Livery Yards Research Articles

Farm size and biosecurity measures associated with Strongylus vulgaris infection in horses.

Selective anthelmintic treatment, advocated due to evolving anthelmintic resistance, has been associated with an increase in Strongylus vulgaris prevalence. Reverting to routine interval anthelmintic treatments is not viable and therefore, identifying other management factors correlated with S. vulgaris infection is vital. To investigate possible risk factors associated with the presence of S. vulgaris infection in resident horses on Swedish horse establishments. Internet-based questionnaire survey. A questionnaire, created using the internet-based survey platform Netigate, was distributed to owners of equine establishments throughout Sweden via established equine platforms and social media channels. The survey was available for response from 21 May until 1 September 2022. Questions were closed ended with branching logic paths. Four factors were significantly associated with S. vulgaris infection, with an increased odds of infection seen in livery yards (odds ratio [OR] 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-2.36, p = 0.004) and premises with more than 10 resident horses (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.64-3.56, p < 0.001). A lower odds of infection were seen in establishments using quarantine routines (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.96, p = 0.03) and anthelmintic treatment of new horses prior to arrival at the premise (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.18-0.74, p = 0.005). Due to the presence of S. vulgaris infection in the present study being based on S. vulgaris diagnostics performed at the farm level, any association between faecal diagnostic use and risk of infection could not be investigated. Although the use of diagnostics for S. vulgaris can keep infection rates low, large farms or livery yards with many different horse owners, and those with low use of biosecurity measures as regards to new horses arriving at the premise, are associated with a higher risk of infection.

Preliminary examination of the perceptions of sustainable horse feeding practices in the Netherlands

The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of sustainability among horse owners in the Netherlands and their willingness to switch to more sustainable feeding practices. A survey was distributed to a target group of horse owners in the Netherlands via social media channels. Data (n = 338 valid responses) were stratified based on yard type and size (small (<20), medium (20-50), and large (>50 horses). Most of the yards were livery yards (68 %) and they were small in size (66 %). The term most commonly associated with sustainability was low environmental impact (61.8 %). All participants (338/338) indicated that they were willing to switch to more sustainable feeding practices. Of the six options offered, the most popular was the use of plastic-free packaging products (60.5 %). This study identified that numerically the greatest change in behavior for the Dutch equestrian community would be achieved by small livery yards (P < 0.001). The potential to modify certain practices might be limited by the size of the equestrian operation, such as the available land for altering pasture management, and the financial aspects of the enterprise. Future research should investigate how the scale and economic considerations of the equestrian business influence its capacity and willingness to adopt more sustainable feeding practices.

The role of nutrition and feeding in equine weight management

Increasing awareness of the prevalence of overweight and obese horses has shed light on to the importance of appropriate nutrition and feed management within weight loss programmes. The review presents a basic approach to weight loss programme design and appropriate feeding and shows that while there is sufficient information upon which to base weight loss programmes, the findings of recent research into compliance and communication is likely to improve future success. Further education for livery yards and establishments is also a pivotal piece of the weight loss puzzle. There is still ground with regard to the most appropriate conserved forage, and a shift in responsibilities and mindset when it comes to forage analysis may be required. Ultimately, success may lie in a multidisciplinary team approach to weight recognition and management, and the development of a framework for fostering and maintaining communication across paraprofessionals and owners is an essential first step.

Maximising collaboration for equine health: working with livery yard owners and managers

Livery yard owners and managers are important stakeholders in managing the health and wellbeing of horses within their yards, yet their importance is often overlooked. Finding ways to collaborate positively with local livery yards could help veterinary professionals on many levels, from offering optimised preventative health strategies to the horses within local yards, through to ensuring trust and good professional relationships with managers and their clients.

The Ethics of Horse Riding, Sports, and Leisure

Abstract This article examines whether the use of horses for riding, sports, and leisure purposes is inherently morally objectionable and argues that, whilst riding may be enjoyable for some horses under very specific circumstances, too often animals within this industry are reduced to mere commodities. The current conditions and welfare standards for horses are documented in three settings—riding schools, competition grounds, and livery yards. This article identifies a series of practical interventions which could significantly improve the lives of horses, achievable either through educational or legislative reform, and argues for the necessity of radically re-evaluating our relationships with horses so that our behaviors reflect their intrinsic value.

