Forage, freedom of movement, and social interactions remain essential fundamentals for the welfare of high-level sport horses.

ABSTRACT: Societal concerns for animal welfare extend to all domestic species, including high-level sport horses. The welfare of these horses, notably highlighted during the recent Olympics, has garnered significant public interest, prompting inquiries into their living conditions. Animal welfare studies have emphasised three key needs crucial to equine welfare: unlimited access to forage, freedom of movement, and social interactions with peers, commonly referred to as the "3Fs"-access to Forage, Freedom of movement, and interactions with Friend conspecifics. However, the feasibility and benefits of satisfying these needs specifically for sport horses remain unexplored. Indeed, they may face unique challenges such as high physical workload, extensive travel, limited time in their home stables, weigh

SUBMITTER: Phelipon R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11615640 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature