A Study of Traveller Horse Owners’ Attitudes to Horse Care and Welfare Using an Equine Body Condition Scoring System
Traveller horses are often perceived to be exposed to poor welfare due to Travellers’ traditional way of horsemanship. However, few studies have investigated Traveller horse welfare. Hence, the present study aims to explore Traveller horse owners’ attitudes to horse care and welf...
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doaj-2a9259e4ba93464eadb4e953d6cfb43f2020-11-24T21:49:09ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152019-04-019416210.3390/ani9040162ani9040162A Study of Traveller Horse Owners’ Attitudes to Horse Care and Welfare Using an Equine Body Condition Scoring SystemMarie Rowland0Tamsin Coombs1Melanie Connor2Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UKSRUC, Roslin Institute, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UKRoyal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UKTraveller horses are often perceived to be exposed to poor welfare due to Travellers’ traditional way of horsemanship. However, few studies have investigated Traveller horse welfare. Hence, the present study aims to explore Traveller horse owners’ attitudes to horse care and welfare. Semi-structured interviews and discussion groups examined 14 Irish Traveller horse owners’ attitudes and approach to horse ownership. Additionally, a body condition scoring (BCS) instrument was assessed for its accuracy and ease of use when applied by Traveller horse owners. Additionally, the BCS system was used to assess 18 horses. Results show that Travellers have a good understanding of horses’ natural behaviours and environment, which is reflected in their management practices. However, barriers to improved welfare are land availability, since landowners are often reluctant to lease to Travellers, and the impoundment of horses as a consequence of fly grazing, under the Control of Horses Act 1996 (Ireland). Furthermore, Travellers regarded the BCS as a useful tool, but would require training to apply the scoring successfully. The results suggest that attitudes and management practices are favourable, but Travellers have limited means to overcome barriers. Therefore, it is necessary to increase capacity building and assist with the acquisition of land.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/4/162horseshorse welfareattitudesTravellers, body condition scoring |
collection |
DOAJ |
language |
English |
format |
Article |
sources |
DOAJ |
author |
Marie Rowland Tamsin Coombs Melanie Connor |
spellingShingle |
Marie Rowland Tamsin Coombs Melanie Connor A Study of Traveller Horse Owners’ Attitudes to Horse Care and Welfare Using an Equine Body Condition Scoring System Animals horses horse welfare attitudes Travellers, body condition scoring |
author_facet |
Marie Rowland Tamsin Coombs Melanie Connor |
author_sort |
Marie Rowland |
title |
A Study of Traveller Horse Owners’ Attitudes to Horse Care and Welfare Using an Equine Body Condition Scoring System |
title_short |
A Study of Traveller Horse Owners’ Attitudes to Horse Care and Welfare Using an Equine Body Condition Scoring System |
title_full |
A Study of Traveller Horse Owners’ Attitudes to Horse Care and Welfare Using an Equine Body Condition Scoring System |
title_fullStr |
A Study of Traveller Horse Owners’ Attitudes to Horse Care and Welfare Using an Equine Body Condition Scoring System |
title_full_unstemmed |
A Study of Traveller Horse Owners’ Attitudes to Horse Care and Welfare Using an Equine Body Condition Scoring System |
title_sort |
study of traveller horse owners’ attitudes to horse care and welfare using an equine body condition scoring system |
publisher |
MDPI AG |
series |
Animals |
issn |
2076-2615 |
publishDate |
2019-04-01 |
description |
Traveller horses are often perceived to be exposed to poor welfare due to Travellers’ traditional way of horsemanship. However, few studies have investigated Traveller horse welfare. Hence, the present study aims to explore Traveller horse owners’ attitudes to horse care and welfare. Semi-structured interviews and discussion groups examined 14 Irish Traveller horse owners’ attitudes and approach to horse ownership. Additionally, a body condition scoring (BCS) instrument was assessed for its accuracy and ease of use when applied by Traveller horse owners. Additionally, the BCS system was used to assess 18 horses. Results show that Travellers have a good understanding of horses’ natural behaviours and environment, which is reflected in their management practices. However, barriers to improved welfare are land availability, since landowners are often reluctant to lease to Travellers, and the impoundment of horses as a consequence of fly grazing, under the Control of Horses Act 1996 (Ireland). Furthermore, Travellers regarded the BCS as a useful tool, but would require training to apply the scoring successfully. The results suggest that attitudes and management practices are favourable, but Travellers have limited means to overcome barriers. Therefore, it is necessary to increase capacity building and assist with the acquisition of land. |
topic |
horses horse welfare attitudes Travellers, body condition scoring |
url |
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/4/162 |
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