The role of nutrition and feeding in equine weight management

Increasing awareness of the prevalence of overweight and obese horses has shed light on to the importance of appropriate nutrition and feed management within weight loss programmes. The review presents a basic approach to weight loss programme design and appropriate feeding and shows that while there is sufficient information upon which to base weight loss programmes, the findings of recent research into compliance and communication is likely to improve future success. Further education for livery yards and establishments is also a pivotal piece of the weight loss puzzle. There is still ground with regard to the most appropriate conserved forage, and a shift in responsibilities and mindset when it comes to forage analysis may be required. Ultimately, success may lie in a multidisciplinary team approach to weight recognition and management, and the development of a framework for fostering and maintaining communication across paraprofessionals and owners is an essential first step.

Influence of multiple factors on hematologic reference intervals in horses residing in livery yards in Spain.

The hemogram is a routine analysis for equine veterinary practitioners in the assessment of patient clinical status. Reference intervals (RIs) of hematologic constituents vary according to different horse populations and are often described for a particular breed or horse type. The aims of this study were to determine RIs for hematologic constituents in a mixed-breed horse population residing in livery yards in central Spain and evaluate the associations between estimated RIs and multiple phenotypic and management characteristics. A total of 122 healthy horses from different breeds in central Spain were included in the study. RIs were calculated following the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. Significant associations between red blood cell (RBC) counts, packed cell volumes (PCVs), hemoglobin (HGB) concentrations, white blood cell (WBC) counts, and phenotypic and management features were evaluated using a novel multiple linear regression model analysis. Reference intervals were 5.8-10.0×1012 /L for RBCs, 97-164g/L for HGB, 0.27-0.46L/L for PCVs, 37.1-53.6fL for MCVs, 3.8-10.8×109 /L for WBCs, and 76.1-377.9×109 /L for platelet counts. The season, discipline, and housing when and where the horses were sampled were factors significantly associated with WBC counts and/or red cell values (HGB, RBC, and PCV). Hematologic RIs for these horses were comparable to the RIs of warm-blooded horses and influenced by husbandry. These location-specific RIs should allow veterinary practitioners to make better-informed decisions for their patients residing in livery yards.

Equine Management in UK Livery Yards during the COVID-19 Pandemic-"As Long As the Horses Are Happy, We Can Work Out the Rest Later".

Simple SummaryThe majority of the UK’s leisure horses are kept at livery yards, under the oversight of a livery yard manager or owner. Livery yard managers/owners therefore have a major impact on the potential wellbeing of horses within each yard, but their role has not been previously studied. This study used the COVID-19 pandemic as a lens to view the priorities and decisions of livery yard managers at a time when everything was already subject to change. Yard managers/owners of 24 very diverse yards were interviewed over a period of nine months, repeating interviews quarterly. Discussion forum threads on relevant topics about livery yards during COVID-19 were also collected. These data were analysed using a qualitative approach called Grounded Theory. The results showed that running a yard required a careful balance between conflicting priorities, which made change difficult within each individual yard culture. During the pandemic, maintaining usual horse care routines and standards was prioritised above human health and the business model of the yard, and above horse–human relationships. However, each yard adopted individual approaches to managing human health alongside maintaining equine management. These findings are important for future initiatives which aim to support livery yard management and change.Approximately 60% of the UK’s leisure horses are kept at livery yards under the management and oversight of a livery yard owner or manager (LYO/M), yet their role has received little research attention. This study used the COVID-19 pandemic as a lens through which to view LYO/Ms’ decisions around equine care and management at a time when changes to usual practice were necessary. Qualitative research methods were used. Up to 3 interviews were conducted with 24 different LYO/Ms over nine months (n = 48). Discussion threads from open-access UK discussion fora were also analysed. All data were anonymised and analysed using a Grounded Theory methodology. Prior to the pandemic, equine care and management practices varied greatly across yards, and yard cultures were a product of LYO/Ms’ construction of good equine care, their business model, and the need to balance human and equine contentment. The role of the LYO/M was to maintain an equilibrium between those interlinked factors. During the pandemic, LYO/Ms adopted new measures designed to influence the movement of horse owners and other people on yards to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission. During this time, LYO/Ms reported prioritising equine wellbeing by limiting change to equine routines and management wherever possible. Instead of altering equine management, there was an expectation that the lives of humans would be moulded and re-shaped to fit with the government COVID-19 guidelines. These results highlight the importance of routines, traditions and cultures in each individual yard. Maintaining the standard of care for the horse was prioritised regardless of who provided that care.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Uncovering the Obesogenic Environment Surrounding the UK’s Leisure Horses

