Hartpury University is proud to announce its collaboration with the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) on a comprehensive research project aimed at enhancing equine welfare in horse breeding.
The WBFSH, representing 86 studbooks in 36 countries, has commissioned this far-reaching research to develop fact-based recommendations and ensure measurable positive outcomes for millions of sports horses worldwide.
Led by Hartpury University’s Head of Research Prof. Jane Williams with contributions from Lorna Cameron (Senior Lecturer at Hartpury University), Janet Forbes (MSc Applied Equine Science), Maria Donovan (BSc (Hons) Equine Science and Postgraduate Certificate Equine Performance and Rehabilitation), and Erica Febery (BSc (Hons) Animal Science) the project titled ‘Evidence-based recommendations for the enhancement of sports horse welfare in breeding’ aims to inform the preparation of a WBFSH Welfare Charter and a series of draft Welfare Codes of Conduct. The project also provides recommendations for future research areas to enhance the welfare of sport horses within breeding. The team also plans a scientific publication in due course.
The project findings are summarised in the WBFSH Welfare Report and WBFSH Welfare Statement: “The WBFSH is committed to ensuring the welfare of horses involved in breeding, as well as those produced through breeding by adhering to ethical, evidence-informed, and responsible breeding practices, management, and care that provide horses with a good life.”
WBFSH President Jan Pedersen said: “We are very grateful to the team at Hartpury University for their hard and groundbreaking work. We are fully committed to supporting all our member studbooks and 150,000 breeders worldwide in making the best choices in breeding for welfare. This starts with the selection of breeding stock most likely to produce horses able to lead a long and healthy life, but it affects every aspect of our activities, from breeding techniques to ongoing management to end-of-life-care.”
Research project overview
The project adopted a three-stage methodology combining consultation with industry participants with a review of the existing academic literature. Initial interviews with 17 WBFSH members established key welfare considerations from the industry. A subsequent systematic review of the scientific literature was based on the key themes that emerged from the interviews, including scientific evidence on breeding practices, conditions, and interventions that impact horse wellbeing and quality of life. A final series of focus groups was held with key industry stakeholders and academics recognised as thought leaders in equine welfare.
The initial interviews highlighted three key welfare areas based on the different stages of the breeding cycle: selection of breeding stock, management of breeding stock, and foal and youngstock management. A systematic review of literature on these welfare themes found that research studies were not designed to consider horse welfare needs holistically.
Professor Jane Williams commented: “Our research has demonstrated that welfare in horse breeding practices is still under-researched. Our systematic review of the existing literature has highlighted areas where further work is needed. We also found that to translate our findings into improving horse welfare in practice, we need to support a strong implementation strategy that is accessible and achievable. We are grateful for the support from the WBFSH not only in funding this research project, but also in their unwavering commitment to ensuring its findings lead to real improvements in horse welfare worldwide.”
In the next phases, the WBFSH will work with its member studbooks on implementation strategies for the project findings. This includes integrating a welfare statement into its statutes and supporting the inclusion of behavioural, health, and longevity-related attributes within breed strategies. The organisation will continue to work with industry partners to prioritize equine welfare and support breeders through accessible communications, information, and webinars.
Equine welfare is a key focus for Hartpury University research, with active collaborations with global organisations enhancing horse wellbeing in all areas. In May 2024, Hartpury University and College joined the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), aiming to promote best practices and elevate welfare standards both on campus and within the broader equine industry. Staff and students also agree to be bound by the Horse Welfare Charter, a set of key principles designed to optimise the lives of horses and humans.
Research from Hartpury University was recognised as ‘world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 process.
