Recognising Signs of Pain in Horses: A Checklist for Horse Owners and Caregivers

Abstract

The recent publication of comprehensive equine pain and discomfort ethograms, such as the Equine Discomfort Ethogram,1 have the potential to be used as a management tool to improve the rate of diagnosis of mild acute and chronic conditions by enabling horse owners to better recognise indicators of pain in their animals. Ensuring that horses are not experiencing pain or discomfort is an important welfare consideration.2 In a study by World Horse Welfare (Horseman, et al., 2022), unresolved stress and pain behaviour was identified as one of the highest-priority welfare concerns for domestic horses in the U.K. due to poor recognition of pain indicators amongst the equestrian population.3 A template for an observation-based record can equip a horse owner or caregiver with the tools to monitor their horse during standard non-ridden activities and could help to identify behavioural changes which may be driven by underlying pain or discomfort which is not yet diagnosed. The resulting portfolio of credible evidence of possible pain indicators can be presented to a vet or other professional and may help to better direct where investigations might begin with the overall aim of producing a more effective, targeted and therefore positive outcome for both horse and owner. The template is designed specifically for the observation of horses during day-to-day husbandry (i.e., non-ridden activities) and is based on the Equine Discomfort Ethogram by Catherine Torcivia and Sue McDonnell. This particular ethogram was chosen because it is the most comprehensive catalogue of behaviours affecting the whole body rather than just those seen in the face or while ridden.