EWA Welfare Corner: The 5 Domains of Animal Welfare

Have you heard about the 5 Domains of Animal Welfare?
Not sure what they are or what they mean? Here’s a simple rundown of each domain, plus a video from World Horse Welfare and Roxane Kirton (Equine Vet and Clinical Animal Behaviourist) explaining them in more detail here.

First Domain: Nutrition — Water and Food Intake

To stay hydrated, horses need at least 50 mL of water per kg of body weight per day. For example, a 500 kg horse requires at least 25 L of water daily. Always ensure your horse has access to fresh water, especially over summer.
Horses are natural grazers—free-ranging horses can eat up to 35 different grass species! Domestic horses have less variety, but offering different forage, grazing options, and browse where possible is beneficial.

Second Domain: Environment — Temperature, Sleep, Rest & Other Factors

A horse’s thermoneutral zone (the temperature range where they stay comfortable without extra effort) is typically 5°C to 25°C. Provide appropriate shelter or rug your horse when needed.
Horses also need suitable places to rest and sleep lying down comfortably.
When assessing welfare, consider the wider environment too: noise, vibration, lighting, and other factors that may cause stress.

Third Domain: Health — Routine Care & Recognising Pain

A good routine care plan should include vaccinations, hoof care, tack checks, deworming, dental care, monitoring weight and behaviour, regular temperature-taking, and maintaining a clean, safe environment (e.g., biosecurity measures, stable cleaning, pasture management).
Pain-related behaviours can be subtle—moving away during grooming or not wanting to be caught—or more obvious, such as bucking or rearing. These behaviours can also be linked to stress or fear, so always rule out pain first and then consider other management factors.

Fourth Domain: Behavioural Interactions — Environment, Humans & Other Horses

Horses thrive when their management reflects their natural lifestyle: grazing, movement, and social interaction.
Turnout and opportunities for free exercise are essential. Free exercise may include playing with paddock mates or choosing to trot/canter around the field.
If turnout is limited, consider adding walking in hand, pole work, or occasional horse-walker sessions.
Good training increases predictability and reduces stress, while positive non-training interactions (like grooming and scratching favourite spots) also support welfare.

Fifth Domain: Mental State

A horse’s mental state is shaped by the emotions they experience, and all four previous domains influence this.
Unresolved negative experiences can become chronic and block positive emotions.
Horses who feel safe, healthy, and have their natural needs met—movement, foraging, social contact—are more likely to experience positive emotional states.

If you want to learn more about the 5 Domains of Animal Welfare you can check out these links below.
- World Horse Welfare
- FEI Campus