ABSTRACT Equine obesity is a major welfare concern in the UK, and the problem is thought to be increasing. Leisure horses are known to be most at risk of obesity, yet despite plenty of conjecture, the reasons for this are unknown. This study, therefore, aimed to establish the social and environmental factors which owners considered might contribute to levels of obesity in leisure horses in order to address the problem. This project used qualitative research methods to bring together data from interviews with 28 horse owners and 19 equine professionals, two focus groups, two years of field notes, and 17 threads from equine discussion fora. The data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. This study determined that the environment around the UK’s leisure horses is “obesogenic”; that is, the environment is structured in numerous ways that make obesity a likely outcome. This is a result of multiple factors related to the changing relationships between humans and their horses in recent decades, which has led to horses being kept for their companionship rather than for their physical abilities as work or competition animals. In addition, commercial environments have been developed to cater for these leisure horses, including livery yards which often have inflexible rules and rich grasses, a heavily moralized feed and equine care industry, and lack of options for “safe” exercise. In these obesogenic environments, horse owners often find it difficult to make changes to their horses’ condition.

Equine metabolic syndrome in UK native ponies and cobs is highly prevalent with modifiable risk factors.

BackgroundThe epidemiology of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is poorly described.ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of EMS in native UK ponies and cobs in England and Wales and identify associated risk factors.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsBreeders registered with UK native pony breed societies and registered riding schools and livery yards within a set radius were invited to participate. All native UK ponies and cobs aged 3‐14 years and not diagnosed or being treated for conditions likely to affect insulin regulation at participating premises were eligible. Animals underwent a clinical examination and an oral glucose test while their owner or keeper completed a questionnaire by face‐to‐face interview. Data were analysed by multilevel uni‐ and multivariable modelling using insulin concentration and EMS diagnosis as outcomes.ResultsA total of 354 animals were examined at 64 properties (19 studs, 19 livery yards, 26 riding schools). The overall prevalence of EMS adjusted for clustering within yard was 23.3% (95%CI 17.9%–29.8%). Risk factors associated with a diagnosis of EMS included age, being female, more sedentary main activity, obesity, and shorter periods on pasture during the summer. Compared to the Welsh section A, the other Welsh, Connemara and cob breeds all had decreased odds of EMS. Clinical manifestations of hoof growth ring and supraorbital fat scores of 3/3 were more frequent in EMS ponies and animals with a history of laminitis within the last 5 years (9.7%) were 14.4 (95% CI 5.9–35.3) times more likely to be positive for EMS than those without.Main limitationsResults may not be transferable to other breeds or age groups.ConclusionsEquine metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in UK native ponies and cobs with modifiable risk factors including obesity and sedentary activities. Modifying risk factors could help reduce the risk of laminitis in susceptible animals.

Optimising the Efficacy of Equine Welfare Communications: Do Equine Stakeholders Differ in Their Information-Seeking Behaviour and Communication Preferences?

