Stable Beginnings - A call to transform methods of weaning horses.

BACKGROUND: There are currently a range of different weaning methods used in the UK, with no clear consensus or guidance to support the optimal welfare of both mares and foals during and post weaning. OBJECTIVE: To explore welfare charity professionals' perceptions of approaches to weaning horses in the UK. METHODS: Participants from welfare charities with experience in management, and welfare of horses from birth to death were recruited. They reviewed videos of weaning approaches and a chart of behavioural welfare indicators. They then took part in discussions on methods of weaning, considering their opinions and experiences of the impact on the mare and foal. Discussions were recorded, transcribed and reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: There were five participants, whose primary roles were in equine welfare charities. Thematic analysis revealed five main themes including i) Responsibility and accountability of the equine community, ii) Flexibility and tailoring for individual needs, iii) The complexities of assessing welfare, iv) The short-term impacts of weaning, and v) The long-term impacts of weaning. Participants unanimously agreed that abrupt and isolating forms of weaning separation compromised the short-term welfare of the mare and foal and could cause long-term psychological issues. Education was considered important in creating cultural shifts in the industry, and the demand for horses with good early years experiences was discussed as a change enabler. CONCLUSION: Participants agreed unanimously for the need to change away from abrupt and isolating forms of weaning, based on short- and long-term impacts on the mare and foal. They identified barriers to change within the equine industry and proposed ways forward.