9%
- •One-third of respondents observed behavioral problems during transport
- •Horses transported together showed significantly fewer behavioral problems than single-transported horses (OR 0.53, P=0.001)
- •Professional horse owners were less likely to observe diarrhea than amateur owners (OR 1.04)