Simple SummaryTo ensure that up to date equine welfare advice is communicated as effectively as possible, it is important to understand where equine stakeholders seek information and their preferences for the way that information is communicated. In this study we surveyed horse owners, equine veterinarians, and livery yard owners. We found that although the three groups differed in the information sources they used most frequently, there was a tendency to consult other people rather than organisations, or digital and printed resources. There was a preference for information to be communicated in a neutral or positive way. Horse owners in particular would like practical information on the process of implementing equine welfare improvements included alongside the information. Equine veterinarians are important sources of information for all three stakeholder groups.Information on the management of animals within domestic environments is freely available to animal owners and caregivers either online, or in paper form by request. However, awareness is growing within the animal welfare sector that simply providing written guidelines or educational material is not enough to affect a positive change in owners in relation to animal welfare. In the quest to improve equine welfare, understanding the way that owners and other stakeholders seek information and their communication preferences is key to effective dissemination of up to date equine welfare information and research findings. Three UK equine stakeholder groups—horse owners, livery yard owners, and equine veterinarians—were surveyed online to find out where they sought equine information. Their awareness of equine welfare Codes of Practice, how they respond when they are asked to give advice to horse owners and their communication preferences were included within the survey. All three stakeholder groups tended to seek information from people rather than from organisations, or digital and printed resources. Veterinarians were the most used information source across all three stakeholder groups This highlighted the importance of ensuring that equine veterinarians have access to up to date, evidence-based equine welfare information. While the majority of participants were aware of the equine welfare Code of Practice, fewer had actually read it, this was true particularly amongst horse owners. The primary reasons for this were the features of the Code as well as the issuing organisation. The stakeholders expressed a preference for information to be communicated in a neutral or positive way rather than focusing on negative aspects. Our findings suggest that industry professionals, particularly veterinarians, have an important role to play in knowledge transfer and the dissemination of research findings to horse owners. The efficacy of equine welfare communication could be improved if the information delivery preferences of equine stakeholders are were taken into consideration.

VB_PaeM_MIJ3, a Novel Jumbo Phage Infecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Possesses Unusual Genomic Features.

Phages are the most abundant biological entity on Earth. There are many variants in phage virion sizes, morphology, and genome sizes. Large virion sized phages, with genome sizes greater than 200 kbp have been identified and termed as Jumbo phages. These phages exhibit certain characteristics that have not been reported in phages with smaller genomes. In this work, a jumbo phage named MIJ3 (vB_PaeM_MIJ3) that infects Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was isolated from an equine livery yard in Leicestershire, United Kingdom. The genome and biological characteristics of this phage have been investigated. MIJ3 is a Myovirus with multiple long tail fibers. Assessment of the host range of MIJ3 revealed that it has the ability to infect many clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. Bioinformatics analysis of the phage genome indicated that MIJ3 is closely related to the Pseudomonas phage, PA5oct. MIJ3 possesses several unusual features that are either rarely present in other phages or have not yet been reported. In particular, MIJ3 encodes a FtsH-like protein, and a putative lysidine synthase, TilS. These two proteins have not been reported in phages. MIJ3 also possesses a split DNA polymerase B with a novel intein. Of particular interest, unlike other jumbo phages infecting Pseudomonas spp., MIJ3 lacks the genetic elements required for the formation of the phage nucleus, which was believed to be conserved across jumbo Pseudomonas phages.

A survey of the level of horse owner uptake of evidence-based anthelmintic treatment protocols for equine helminth control in the UK

Interval treatment control programmes used widely in equine helminth control have favoured the development of anthelmintic resistance worldwide. Best practice guidelines have been designed to address resistance and include the requirement for improved pasture hygiene to break helminth transmission cycles, along with anthelmintic application informed by the results of diagnostic tests to reduce selection pressure for resistance. Using an online questionnaire, this study examined uptake of measures recommended in these guidelines by UK horse owners. The survey comprised 58 questions spanning grazing management, anthelmintic use and use of faecal egg count (FEC) testing to inform treatment decisions. Analysis was carried out using a combination of Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. In total, 705 owners responded and, following specific exclusion criteria, the responses of 652 individuals were analysed. The majority of the respondents owned <20 horses on private premises or livery yards in England. The main outputs of the survey were as follows. Overall, 60.9% of respondents used FEC tests to inform the requirement to administer anthelmintics, with macrocyclic lactones the most frequently-used anthelmintics. Of the respondents, 38% obtained advice on anthelmintic choice from their veterinarians; however, many respondents (43.8%) purchased anthelmintics via the internet. Encouragingly, 74.4% of respondents stated that they practiced good pasture hygiene by removing dung from pasture. Generally, there were differences between the responses of participants who based anthelmintic treatments on FEC testing (targeted treatments; TT) and those who practiced calendar-based anthelmintic treatments (interval treatments; IT). Briefly, the “key” findings from the Chi-square analysis included higher levels of satisfaction with the level of knowledge about equine parasites/parasitic diseases and higher levels of concern about anthelmintic resistance from TT-respondents compared to IT-participants. Confusion on the interpretation of quarantine recommendations was identified in this study group and there was poor uptake of testing for anthelmintic effectiveness. Overall, compared to previous reports, this study indicated improved engagement of UK horse owners with some helminth control practices recommended to reduce the spread of anthelmintic resistance. However, a proportion of respondents did not utilise these practices and there were still important gaps in the use of appropriate quarantine and efficacy testing. These identified gaps must be taken into consideration in knowledge dissemination activities in the future.

