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A scoping review of the current literature exploring the nature of the horse-human relationship

Clough, H.G .R.; Burford, J.H.; England, G.C.W.; Freeman, Sarah Louise

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Authors

H.G .R. Clough

GARY ENGLAND gary.england@nottingham.ac.uk
Foundation Dean & Prof Comparative Veterinary Reproduction

SARAH FREEMAN sarah.freeman@nottingham.ac.uk
Professor of Veterinary Surgery



Abstract

Objective: To perform a scoping review of the current evidence on the horse-human relationship.

Background: The horse-human relationship has a significant impact on how horse owners care for and make decisions for their horse.

Evidentiary value: Identification of consensus and gaps in current evidence.

Methods: A literature search was performed in CAB Abstracts and Medline using search terms relating to the nature of the horse-human relationship in horses used for pleasure riding. Publications were reviewed against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Original qualitative or observational research studies relating to the relationship between a horse and owner were analysed. Data were extracted on study method and population characteristics.

Results: There were 4,481 studies identified; 27 studies were included in the final data extraction. The studies covered 11 different areas, the most frequent were effect of humans on equine behaviour (5/27), equine training methods and behaviour (4/27) and horses within sport and leisure (4/27). A range of methodologies were used, with the most frequent being thematic analysis (6/27 studies), use of an instrument, tool or scale (3/27) and behavioural scoring (4/27). The majority of studies considered the human’s perspective (20/27), six considered the horse perspective and one considered both the horse and human perspective. No studies investigated the same or similar aims or objectives.

Conclusion: The current evidence on the horse-human relationship is diverse and heterogenous, which limits the strength of evidence for any particular area.

Application: Future research should focus on developing reliable and repeatable tools to assess owner motivations and horse-human relationship, to develop a body of evidence.

Citation

Clough, H. .., Burford, J., England, G., & Freeman, S. L. (2019). A scoping review of the current literature exploring the nature of the horse-human relationship. Veterinary Evidence, 4(4), https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v4i4.240

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jun 26, 2019
Online Publication Date Nov 20, 2019
Publication Date Nov 20, 2019
Deposit Date Jul 16, 2019
Publicly Available Date Jul 17, 2019
Journal Veterinary Evidence
Electronic ISSN 2396-9776
Publisher RCVS Knowledge
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 4
Issue 4
DOI https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v4i4.240
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2311609
Publisher URL https://www.veterinaryevidence.org/index.php/ve/article/view/240
Contract Date Jul 16, 2019

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