Caring for the Older Horse: A Conceptual Model of Owner Decision Making

Animals

Rebecca Smith¹  Gina Pinchbeck¹  Joanne Ireland¹  Catherine McGowan¹  Elizabeth Perkins² 

[1] Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire CH64 7TE, UK;Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Waterhouse Building, Block B, Brownlow Street, Liverpool L69 3GL, UK;

关键词: human–horse relationship;    companion animal welfare;    qualitative research;    online forum;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ani11051309

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The number of aged horses in the UK has been growing over recent years, with many horses remaining active and being cared for into old age. However, increasing age is paralleled with a heightened risk of morbidity and mortality; therefore, owners of older horses must manage changes in their horse, making decisions about management and health care provision. In this paper, we discuss data collected from an open-access online discussion forum, where forum users sought advice arising from concerns about their older horse. Qualitative data analysis was performed using grounded theory methods. A conceptual model was developed to demonstrate the multifaceted ways in which ageing affects the human–horse relationship and impacts upon outcomes for the horse. The model reflects the dynamic nature of caring for an older horse to accommodate change over time—outcomes for the horse shift as the context of day-to-day life changes. The model provides novel insight into how decisions around older horse care are made.

【 授权许可】

Unknown