Whilst recognition and understanding of equine stereotypic behaviours, including wind sucking, box walking and weaving, has undoubtedly increased, a recent major survey has revealed that not all owners are concerned about the widely understood implications for health and wellbeing.
Over 3000 respondents completed the survey into Equine Stereotypic Behaviours, developed in collaboration between ArcEquine’s Director of Research & Development Jack Thirkell and Megan Boden, a 3rd year undergraduate at Bishop Burton College and amongst the comments relating to perception of stereotypic behaviour, some views revealed a surprising and perhaps shocking lack of compassion:
“No horse is perfect and most behaviours are manageable”
“Unfortunate, but after everything possible has been done to make life great for the horse to try to alleviate the stress behind the stereotypical behaviour, and it continues, then I don’t worry about it. It is so sad when it interferes with the reason the horse is being kept – so my perception is – as long as the horse is able to do what I require of it (jump, dressage, race or whatever) then what it does in its own time is its affair.”
“Infuriating”
“It would mean extra vet fees”
When it comes to taking responsibility for what are now understood to be ‘man-made’ issues resulting from unnatural management practices, including feeding, stabling and workload, there were more dismissive responses:
“Usually brought about by the wrong management/environment in its previous home”
“Behaviours that are normal and found in most horses”
The detailed information from this unique survey has been analysed and a synopsis is available on the ArcEquine blog here: http://arcequinesays.blogspot.com/2017/01/77-of-equines-demonstrate-stereotypical.html
Jack Thirkell commented: “It’s clear from the data that the majority of respondents do understand the range of behaviours categorised as equine stereotypies are undesirable and potentially damaging stress responses, which invariably result from a horse’s environment and management.
“Most people try to identify the underlying issues and resolve them with understanding and compassion, but the number of comments dismissing the issue confirms that more education is still required, with all owners ideally taking responsibility for where and how their horses are living.”
