Document type: IFCE topic note
Authors: Charlotte Geyl, Xavier Dornier, Pauline animal welfareudouin, Marie Thome, Jean-Roch Gaillet
Preview: The democratisation of horse riding has led to a sharp rise in the number of equidae in recent decades although this trend was reversed from 2012 onwards. Currently, the number of retired horses is on the rise, reflecting the growth in herd numbers between 1990 and 2000.
Currently these animals are mainly housed with their owners (8 out of 10). A proportion of these animals, however, are kept in livery stables (more than 1 in 10). Their owners are generally satisfied with the situation and do not plan to make any major changes for the coming years.
The number of retired horses is expected to increase up to 2023 (160,000 equidae) before declining sharply to 140,000 animals in 2030. During this period, the accommodation of retired horses will change slightly. The number of horses in livery is expected to increase from just over 20,000 horses currently to almost 40,000 in 2030. However, the systems in place appear to be sufficient to accommodate retired equidae because current provision is supposed to take future needs into account.
It would appear important to provide information to current and future owners about managing their equine's retirement but also to keep stakeholders in the sector updated on these anticipated changes.
In any case, the current decline in overall horse numbers and the increase in retired animals have resulted in discussion within the industry over the decline in horse use and a potential change in status for horses.
