EWA Welfare Corner: The 5 Domains of Animal Welfare - Environment

The 5 Domains of Horse Welfare: Environment

Understanding a horse’s environment is a key part of ensuring good welfare. As part of the Five Domains of Horse Welfare, the environmental domain focuses on the conditions in which horses live, rest and regulate their body temperature. Providing a safe, comfortable and appropriate environment allows horses to maintain both their physical health and mental wellbeing.

Temperature and Comfort

Horses are naturally well adapted to a range of temperatures. Their thermoneutral zone — the temperature range in which they do not need to use extra energy to stay warm or cool — sits approximately between 5°C and 25°C.

One important factor in temperature regulation is digestion. The fermentation of forage in a horse’s digestive system produces heat, which is why constant access to forage is essential, particularly in cooler conditions.

Shelter is another critical component of environmental welfare. Horses should have access to protection from extreme weather, including freezing temperatures, heavy rain and excessive heat.

Several factors can influence how well a horse regulates its body temperature, including:

• Age

• Body weight and condition

• Existing health conditions

• Coat thickness

• Clipping

• Rugging

While rugs can help protect horses in certain conditions, they may also interfere with the horse’s natural ability to regulate temperature. Horses wearing rugs should therefore be monitored regularly to ensure they are not becoming too hot or uncomfortable.

Sleep and Rest

Adequate rest is essential for a horse’s health and recovery. Horses require a safe and comfortable area with suitable footing that allows them to lie down.

Horses experience REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is vital for both brain and body function, but this stage of sleep can only occur when the horse is lying down. Because horses are prey animals, they must feel secure enough in their environment to rest fully.

In herd settings, horses often take turns resting, allowing others to remain alert. Providing a calm environment, and in some cases bringing horses inside, can help create the sense of security needed for proper rest.

Unlike humans, horses do not sleep for long periods at night. Instead, they sleep in several short bouts throughout the day and night. Ideally, horses should be able to choose when and how they rest, particularly after exercise or stressful events.

Environmental Factors

Horses perceive their surroundings differently from humans. While they may gradually become accustomed to certain stimuli, it is still important to minimise environmental stressors wherever possible.

Factors such as excessive noise, vibrations and artificial lighting can affect a horse’s comfort and wellbeing. Creating a calm, predictable environment helps horses feel safe and supports both their physical and psychological welfare.

By understanding and improving the environments in which horses live, we can ensure they remain comfortable, healthy and able to express their natural behaviours — a fundamental goal of the Five Domains of Horse Welfare framework.