Evaluation of Changes in Equine Care and Limb-Related Abnormalities in Working Horses in Jaipur,India, as Part of a Two Year Participatory Intervention Study |
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| Authors: | Helen R Whay Amit K Dikshit Jo Hockenhull Richard M A Parker Anindo Banerjee Sue I Hughes Joy C Pritchard Christine E Reix |
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| Institution: | 1School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, North Somerset, United Kingdom;2Help in Suffering, Maharani Farm, Durgapura, Jaipur, India;3Praxis Institute for Participatory Practices, C-75, South Extension, Part II, New Delhi, India;4Animals in International Development, Banwell, North Somerset, United Kingdom;5The Brooke, Friars Bridge Court, London, United Kingdom;The University of Melbourne, AUSTRALIA |
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| Abstract: | BackgroundPrevious studies have found the prevalence of lameness in working horses to be 90–100%. Risk factors for lameness in this important equine population, together with risk-reduction strategies adopted by their owners, are poorly understood. The objective was to uncover risk factors for lameness and limb abnormalities in working horses, by associating clinical lameness examination findings on three occasions over two years with owner reported changes in equine management and work practices over this period.Conclusions/SignificanceThis study illustrates the complexity and interacting nature of risk factors for lameness in working horses, and highlights the importance of longitudinal investigations that recognise and address this. PI group owners found the project useful and requested similar inputs in future. Our findings demonstrate the value of exploratory and participatory research methodology in the field of working horse welfare. |
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