Recent Advances in Equine Behavior and Welfare

Dear Colleagues,

There are approximately 60 million equines worldwide, and the behavior and welfare of horses are increasingly the focus of research and societal interest. Enhancing equine welfare involves developing stable conditions and management practices that cater to horses’ needs, minimizing negative experiences and suffering, while promoting positive emotional states. Horses are exposed to diverse management systems and environments, each significantly influencing their behavior and welfare. Refining these systems is essential to improving equine welfare while supporting their roles in sport, leisure, and companionship.

Numerous stressors affect equines. Transport poses multiple challenges, including loading, unloading, confinement, exposure to unfamiliar environments, temperature fluctuations, poor ventilation, and deprivation of food and water. Pain management is another critical welfare challenge. Issues such as lameness and back pain are prevalent in ridden horses, but pain recognition remains difficult, especially for owners. This often results in horses being used in sports despite discomfort, leading to behavioral issues such as aggression and heightened stress. In turn, these behaviors may provoke harsh training methods, worsening the pain and perpetuating a harmful cycle.

This Special Issue welcomes high-quality articles advancing equine behavior and welfare research. Topics may include the effects of stabling systems, training practices, transport, social stressors, and novel tools for welfare assessment. We look forward to your contributions to fostering innovative approaches to equine welfare.

Dr. Maria Rizzo
Prof. Dr. Francesca Arfuso
Guest Editors

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