Considering rider, horse and the environment could help welfare

The new "triple-E" research model offers a new way of thinking when tackling equine wellbeing issues

- BECKY MURRAY

CONSIDERING the horse, rider and environment as one could be the key to bridging the gap in equine wellbeing issues.

In a paper published in Animals, researchers from the University of Kentucky investigated a “triple-E” research model, which takes in the wellbeing of the horse (equine), rider (equestrian), and the environment. It is based on the “one health” concept, an approach to balance and optimise health of people, animals and ecosystems, by recognising that they are closely linked and interdependent.

“Sports that involve horses are complicated, and research focusing on the health and wellbeing of horse, rider and environment requires collaboration across disciplines,” said the researchers. “This model generates a path for researchers to incorporate all sectors into addressing problems.”

The researchers said no research models capture all the interactions between horse, rider and environment – but applying the triple-E approach can “bridge the gap”.

“A big part of our research focuses on engagement; it’s important for all sectors to talk.