Equine Calming Products: A Short Survey Into Their Use, Effect, and Knowledge Using a Small Sample of Horse Owners in the North of Scotland, UK

Equine calming products (ECPs) are often used by horse owners to alter or mitigate unwanted or dangerous behaviors in various situations. Little scientific research to date examines horse owners' knowledge surrounding these products. The objective of this pilot survey was to determine horse owners' use and perceptions of ECPs. For convenience, a survey was distributed to riding club members, livery yards, and riding instructors in the North of Scotland, UK, to ascertain the following information; the number of horse owners and caretakers who use an ECP, whether the product was considered to be effective, reasons for use and identification of the effective ingredient. Total response rate was 63% (n = 58); correctly completed questionnaires were received. Of the total respondents, 69% (n = 40) confirmed the use of an ECP and 82% would use them again, and 45% reporting regular use. Over half (59%) thought the calming effect was induced by magnesium, 9% thought the calming effect was induced by herbs, valerian, or tryptophan, and 32% did not know what ingredient had a possible calming effect. Of those using or having used an ECP, 40% felt that there was some positive effect, 30% were unsure as to whether there was any difference or not, 25% felt there was no difference, and 5% felt there was a negative effect on horse's behavior. A variety of reasons were given for using an ECP. The results suggest that horse owners are willing to use ECPs without underpinning knowledge of ingredients or scientific evidence of efficacy.

Second‐year student diary

After a three‐month summer break, during which she gained experience working in a livery yard, a dairy farm and a mixed practice, Rosie Perrett is back at Liverpool vet school and continuing to share her experiences with Vet Record Careers.

An investigation of anthelmintic efficacy against strongyles on equine yards in Scotland

Cyathostomins comprise 50 helminth species, considered the most problematic equine endoparasites. Three classes of anthelmintic are currently licensed for their control, namely the benzimidazoles (fenbendazole), tetrahydropyrimidines (pyrantel) and macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin and moxidectin). Anthelmintic resistance in cyathostomins is common. With no new classes expected in the near future, it is essential to determine the efficacy of the available anthelmintics to inform future control programmes. To determine the efficacy of all 3 anthelmintic classes against strongyles in equids on livery yards in east and central Scotland. Anthelmintic efficacy testing using the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). FECRTs were performed on equids with initial strongyle faecal egg counts (FECs) of ≥50 eggs per gram. Efficacy was determined by comparing pretreatment (Day 0) and 14 days post treatment (Day 14) FECs. The following chemicals were tested: fenbendazole, pyrantel, ivermectin and moxidectin. Group arithmetic mean FECR of >90% for fenbendazole and pyrantel, and >95% for ivermectin and moxidectin, represented efficacy, whereas lower mean FECR indicated potential resistance. A total of 447 FECRTs were performed on 15 yards, as follows (the numbers in parentheses represent the number of yards each anthelmintic was tested on): 55 equids (7 yards) fenbendazole, 111 (8 yards) pyrantel, 163 (13 yards) ivermectin and 118 (10 yards) moxidectin. Fenbendazole resistance was documented on all yards (range of mean FECR, 15.8-83.4%), whereas pyrantel (90.4-99.6%), ivermectin (99.5-100%) and moxidectin (99.4-100%) treatment had acceptable efficacy. Reduced efficacy of fenbendazole was widespread, whereas >90% efficacy was found after pyrantel, and >95% efficacy after ivermectin and moxidectin. Overall, efficacies were higher than reported previously in Europe and the USA, potentially reflecting differences in management and anthelmintic use on the yards surveyed. The use of fenbendazole for strongyle control in Scotland should be questioned. Targeted use of pyrantel should be encouraged to reduce reliance on macrocyclic lactones. Further work to correlate management practices with the presence of anthelmintic resistance is warranted.

