Factors affecting the welfare of non-racing horses in Prince Edward Island

In North America, there are few representative, horse level data about the general welfare of horses (including prevalence of some specific welfare concerns). To help address this deficit, in the summer of 2002, a survey was conducted of the welfare and management of 312 non-racing horses (ponies, miniature horses, draft horses, and other horses that are not race horses) in Prince Edward Island, Canada. One hundred and seventeen horse owners were recruited by a random phone book search (response rate 68.4% among respondents owning horses).

Demographic data, information about management practices and data on the occurrence of stereotypic behaviour were collected through a pre-tested questionnaire. Equine health was assessed by the study veterinarian during a site visit, and fecal samples were taken to determine strongyle egg count.

The effect of management on equine welfare was further assessed using two welfare-related endpoints: occurrence of stereotypic behaviour, and body condition score. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).