Exploring the relationship between horse-owner attributes and their approach to horse training

The way horses are trained has implications for equine welfare and training success, yet little is known about the factors that influence horse-owners’ choice of training approach (TA). Limited understanding in this area will hinder the development and dissemination of evidence-based training advice to owners. Consequently, this study aims to identify demographic and attitudinal factors that influence horse-owner TA selection. A 22-question online survey collected information from 1,593 horse-owners about their demographics, equestrian activities, goals and beliefs. Participants rated how likely they were to use six different horse TAs on a five-point scale. Multinomial regression analysis and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were used to identify factors associated with their likelihood of using each TA. Several factors were associated with reported TA use, including age, gender identity, goals, activities, industry role and whether they had training in animal behavior. Beliefs about equine sentience, cognitive ability and whether science should inform horse training correlated with likelihood of applying aversives. This study provides insight for further research and development of educational strategies to reduce the use of training approaches that may compromise equine welfare.

马匹训练方式对马匹福利与训练成效均具有重要意义，然而目前学界对影响马主选择训练方法（Training Approach，TA）的相关因素仍知之甚少。对该领域认知的不足，将阻碍面向马主的循证训练指导方案的开发与推广。因此，本研究旨在明确影响马主选择训练方法（TA）的人口统计学与态度层面相关因素。本研究通过一份包含22个问题的线上问卷，向1593名马主收集了其人口统计学信息、马术活动情况、训练目标与相关理念等数据。参与者需通过5级李克特量表，对自身使用6种不同马匹训练方法（TA）的可能性进行评分。本研究采用多项回归分析与斯皮尔曼相关系数，来识别与参与者使用各训练方法（TA）可能性相关的影响因素。多项因素与马主报告的训练方法（TA）使用情况相关，包括年龄、性别认同、训练目标、参与的马术活动、行业角色，以及是否接受过动物行为学相关培训。关于马的感知能力、认知水平，以及是否应依托科学开展马匹训练的相关理念，与使用厌恶性训练手段的可能性呈显著相关。本研究可为后续相关研究提供参考，并助力开发教育策略，以减少可能损害马匹福利的训练方法（TA）的使用。