Welfare during the transport of horses for competition

Abstract

Equine athletes are in constant displacement for competitions in distant places or not. Transport is a potential stressor for horses. Repetitive exposure, or an exaggerated and prolonged reaction to stressful situations is associated with the onset of several diseases. Thus, it is essential to use strategies that can reduce the potential stressor effect of transport in horses. This article aims to demonstrate the evolution in the understanding of equine welfare and apply them to the transport of athlete horses, discussing the various ways to minimize the stressors during transport. The stress caused by transport, including loading, vehicle movement, in addition to the distance of the journey, can cause a series of conditions that characterize the transport syndrome, resulting in possible cases of colic syndrome, diarrhea, pleuropneumonia, in addition to laminitis. Knowledge of physiology, ambience, sanity and of the stressors that act in the transport of horses can help the owner and/or driver in the adequacy of the correct handling, guaranteeing improvement of the BEA and reduction of economic losses during transport.