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Jacquay ET, Harris PA, Stowe CJ, McIntosh BJ, Adams AA. A survey of general road transportation: How and why horses are transported in the U.S. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 140:105137. [PMID: 38909768 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Horses are regularly transported in the United States (U.S.); however, how, and why horses travel by road has not been explored. Consequently, an online nationwide survey was conducted to understand 1) the most common reasons for travel; 2) the types of journeys undertaken when being transported by road in the U.S. and 3) the general management practices when transporting for 3 h or less. Responses were collected from 1294 participants with at least one response from every state in the continental U.S. The most common survey taker was a female (93.9 %), adult amateur (81.2 %), horse owner (64.6 %) who rode recreationally (33.1 %) and transported their own horse (79.4 %). The most common reasons for travel were for trail or leisure riding (34.2 %) followed by showing and competition (25.3 %); however, this varied by discipline. The most common trip duration was less than one hour (46.8 %), with only 12.4 % of the most common trip durations being 4 h or more. The most common specific horse transported by road for 3 h or less was an adult (age 5-15; 59.0 %), Quarter Horse (21.2 %), used for pleasure or trail riding (44.3 %). The biggest concern when transporting was injury to the horse (26.7 %), whilst the biggest factor when planning to travel was the weather (24.1 %). These results provide insight into why horses are being transported by road in the U.S. and that it is more common to transport horses for shorter durations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica T Jacquay
- MARS Equestrian Scholar, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America.
| | - Patricia A Harris
- Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom
| | - C Jill Stowe
- Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - Amanda A Adams
- MARS Equestrian Research Fellow, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
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Riley CB, Padalino B, Rogers CW, Thompson KR. Human Injuries Associated with the Transport of Horses by Road. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101594. [PMID: 37238024 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an increased understanding of shared human-animal risk in terms of "one welfare", whereby when animals are at risk, so are people, so preventing injury to one species may also prevent injury to the other. Because transport-related injuries to horses are common, the authors considered this paradigm to study road equine transport-related injuries to humans in New Zealand. The aim was to determine their frequency and associated factors by distributing a survey to horse industry participants through industry organisations asking about their horse activities, road transport experiences, and any related self-injury. There were 112/1067 (10.5%) handlers injured while preparing (13/112), loading (39/112), traveling (6/112), or unloading (33/112). Of these, 40% had multiple injury types, and 33% had several body regions affected. Hand injuries were most common (46%), followed by the foot (25%), arm (17%), and head or face (15%). Median recovery time was 7 days. Injuries were associated with the responder's industry educational background, years of driving experience, and reporting a horse injured during road transport in the past two years. Wearing helmets and gloves, and adopting strategies designed to eliminate equine injuries associated with the road transport of horses to reduce the risk of injury to their handlers are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B Riley
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Barbara Padalino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Viale Fanin 50, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Chris W Rogers
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Kirrilly R Thompson
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2300, Australia
- Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, NSW 2287, Australia
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Earley B, Edwards S, Faucitano L, Marti S, Miranda de La Lama GC, Costa LN, Thomsen PT, Ashe S, Mur L, Van der Stede Y, Herskin M. Welfare of equidae during transport. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07444. [PMID: 36092762 PMCID: PMC9449990 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of animal welfare legislation. This opinion deals with the protection of horses and donkeys during transport. While the opinion focuses primarily on road transport of horses, there are specific sections dealing with the transport of horses on roll-on-roll-off ferries, horses transported by air and the transport of donkeys. In addition, the opinion covers welfare concerns in relation to a specific scenario identified by the European Commission related to the transport of horses on long journeys to slaughterhouses. Current practices related to transport of horses during the different stages (preparation, loading and unloading, transit and the journey breaks) are described. Overall, 13 welfare consequences were identified as being highly relevant for the welfare of horses during transport based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: gastro-enteric disorders, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, isolation stress, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, respiratory disorders, resting problems, restriction of movement, sensory overstimulation and separation stress. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards were identified related to factors such as inexperienced/untrained handlers, lack of horse training, structural deficiencies of vehicles/facilities, poor driving skills/conditions, horse separation/regrouping, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices. The opinion contains general and specific conclusions in relation to the different stages of transport. Recommendations to prevent hazards and correct or mitigate welfare consequences have been developed. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions within the means of transport and for space allowance. The development of welfare consequences over time was assessed in relation to maximum journey time.
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A Survey-Based Analysis of Injuries to Horses Associated with Transport by Road in New Zealand. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030259. [PMID: 35158585 PMCID: PMC8833432 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The road transport of horses poses a significant welfare issue. This study describes the injuries sustained by horses during road transport in New Zealand in general alongside factors associated with injury while in a moving vehicle. More than 1100 New Zealand horse industry participants were surveyed on their horse transport experiences and equine industry activities. Of the survey participants, approximately a fifth reported at least one horse injured during road transport during the two years covered by the survey. Most injuries (81%) occurred in transit when transported with one (39%) or more than one (21%) other horse. Most commonly, the hindlimbs, the head, or the forelimbs were injured (59% of horses). Injuries ranged from bruises to severe trauma. Factors associated with injury included horses used for eventing, not always checking the fitness of horses for transport, the use of a tail guard or bandage, a stallion guard in the vehicle, loose bedding on the floor, and behavioural problems. Overall, this survey identified a significant number of injuries and related euthanasia in horses transported by road in New Zealand and key factors associated with these injuries. Abstract Negative outcomes associated with the road transport of horses are a significant welfare issue. This study aimed to describe the injuries sustained by horses during road transport in New Zealand and factors associated with trauma while in transit. New Zealand horse industry participants were surveyed on their horse transport experiences and equine industry involvement. Participants were solicited through horse organisations. The data were tabulated, and a logistic regression was performed to identify significant (p < 0.05) factors associated with transport-related injury. In total, 201/1133 (17.7%/2 years) eligible surveys reported at least one horse injured during road transport. Most incidents occurred in transit (137/169; 81%), or when transported with one (76/193; 39.4%) or more (41/193; 21.2%) other horses. Most commonly, the hindlimbs, the head, or the forelimbs were injured (59.1%; 110/186 horses), ranging in severity from bruises to catastrophic orthopaedic trauma necessitating euthanasia. Eventing, not always checking horses’ fitness for transport, using a tail guard or bandage, a stallion guard in the vehicle, bedding type on the floor, and behavioural problems were associated with injuries. This survey identified a significant incidence of injury and related death when horses are transported by road in New Zealand, and the key risk factors associated with the odds of injury.