An online survey of horse-owners in Great Britain

BackgroundContingency planning for potential equine infectious disease outbreaks relies on accurate information on horse location and movements to estimate the risk of dissemination of disease(s). An online questionnaire was used to obtain unique information linking owner and horse location to characteristics of horse movements within and outwith Great Britain (GB).ResultsThis online survey yielded a strong response, providing more than four times the target number of respondents (1000 target respondents) living in all parts of GB. Key demographic findings of this study indicated that horses which were kept on livery yards and riding schools were likely to be found in urban environments, some distance away from the owner’s home and vaccinated against influenza and herpes virus. Survey respondents were likely to travel greater than 10 miles to attend activities such as eventing or endurance but were also likely to travel and return home within a single day (58.6%, 2063/3522). This may affect the geographical extent and speed of disease spread, if large numbers of people from disparate parts of the country are attending the same event and the disease agent is highly infectious or virulent. The greatest risk for disease introduction and spread may be represented by a small proportion of people who import or travel internationally with their horses. These respondents were likely to have foreign horse passports, which were not necessarily recorded in the National Equine Database (NED), making the location of these horses untraceable.ConclusionsThese results illustrate the difficulties which exist with national GB horse traceability despite the existence of the NED and the horse passport system. This study also demonstrates that an online approach could be adopted to obtain important demographic data on GB horse owners on a more routine and frequent basis to inform decisions or policy pertaining to equine disease control. This represents a reasonable alternative to collection of GB horse location and movement data given that the NED no longer exists and there is no immediate plan to replace it.

Equine anthelmintics: survey of the patterns of use, beliefs and attitudes among horse owners in the UK

An online survey was conducted to establish horse owners' beliefs, attitudes and practices relating to the use of anthelmintic drugs. Out of a total of 574 respondents, 89 per cent...

Dynamic respiratory endoscopy without treadmill in 68 performance Standardbred, Thoroughbred and saddle horses under natural training conditions

High speed treadmill endoscopy provides a true assessment and diagnosis of the dynamic obstructions of the upper equine respiratory tract (DO-URT). However, treadmills do not always allow reproduction of the exact conditions of dynamic collapse of the URT. The availability of on-board endoscopes, which could be used without a treadmill, would make exercising endoscopy readily available to more equine practices. To develop and validate an innovative endoscope which could be used for the examination of the URT at exercise in ridden and harnessed sport horses performing in natural conditions. Authors worked closely with engineers of a company manufacturing veterinary endoscopes. Over a 2-year period several prototypes were tested on more than 20 cooperative horses performing either in trot, gallop, jumping or endurance. The final Dynamic Respiratory Scope (DRS) allows real-time visualisation of the URT and video recordings for post test reviewing and archiving. The DRS was then tested in 2 equine livery yards. Performance horses presented for investigation of abnormal respiratory noises at exercise and/or poor performance were subjected to exercising endoscopy. Endoscopic images of the URT were recorded and video recordings of the URT were reviewed post test. A total of 68 horses were examined: 39 harnessed Standardbred and 29 mounted horses (16 Thoroughbred and 13 saddle horses). Of these, 44 were diagnosed with a URT abnormality. Good quality videos were obtained even at maximum speed in all cases. The innovative insertion tube provided very stable images compared to those obtained with flexible video endoscopes on treadmills. This study validates the safety and the reliability of the DRS for imaging the equine URT during natural exercising conditions. Most common causes of DO-URT can be diagnosed easily during any type of performance without a treadmill and the DRS offers a great potential for further URT clinical research.

Comparative methods of preventing stereotypic behaviour in horses

Over fifteen per cent of domesticated horses exhibit a form of stereotypic behaviour (Luescher, McKeown and Halip, 1991). These behaviours can represent or develop into health and welfare disequilibrium and crib–biting and weaving are two of the most commonly performed behaviours of this type. As these behaviours have been described as having no obvious function (Mason, 1991), procedures concerned with their ultimate prevention have been promoted within the equine industry. The aim of this study was to review the success of the physical, pharmacological, dietary, environmental and surgical methods available to horse owners for the prevention of equine stereotypies.A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed between riding schools, trekking centres and livery yards throughout the Northern counties of England along with horse owning BSc Equine students at Myerscough College, Lancashire. Of the total, 200 were distributed by post and the remainder researcher administered.