The Human Aspect of Horse Care: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted the Wellbeing of Equestrian Industry Stakeholders

Abstract

Simple Summary The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant changes in the way people live and work. To better inform responses to any future pandemics, it is important for researchers to investigate the ways in which different groups were impacted. Those involved in the care of horses are one such group who faced a variety of challenges to their own wellbeing whilst they navigated providing care to animals during the UK’s initial lockdown. The present research utilised a qualitative approach to investigate the impacts of the pandemic on the wellbeing of groups of horse owners, equine veterinarians, farriers and welfare centre managers, mostly based in the Aberdeenshire region. Results from this study showed that changes in communication style and restricting people’s access to their horses had negative mental health consequences for veterinarians and horse owners, respectively. It also identified that this equestrian community sample had developed ways to improve their own wellbeing through pro-social attitudes and activities which also benefited the wider community. It is hoped that these findings will help to protect and promote wellbeing in future pandemic scenarios. Abstract During the lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, equestrian stakeholders faced a dilemma whereby they were required to balance caring for the welfare of horses with adapting to the restrictions imposed to protect public health. The present study investigated the impact of the pandemic on the wellbeing of a sample of industry stakeholders, including horse owners, equine veterinarians, farriers and welfare centre managers (n = 26) using a qualitative methodology. Findings from the interviews indicated that the mental health and wellbeing of veterinarians and horse owners was negatively affected by pandemic-related obstacles to communication and limitations to horse–owner interactions. However, this study also identified several positive outcomes for wellbeing during lockdown resulting from pro-social activities that were engaged with by horse owners to overcome social isolation, the separation of the community and loneliness. These findings provide accounts of ways in which those caring for horses might be challenged during national emergency scenarios, pointing to areas that would benefit from future mental health and wellbeing interventions.