Welfare requirements for horse keeping

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for horse care, ensuring their physical and psychological welfare by analysing housing, nutrition, medical care, physical activity, and socialisation. The study examined the horse care conditions at farms and equestrian clubs in the Kyiv region (Ukraine), including “Aliur”, “Grand Prix”, “Kniazhyi Dvir”, “Impuls”, and “Olimp”. The theoretical analysis described horse care conditions, the size and state of the facilities, feed quality, medical care, and aspects of physical activity and socialisation. The study’s main findings indicate that all the analysed establishments provide a high level of comfort for horses, a crucial factor for their care and wellbeing. However, it is important to note that various approaches to horse care revealed unique features and advantages. For instance, the farm “Aliur” demonstrated an effective combination of high-quality housing conditions, including spacious stables with proper lighting and ventilation, balanced nutrition tailored to the individual needs of each animal, regular medical care ensuring timely prevention and treatment, and socialisation that fosters the emotional development of the horses. At the same time, the equestrian farm “Grand Prix” stands out for its high standards of sports care, which include specialised training and preparation of horses for competitions, ensuring their competitiveness in the sporting arena. The farms “Impuls” and “Olimp” distinguish themselves by implementing modern ventilation systems that improve air quality in the stables, as well as by providing high-quality training facilities that meet international standards, allowing not only the maintenance of horses’ physical fitness but also ensuring their overall health and welfare. The analysis showed that the introduction of new monitoring technologies, the individualisation of feeding approaches, and social programmes could further enhance horse welfare. The findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to horse care in ensuring their physical and psychological well-being, which can be useful for practical recommendations in the equine industry.