Animal category: Equines

Summary of the social and locomotive needs of horses. Their welfare is affected by inadequate housing conditions, such as isolation in individual stalls. It is recommended that horses be housed in stable groups in enriched environments and that they should have regular social contact, even when housed singly.

Article retailing the history of the transport of live animals in the EU and setting out current issues surrounding it. Despite gradual improvements, recent opinions issued by EFSA and a report by the European Court of Auditors highlight the need to revise the legislation to resolve continued problems.

Systematic review summarizing the existing literature on the stress and welfare of horses involved in equine assistance services (EAS). According to the 28 articles identified, behavioral and health problems are those most frequently encountered in EAS centers, leading to a high turn-over of horses. The study reveals gaps in existing research and urges that more high-quality research should be carried out.

Results of public consultation with over 5,000 responses following the proposal to update the European regulation on the transport of live animals in 2023. The majority of citizens support stricter measures, such as a ban on shipping and long-distance transport, and a shift towards transporting meat rather than live animals. Opinions differ between NGOs, which call for shorter journeys, and the farming industry, which is concerned about the proposed limitations.

Position paper on animal welfare in Denmark

Report on animal welfare results in Denmark

Scientific study identifying several welfare problems in five categories of stabled horses (western riding horses, riding school horses, leisure horses, show jumping horses and endurance horses). Leisure horses received less exercise, and a lack of social contact was observed in 28% of horses in this category.

Scientific review exploring the influence of environmental stimuli on measurable behaviors in horses, focusing on facial expressions as indicators of emotion. It highlights the importance of understanding these expressions when assessing emotional states and welfare in horses, drawing on studies conducted in other mammals.

Scientific overview exploring environmental enrichment, designed to improve the welfare and cognitive abilities of animals in captivity. Enrichment provides animals with the means to acquire information by interacting with their environment, thereby promoting adaptation. This approach suggests that complex and varied environments are more enriching than simply prolonging exposure to stimuli, even if the former are neutral or slightly negative.

Study showing that young horses benefiting from daily social interaction during breaking-in show less abnormal behavior and stress than those isolated in individual stalls. The routine integration of social contact improves the welfare and relaxation of horses during training, suggesting that this feature could be beneficial in equestrian centers.