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How Happy Are Equine Athletes? Stakeholder Perceptions of Equine Welfare Issues Associated with Equestrian Sport. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113228. [PMID: 34827960 PMCID: PMC8614509 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The international governing body for equestrian sports, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), states that the welfare of the horse must be paramount and never subordinated to competitive or commercial influences. However, there is growing unease about welfare issues from both within and outside the sport. The aim of this study was to understand stakeholder perceptions of current welfare issues within equestrian sport, determine whether there is scope for change, and explore attitudes towards welfare assessment. Participants (n = 48) from equestrian sport (n = 38) and animal welfare research (n = 10) attended a workshop that included welfare-related presentations and focus group sessions. The focus group sessions were recorded, anonymised and analysed using thematic analysis. Conflict between the demands of competition and the needs of the horse was identified as a key welfare challenge. Although the physical health of equine athletes is closely monitored, horses' psychological needs are sometimes overlooked. Participants recognised that improving competition practices may not be as impactful as improving the general management and training of horses. The term "quality of life" was considered preferable to "welfare", which had negative connotations. Participants appreciated the idea of incorporating formal welfare assessments into their training and competition plans but stated that existing tools are rarely used and are not deemed feasible for real-life conditions.
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Equine Transport-Related Problem Behaviors and Injuries: A Survey of Italian Horse Industry Members. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010223. [PMID: 33477521 PMCID: PMC7831101 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An online survey was conducted to determine associations between equine transport management and transport-related injuries and problem behaviors in Italy. The survey was composed of four sections: respondents' demographic information and background, transport management practices, journey details and vehicle design, and transport injuries experienced by the horse in the previous two-year period. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression with a binary outcome variable was performed to explore associations between variables (respondents' and journeys' details and transport practices) and equine transport-related problem behaviors (TRPBs) and injuries. TRPBs were also considered an explanatory variable for injuries. The survey generated 201 responses; only 148 were complete and analyzed. TRPBs were reported by 14.45% of the respondents and the odds of TRPBs was linked to the respondent gender (p = 0.034), the use of tranquilizers prior to transport (p = 0.002), the use of a whip for loading (p = 0.049), the lack of protection equipment (p = 0.050), and shavings (p = 0.025) on the vehicle floor. Horse injuries (11.49%) were reported by more respondents who did not check the brakes of their transport vehicle before traveling (p = 0.043), had vehicles with padding on the chest bar (p = 0.038), and for horses reported to display TRPBs (p = 0.001). Finally, 10 respondents reported they were injured during horse transport (10/140; 7.14%), 50% simultaneously with their horses. The study findings should be interpreted with caution due to small sample size bias and participants' recall bias. Nevertheless, the results are in concordance with the literature, confirming that horse transport is a risk for the horse's and handler's health and well-being. Further studies are needed to identify best management practices to educate equine industry members on how to minimize transport-related problems.
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Miranda-de la Lama GC, González-Castro CA, Gutiérrez-Piña FJ, Villarroel M, Maria GA, Estévez-Moreno LX. Horse welfare at slaughter: A novel approach to analyse bruised carcasses based on severity, damage patterns and their association with pre-slaughter risk factors. Meat Sci 2020; 172:108341. [PMID: 33096428 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The study presents a novel veterinary forensic approach to analyse the bruising of horse carcasses, based on the nature of the bruises and how they are grouped in certain anatomical areas. Data on pre-slaughter logistics was obtained for 113 journeys with horses that travelled from Mexico and the USA to a Mexican abattoir. We found that carcass bruising was a highly prevalent problem (79% of carcasses had bruising) and was especially problematic in journeys lasting longer than 12 h, independently of the animal's country of origin, sex, age, lairage time or vehicle type. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the most severe bruises were not dispersed randomly on the carcass and that their distribution was associated with the presence of medium-sized bruises on the abdominal wall, front and rear limb. Cluster analysis suggested four damage patterns based on bruise location: severe and concentrated bruising, as well as non-severe bruises on the rear limb, thoracic-wall or more dispersed throughout the carcass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genaro C Miranda-de la Lama
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Food Science, Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM-Lerma), Lerma de Villada, State of México, Mexico.
| | - César A González-Castro
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ), El Cordobel, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Francisco J Gutiérrez-Piña
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ), El Cordobel, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Morris Villarroel
- Department of Animal Science, E.T.S.I.A. Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo A Maria
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura X Estévez-Moreno
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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