Hartpury University has joined forces with the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) on a pivotal research project focused on improving equine welfare in horse breeding. The WBFSH, representing 86 studbooks in 36 countries, has launched this comprehensive study to create fact-based recommendations aimed at producing positive outcomes for millions of sport horses worldwide.
The project, titled ‘Evidence-based recommendations for the enhancement of sports horse welfare in breeding,’ is led by Hartpury University’s Head of Research, Prof. Jane Williams. Contributions come from Lorna Cameron, Senior Lecturer at Hartpury, alongside students Janet Forbes, Maria Donovan, and Erica Febery. The research aims to inform the development of a WBFSH Welfare Charter and a series of draft Welfare Codes of Conduct, as well as identifying future research areas for improving sport horse welfare within breeding. A scientific publication on the findings is also planned.
The project’s findings are summarised in the WBFSH Welfare Report and WBFSH Welfare Statement, which emphasises the organisation’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of horses involved in breeding, as well as those produced through breeding: “The WBFSH is committed to ensuring the welfare of horses involved in breeding, as well as those produced through breeding by adhering to ethical, evidence-informed, and responsible breeding practices, management, and care that provide horses with a good life.”
WBFSH President Jan Pedersen expressed gratitude for the research team’s efforts, saying: “We are very grateful to the team at Hartpury University for their hard and groundbreaking work. We are fully committed to supporting all our member studbooks and 150,000 breeders worldwide in making the best choices in breeding for welfare. This starts with the selection of breeding stock most likely to produce horses able to lead a long and healthy life, but it affects every aspect of our activities, from breeding techniques to ongoing management to end-of-life-care.”
The research project employed a three-stage methodology. The first stage involved interviews with 17 WBFSH members to identify key welfare concerns from the industry. A systematic review of scientific literature followed, focusing on breeding practices, conditions, and interventions impacting horse wellbeing. The final stage involved focus groups with key industry stakeholders and leading academics in equine welfare.
The interviews revealed three major welfare areas in the breeding cycle: selection of breeding stock, management of breeding stock, and foal and youngstock management. However, the subsequent literature review uncovered that many research studies did not address horse welfare comprehensively.
Prof. Jane Williams commented: “Our research has demonstrated that welfare in horse breeding practices is still under-researched. Our systematic review of the existing literature has highlighted areas where further work is needed. We also found that to translate our findings into improving horse welfare in practice, we need to support a strong implementation strategy that is accessible and achievable. We are grateful for the support from the WBFSH not only in funding this research project, but also in their unwavering commitment to ensuring its findings lead to real improvements in horse welfare worldwide.”
In the next phases of the project, the WBFSH will work with its member studbooks to develop strategies for implementing the findings. This includes integrating a welfare statement into the organisation’s statutes and promoting behavioural, health, and longevity-related traits in breed strategies. The WBFSH will also continue to collaborate with industry partners to prioritise equine welfare and offer breeders accessible resources and webinars.
Equine welfare is a major focus at Hartpury University, with numerous global collaborations aimed at improving the wellbeing of horses. In May 2024, Hartpury University and College became members of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), furthering their commitment to elevating welfare standards across the industry. Additionally, staff and students are committed to the Horse Welfare Charter, a set of principles designed to ensure the optimal care of horses and humans.
Suzanne: BA (Hons) in Marketing Management, Diploma in Equine Studies, B.E.M.A Member. An entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in marketing, publishing, content curation, editing, and media writing. Avid equestrian, riding since the age of 5 and owning horses for over 35 years. Proud mum to humans, dogs, and a horse.