What is Welfare? A Qualitative Study into Perceptions of Equine Welfare of the Dutch Equestrian Community
Authors: Inga A. Wolframm, Frances A. Le Belle, Yteke Elte
Journal: International Journal of Equine Science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Dutch equestrians prioritise housing, management, and the opportunity for natural behaviour above all other welfare considerations, according to qualitative analysis of 875 survey responses from the Dutch equestrian community. Researchers used inductive thematic analysis to categorise open-ended responses into three overarching themes—Equine Husbandry, Human-Horse Interaction, and Equitation—revealing that whilst participants demonstrated broad awareness of welfare principles spanning nutrition, behavioural expression, tack knowledge, and ethical horsemanship, a significant gap exists between stated understanding and actual management practices. The emphasis on husbandry over training-related concerns suggests that Dutch horse enthusiasts recognise the foundational importance of accommodation and daily care, though understanding of equine sentience and the need for skilled human-horse communication was also evident across responses. This disconnect between knowledge and application has clear implications for professional practice: farriers, veterinarians, physiotherapists, and coaches should anticipate that clients may hold sound welfare principles but lack practical implementation strategies, making targeted, evidence-based education and mentoring essential to translating awareness into improved on-the-ground standards. The findings underscore the value of tailored professional guidance grounded in local attitudes rather than top-down welfare messaging.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Dutch horse owners recognize that allowing natural behaviors and proper feeding are fundamental to welfare—audit your yard management against these principles
- •There is widespread awareness of welfare concepts but poor implementation in practice; seek continuing education and mentoring to close this knowledge-action gap
- •Invest in qualified instruction for yourself and your team on horse behavior, communication, and equipment fit; this is what equestrians themselves say matters most
Key Findings
- •Dutch equestrians prioritize husbandry aspects (housing, management, natural behavior, feeding) as most important to welfare, followed by human-horse interaction and equitation
- •Respondents recognize welfare requires understanding horse behavior, human-horse communication, and ethical treatment of horses as sentient beings
- •Significant gap exists between equestrians' knowledge of welfare principles and their actual practices in horse management and training
- •Qualified instruction in horse care, tack knowledge, and rider training were identified as essential welfare safeguards