Horse owners are being invited to take part in a new research study exploring how accurately we assess our horses’ body condition.
The Horse Body Condition Score Survey is being conducted by Amber Landman, a Master of Philosophy student at Anglia Ruskin University, within the Writtle School of Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Science.
Understanding owner perception
The aim of the study is to assess owner perception of equine body condition score, a key tool used to evaluate fat cover and overall condition in horses and ponies. Body condition scoring plays an important role in managing equine health, particularly in relation to obesity, laminitis risk, performance and general welfare.
By gathering responses from horse owners and carers, the research hopes to build a clearer picture of how body condition is interpreted in real-world settings.
What’s involved?
The survey takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and respondents may withdraw at any point before submitting their answers.
Ethical approval for the study has been granted by the Anglia Ruskin University Ethics Committee. All data will be processed within the UK in accordance with the GDPR Data Protection Act 2018. Any personal information collected will be anonymised, and data will be shared only with the project supervisors, Professor Roberta Blake and Mrs Briony Witherow.
Once submitted, responses cannot be withdrawn, as all data is anonymised.
Data protection and transparency
Data supporting Anglia Ruskin University’s postgraduate and staff research will be held confidentially for as long as necessary to meet public interest, legal and reporting requirements. Further details on privacy and data use are available via the university’s published privacy policies.
For further information about the study, horse owners can contact the researcher directly at AL1166@aru.ac.uk
