Show Horse Welfare: The Viewpoints of Judges, Stewards, and Show Managers

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the current state of stock-type show horse welfare based on the perceptions of show officials and to identify potential means of preventing and intervening in compromises to show horse welfare. Thirteen horse show officials, including j...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied animal welfare science 2016-04, Vol.19 (2), p.183-197
Main Authors: Voigt, Melissa, Hiney, Kristina, Croney, Candace, Waite, Karen, Borron, Abigail, Brady, Colleen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal care
Animal grooming
animal welfare
Animal Welfare - standards
Animals
Attitude
competition
horse
Horse shows
Horses
Humans
industry
managers
officials
prioritization
stakeholders
Stock type
welfare
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the current state of stock-type show horse welfare based on the perceptions of show officials and to identify potential means of preventing and intervening in compromises to show horse welfare. Thirteen horse show officials, including judges, stewards, and show managers, were interviewed. Findings revealed the officials had an incomplete understanding of nonhuman animal welfare and a high level of concern regarding the public's perception of show horse welfare. The officials attributed most of the frequently observed compromises to show horse welfare to (a) novices', amateurs', and young trainers' lack of experience or expertise, and (b) trainers' and owners' unrealistic expectations and prioritization of winning over horse welfare. The officials emphasized a need for distribution of responsibility among associations, officials, and individuals within the industry. Although the officials noted recent observable positive changes in the industry, they emphasized the need for continued improvements in equine welfare and greater educational opportunities for stakeholders.
ISSN:1532-7604
1088-8705
1532-7604
DOI:10.1080/10888705.2015.1121816