Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
    Dr David Marlin
    Header image
    • News
      1. News
      2. Blog
      Featured
      30 November 2022

      Dr David Marlin’s Advent Calendar

      Recent
      21 March 2023

      Latest research into induced delivery with a low dose of oxytocin now available

      13 March 2023

      FEI Equine Influenza Requirements

      8 March 2023

      International Women’s Day at DDM

    • Resources
      • Articles
      • Product Reviews
      • How To
      • Feed Materials In Focus
      • Research/Papers
        • Research Reviewed
      • References
      • Glossary
    • Webinars
      • Coming Up LIVE Webinars
      • Webinar Replays
    • Podcasts/Videos
      • Podcasts
      • Videos
    • What’s On
    • Website Guide
      • Guide to the Site
      • Why Join?
      • Become a Member
      • About Dr David Marlin
      • Our Team
      • FAQs
      • Services & Contact
    • Members Area
      • Join Now
      • Your Membership
        • Manage Your Subscriptions
        • Edit Your Details
        • Renew Here
      • Member Offers
      • Member’s Questions
    • Log In
    Header image
    You are at:Home»News»Survey Reveals Horse Owners’ Fears During Pandemic

    Survey Reveals Horse Owners’ Fears During Pandemic

    0
    By Sarah O'Neill on 6 January 2021 News, Research/Papers

    SURVEY REVEALS HORSE OWNERS’ FEARS DURING PANDEMIC

    A survey conducted by equine scientist Dr David Marlin, Dr Jane Williams (Hartpury University) and Dr Hayley Randle (Charles Stuart University, Australia) in October 2020 has revealed how the UK’s horse owners have been affected by the current coronavirus pandemic. This survey is a follow up on the one launched in April this year, the results of which have already been published in the journal Animals and which is free to access (https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/10/1862/pdf).

    With a sample of over 1500 owners participating, the latest survey identified a number of ongoing concerns held by those who own horses including the impact of potential loss of income, becoming ill or having to self-isolate, the fear of increased livery costs as a result of future lockdowns and the possible restricted access to feed, drugs, farriers and physios which could seriously impede their horses’ welfare.

    Over half of the horse owners who took part (51%) reported that the pandemic had had a negative effect on their physical health; dependent on personal circumstances horse owners stated that they had both increased and decreased opportunities for exercise and riding.  While a significant 73% advised of a clear negative impact on their mental health. Illness, bereavement, financial worries, reduced social contact and increased anxiety and stress relating to who would be able to care for their horse in the event of an owners’ ill health or need to self-isolate, all featured highly on the list of anxieties. 

    Worryingly, the survey also unveiled the fact that while livery yards appear to have been strong on providing hand washing or hand sanitising facilities, the majority – especially DIY yards – have yet to put in place Covid-19 plans and many are failing to observe the standard measures prescribed by government, designed to minimise the spread of infection.

    Commenting on the survey findings, Dr David Marlin said, “Given the current surge in coronavirus cases and the emergence of the highly contagious new variant of Covid-19, it is imperative that private livery yards take immediate action and put in place the appropriate plans to ensure the facilities they offer are commensurate with the precautions currently being advised to all businesses. Owners need to be updated on the measures that are being put in place and given clear guidance on the revised protocols to be rolled out – and the importance of adhering to the new regime. This survey also demonstrates the need for owners to put in place their own Covid survival plan to ensure the continued health and wellbeing of their horse in the event of the need for physical or financial support should they become ill or if they are forced to self-isolate. This is no time for complacency – or for ‘Covid-fatigue’ to set in. It is vital that the equestrian industry steps up to the plate and plays a stronger role in trying to fight the pandemic. This survey also backs up the argument that horse welfare related activities – such as continued access to feed, drugs, farriers and physios – must remain exempt from any future quarantine restrictions.”

    Reference:

    The survey was carried out October 2020 and 1541 responses were received. This survey is a follow-up to the survey launched in March 2020 and reported in Animals, 10(10), 1862 (https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101862, open access). 

    Loading

    Related posts:

    1. Guidelines for mitigating the risk of Covid-19 in equestrian establishments
    2. Covid-19 Action Plan for the Equestrian Industry and Horse Owners
    3. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Horse Owners and Horse Welfare
    4. Thank you vets campaign – vets recognised for care and passion during the Covid-19 pandemic
    Covid-19 survey
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Sarah O'Neill

    Related Posts

    Guidelines for mitigating the risk of Covid-19 in equestrian establishments

    Covid-19 Action Plan for the Equestrian Industry and Horse Owners

    The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Horse Owners and Horse Welfare

    Introduction from David
    https://vimeo.com/478007186?loop=0
    Popular Posts
    • Houses of Parliament (aka the Palace of Westminster)Commons Rejects Animal Welfare Amendment 16 in the Agriculture Bill
      In News
      13 October 2020
    • Fly repellentThe ULTIMATE Fly Repellent Survey – The Results
      In Articles
      20 April 2022
    • Laminitis grass eatingWebinar – Laminitis – A Vets Perspective by Dr Kirstie Pickles
      In Webinars, Webinars/Vids/Pods
      26 September 2021
    • Horse displaying symptoms of stressA review of equine calmer ingredients
      In Articles, Feed Materials In Focus, Resources
      17 September 2021
    • Webinar – Winter Horse Care
      In Webinars
      14 December 2022
    • Webinar – Farriery, The ideal and why it is important – Yogi Sharp
      In Webinars
      20 January 2021
    Join Now Banner
    About

    The drdavidmarlin.com site is an independent information resource for all equestrians. A source of unbiased, science-based research, we deliver news, and product reviews, with webinars, podcasts and articles covering the full breadth of the equine world.

    David Marlin has been involved with horses all his life and is an experienced equine scientist. He has always been passionate about equine welfare and as a result has been involved in many campaigns. You can read more about David in the About Page.

    Become a member today to get access to all this site has to offer!

    Become a Member

      Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
      Copyright © 2022 Dr David Marlin
      • How To Join
      • Website User Guide
      • FAQs
      • Services & Contact
      • Legal – Disclaimers, Terms, and Policies
      • Sitemap

      Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

      We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

      You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

      Dr David Marlin
      Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
      Privacy Overview

      This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

      Strictly Necessary Cookies

      Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

      If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.