EWA Welfare Corner: The 5 Domains of Animal Welfare - Behavioural Interaction

Building Better Bonds: Supporting Horse Welfare Through Understanding and Enrichment

The relationship between horses and humans has long been recognised as a unique and rewarding partnership—one that, when approached correctly, can be mutually beneficial for both.

A key component of this relationship lies in understanding how horses learn. By applying sound learning theory principles, handlers can create training environments that offer horses a sense of control and predictability. This not only improves performance but significantly reduces stress levels, helping horses become more confident when faced with new or challenging situations.

However, positive interaction with horses should extend beyond structured training sessions. Simple activities such as grooming, scratching in preferred areas, or allowing horses time to graze can strengthen the human-horse bond while contributing to the animal’s overall wellbeing.

Movement and turnout also play a critical role in maintaining a horse’s physical and mental health. In natural conditions, free-ranging horses travel between 10 to 20 kilometres per day. In contrast, domesticated horses often move less than 7 kilometres daily, highlighting the importance of providing opportunities for regular exercise.

To support this, horses should ideally have access to turnout where they can:

• Interact and play with other horses
• Move freely at various gaits, including trotting and cantering

Where full turnout is not possible, alternative methods should be implemented, such as:

• Increased turnout duration or use of a track system
• Walking in hand
• Incorporating poles into groundwork
• Use of a horse walker when available

Meeting a horse’s basic needs is essential—but going beyond this to include environmental enrichment can greatly enhance their quality of life. Providing variety through different types of forage, bedding, and ground surfaces helps stimulate natural behaviours and prevent boredom.

By combining knowledge, thoughtful management, and regular positive interaction, horse owners and carers can foster healthier, more resilient horses—while strengthening the partnership at the heart of equestrian life.