Early experiences shape the horse's life

The age at which a horse is ready for training and riding remains a much-discussed topic. Whereas in the past the focus was primarily on physical resilience, today the mental well-being of the animals is increasingly taking center stage. A workshop at the Jockey Club Newmarket, organized by the Beaufort Cottage Educational Trust and the Graf Lehnsdorff Institute of Equine Science, addressed this topic with a wide range of experts.

The ethical aspects of horse training were at the center of the debate. The introduction of a minimum age for training and competition use - as has already been enshrined in law in Germany with a limit of 30 months - shows that social pressure on equestrian sport is growing. The so-called "social license to operate" is at stake if the public's perception is too strongly influenced by animal welfare concerns.

The most common model currently used to assess the well-being of horses is the "Five Domains Model". In addition to physical health, this model also takes into account psychological and social factors that influence how an animal feels. The growing demand from science and society to give horses not only a "life worth living" but also a "good life" is likely to continue to shape the debate in the future.

Further information can be read directly here: Start 'em young, treat 'em right: How horses' early life experiences can set them up for success in life - Pearson - Equine Veterinary Journal - Wiley Online Library