Improving horse welfare on farm and during transport: assessment tools and best practices

Horses hold multiple roles within human societies, and protecting their welfare across contexts remains challenging. Most equine welfare research has focused on horses in individual stalls, whereas knowledge on pasture-based systems is limited. Likewise, welfare assessment after transport remains insufficiently explored, without tools to assess horses upon arrival. Within this scenario, this PhD project aimed to address these knowledge gaps and develop new welfare assessment tools. First, it was hypothesised that health and welfare issues vary with management practices and a survey conducted on Italian Heavy Draft Horse breeders confirmed these associations. Secondly, a bespoke protocol for assessing horse welfare at pasture was developed and applied, identifying major challenges such as long distances to water sources, poor pasture quality, and the presence of predators. Regarding transport, an initial study examined practices and related welfare issues in Switzerland, where welfare laws are well established. Despite this regulatory framework, welfare concerns were still reported, suggesting the need for further improvements. Then, compliance with current transport documentation requirements (TRACES) was analysed. Most of the TRACES were compiled incorrectly, highlighting critical weaknesses in the monitoring system. Additionally, a 15-point scale for welfare assessment after transport was developed and applied to categorise horses upon arrival at the slaughterhouse. Finally, various aspects to improve the quality of life (QoL) of different categories of horses were explored. In working equids, prognostic indicators were investigated to support decision-making on the appropriate timing of euthanasia. In leisure horses, chiropractic treatment was assessed and found to be safe, producing a short-term relaxing effect. Overall, this PhD covered various horse welfare aspects, exploring pasture management and transport, developing specific tools and exploring ways to improve horses’ QoL. The findings highlight proper on-farm and transport management and provide evidence to support Equidae protection regulations.