THE IMPACT OF EQUINE WELFARE ON THE PILLARS OF SUSTAINABILITY: INSIGHTS FROM EQUESTRIAN SPORT
| DOWNLOAD | DOI: 10.62897/COS2025.3-1.182 |
Erzsébet Hegyi*, Prof. Dr. Anita Boros, Prof. Dr. Gábor Géczi
*Hungarian University of Sports Science, Alkotás u. 42-48. Budapest 1123 Hungary
hegyilizi@gmail.com
Abstract: The welfare of sport horses is increasingly recognised as a critical factor in the sustainability of equestrian sports. This study explores how key dimensions of equine welfare – nutrition, housing, health management, mental well-being, and social interactions – affect the environmental, economic, and social pillars of sustainability. A qualitative pilot study was conducted in Hungary using semi-structured interviews with three stable managers operating in competitive and educational equestrian contexts. The results indicate that while physical welfare needs are generally met, practices such as systematic mental health monitoring and comprehensive record-keeping are often inconsistent. These gaps pose risks not only to animal welfare but also to long-term environmental efficiency, operational costs, and public acceptance of equestrian activities. The study highlights the importance of integrating structured welfare protocols into daily management practices. It concludes that equine welfare should be treated not only as an ethical imperative but also as a strategic tool for sustainable sport development.
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