Inducing and measuring positive affective state in domesticated equines: A Delphi consultation.
Authors: Loftus Loni, Asher Lucy, Leach Matthew
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
Whilst equine welfare science has traditionally focused on preventing negative states, contemporary approaches increasingly recognise the importance of actively promoting positive emotional experiences—yet practical guidance on how to reliably induce and measure contentment in horses remains limited. A three-round Delphi consultation with 93 international experts in equine behaviour and welfare sought consensus on definitions, induction methods and measurement variables for positive affective states in domesticated horses, employing both qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative ranking with a 78% retention rate across rounds. Nineteen evidence-based methods for inducing positive affect achieved expert consensus, with provision of high-value food, affiliative companionship and rolling substrate ranked most effective, alongside twelve behavioural measures (body language, facial expressions and horse-horse interactions) and three physiological indicators (heart rate, heart rate variability and respiratory rate) for objective assessment. A critical recommendation emerged: individual preference assessment must precede any research or welfare intervention, as personality and personal preference significantly influence responses to standardised induction methods. These expert-derived protocols provide farriers, veterinarians and other equine professionals with validated, evidence-based approaches to enhance positive welfare states in practical settings, whilst establishing a foundation for rigorous future research into equine emotional wellbeing across all sectors.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Use high-value food rewards, social companionship, and access to rolling areas as evidence-based methods to promote positive emotional states in horses across management and training contexts
- •Monitor body language, facial expressions, and social interactions as the most reliable practical indicators of positive affect; consider combining with heart rate monitoring when feasible
- •Recognize that horses have individual preferences—establish baseline preferences for each horse before implementing welfare interventions or evaluating emotional state
Key Findings
- •Nineteen methods for inducing positive affect in horses reached expert consensus, with high-value food, affiliative companions, and rolling substrates ranked highest
- •Twelve behavioural variables (body language, facial actions, horse-horse interactions) and three physiological variables (heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate) achieved consensus for measuring positive affect
- •High retention rate of 78% across three-round Delphi consultation demonstrated robust expert agreement on definitions and methodologies for positive equine affective states
- •Individual personality and preference considerations were identified as essential prerequisites for research into positive affective states in horses