Caring for the Older Horse: A Conceptual Model of Owner Decision Making



Smith, Rebecca, Pinchbeck, Gina ORCID: 0000-0002-5671-8623, McGowan, Catherine ORCID: 0000-0002-1946-9584, Ireland, Joanne ORCID: 0000-0002-5737-1502 and Perkins, Elizabeth ORCID: 0000-0002-0213-8105
(2021) Caring for the Older Horse: A Conceptual Model of Owner Decision Making. ANIMALS, 11 (5). 1309-.

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Abstract

The number of aged horses in the UK has been growing over recent years, with many horses remaining active and being cared for into old age. However, increasing age is paralleled with a heightened risk of morbidity and mortality; therefore, owners of older horses must manage changes in their horse, making decisions about management and health care provision. In this paper, we discuss data collected from an open-access online discussion forum, where forum users sought advice arising from concerns about their older horse. Qualitative data analysis was performed using grounded theory methods. A conceptual model was developed to demonstrate the multifaceted ways in which ageing affects the human-horse relationship and impacts upon outcomes for the horse. The model reflects the dynamic nature of caring for an older horse to accommodate change over time-outcomes for the horse shift as the context of day-to-day life changes. The model provides novel insight into how decisions around older horse care are made.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: human&#8211, horse relationship, companion animal welfare, qualitative research, online forum
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 04 Jun 2021 11:46
Last Modified: 18 Jan 2023 22:36
DOI: 10.3390/ani11051309
Open Access URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/5/1309/htm
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URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3125115