Welfare of Equids: Guidance

Part 3: Assessing welfare

The “five domains of animal welfare model” provides a useful framework for assessing equid welfare by considering how physical and functional factors influence an equid’s mental state and overall quality of life. The model examines four interlinked domains (nutrition, environment, health and behaviour) and which collectively shape the fifth domain (mental, or “affective” state), reflecting how the equid feels about its situation.

Internal factors linked to survival, such as thirst, hunger or pain, drive behaviour and emotional experience. When these needs are met, equids are more likely to experience positive mental states, while unmet needs result in negative experiences. Effective welfare assessment therefore combines resource-based measures (such as diet, housing, turnout and social opportunities) with animal-based measures, including health, body condition, injuries and behavioural indicators such as stress, social interactions and movement.

Using this balanced approach provides a clearer picture of how equids are coping physically and mentally and the balance of positive and negative experiences they encounter. This approach helps owners and keepers identify problems early, while also promoting positive welfare outcomes and improved quality of life.

Behavioural indicators of equid welfare

Welfare is all about how an animal feels. Since we cannot ask equids how they feel, we must observe their behaviour to understand their well‐being. However, no single behaviour gives the full story. It is important to consider the situation, the way the behaviour is performed, and the behaviour itself. Changes in an equid’s usual demeanour can also show that their welfare has shifted. If you notice a change, it might be time to get advice from a veterinary surgeon or a qualified behaviour professional.

Understanding how equids behave and recognising signs of anxiety, fear and distress is crucial for reducing negative experiences and ensuring they have a life worth living, whilst recognising positive emotions such as contentment, and helping to ensure a good quality of life. Those responsible for caring for equids should learn about equid behaviour and understand the signs of both good and poor welfare, in order to provide the best possible care.

Indicators of good welfare

• The ability to lie down, rest, and roll over.
• A calm and coordinated behaviour when in a group.
• Strong, stable social bonds, such as resting or grazing closely together or mutual grooming.
• Interest in and interaction with their surroundings.
• Opportunities for the equid to make choices, which can reduce boredom and decrease restless behaviours as well as giving them a sense of control over aspects of their life.
• Positive interactions with people.
• No signs of pain or other behaviours that might indicate poor welfare.

Behavioural signs needing further investigation

Some behaviours might show long-term poor welfare and could become normal for an equid, but they still need attention. Changes in behaviour such as an increase in how often something happens or the appearance of new behaviours, should also be taken seriously. These include:

• Not lying down or being unable to roll over.
• Collapsing or stumbling due to lack of sleep or lameness.
• Being aggressive towards or avoiding people.
• Being aggressive towards or avoiding other equids.
• Showing little interest in the environment, other animals, or humans.
• Significant changes in daily activities (for example, less grazing and more resting).
• Becoming isolated or not keeping up with the group.
• Spending too long being alert (watching, listening, calling, seeking, or spooking).
• Rebound behaviours (such as bucking and galloping) when turned out (which might seem positive at first but suggest restrictive management).
• Excessive anticipatory behaviours (such as banging on doors, repetitive oral actions, or pacing by the box or fence) that could develop into abnormal repetitive behaviours. Early management can help prevent these from getting worse.
• Change in ridden or driven behaviour and/or reduction in performance.

Pain-related behaviours

Signs that an equid might be in pain include:

• Hesitation to turn or move forward.
• Body tension.
• A tucked or guarded posture.
• Lameness.
• Excessive rolling or watching their sides.
• Increased aggression.
• When being ridden:
  • tail swishing,
  • head tossing,
  • opening the mouth,
  • Bucking,
  • Rearing,
  • Spooking,
  • rushing, refusing or running out at jumps,
  • reluctance to go forwards,
• appears grumpy or unhappy when tacked up.

Knowledge and training for keepers

It is important that all owners and keepers regularly access information and training to ensure they remain up-to-date with their knowledge on how best to care for their equid.

For more information contact the National Equine Welfare Council: www.newc.co.uk.

Concerned about a horse, pony or donkey?

If you are concerned about an equid’s welfare, you can report your concerns to a number of organisations. All reports will be managed by an experienced and knowledgeable team and are treated in the strictest confidence. Link to information on reporting a concern: Reporting a welfare concern - National Equine Welfare Council.

To help the organisation assess and progress your concern as quickly as possible, please have the following information ready before contacting the organisation:

• the exact location of the equid(s),
• clear details of the specific welfare concerns,
• a description of each equid at the location,
• when you last saw the equid(s).

If you have not witnessed the situation yourself, please ask someone with first-hand knowledge to contact the organisation directly.