The Mane Event: Hartpury’s research into sport horse welfare is no folly

The WBFSH represents 86 studbooks across 36 countries. A studbook is a record of the pedigree and characteristics of purebred animals. The WBFSH commissioned this study to develop research-informed recommendations to its members to ensure that equine welfare remains a priority in breeding practices.

The project included interviews with industry stakeholders, a literature review, and focus groups. The project findings highlighted three key welfare areas:

• The selection of breeding stock
• The management of breeding mares and stallions
• The management and early training of foals and youngstock

A key outcome of the study was the recognition that existing research often examines welfare in isolation rather than considering the holistic needs of horses throughout their lives.

The results of this study, which included a welfare definition, a set of ten welfare principles and a set of priority research recommendations, were presented at the WBFSH General Assembly in October 2024. The next phase will see the WBFSH working with its members to develop and implement an agreed welfare strategy. This includes integrating a welfare statement into its statutes and supporting the inclusion of behavioural, health, and longevity-related attributes within breed strategies.

A Student’s Perspective

Hartpury University’s research was led by Professor Jane Williams and Lorna Cameron, while postgraduate students Janet Forbes, Maria Donovan, and Erica Febery each took on specific aspects of the WBFSH-funded research project.

Janet Forbes who studied for a MSc in Applied Equine Science gave her perspective as the WBFSH-funded student on this research.

“When I saw the WBFSH-funded fellowship advertised, I knew it was an amazing opportunity to contribute to research that would have a positive impact on equine welfare within the breeding industry. It would allow me to be an integral contributor for a research project that would directly impact and be actively used to update and improve industry practices.

“I was returning to academia after a 20-year hiatus which was both exciting and challenging. However, being involved in this collaboration proved incredibly rewarding and I gained a detailed understanding into developing my own research methodologies to create the equine welfare recommendations required. I presented the recommendations at the WBFSH General Assembly in October 2025 and these were positively received and we are now writing a paper for submission to the Equine Veterinary Journal.

“Through this project I have understood the value of how research can influence change in the horse-breeding industry, especially if the recommendations are evidence-based, practical and can be integrated over time to those working in the industry. This experience has inspired me to continue my academic learning by pursuing a PhD, extending my research to further improve the quality of life for horses. My academic success has been largely a collaborative effort and the support offered by Hartpury University and the WBFSH has made my return to academic life a pleasure.” 

Equine Welfare: Real-World Positive Change

Equine welfare is an established key focus for Hartpury University research, with active collaborations with global organisations enhancing horse wellbeing in all areas. It was in May 2024 that Hartpury University and College joined the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), aiming to promote best practices and elevate welfare standards both on campus and within the broader equine industry. Staff and students also agree to be bound by the Horse Welfare Charter, a set of key principles designed to optimise the lives of horses and humans. 

“Equine welfare underpins our research at Hartpury University and working with key industry stakeholders helps us facilitate real-world positive change for horses and their owners.  ​We are grateful for the support from the WBFSH not only in funding this research project, but also in their unwavering commitment to ensuring its findings lead to real improvements in horse welfare worldwide.” – Professor Jane Williams, Hartpury University 

“We are very grateful to the team at Hartpury University for their hard and groundbreaking work. We are fully committed to supporting all our member studbooks and 150,000 breeders worldwide in making the best choices in breeding for welfare. This starts with the selection of breeding stock most likely to produce horses able to lead a long and healthy life, but it affects every aspect of our activities, from breeding techniques to ongoing management to end-of-life-care.” – WBFSH President Jan Pedersen