Scientific investigations

To assist us in our primary aim of helping horses, we sponsor a small number of investigations directly related to our core activities. These investigations are varied but all have a strong focus on horse welfare. Most are undertaken in collaboration with veterinary schools and institutes.

 

We support a wide range of research including:

 

• A project to look at the the prevalence of helminth infection in working equids

 

• A programme looking at the transmission of disease at equinestrian events

 

• A study in Soweto to assess the impact of inadequate horse husbandry, with a focus on the prevalence of preventable musculoskeletal disorders as a consequence of over work, limited farriery and ill fitting harness

 

• An investigation into the bond between handlers and their working horses

 

 

For many years we sponsored horse carers working with chronic cases of grass sickness, a potentially deadly disease. The cause is still unclear but some horses survive, usually only with intensive nursing. Thanks to the dedicated team at the University of Edinburgh and with World Horse Welfare’s support, a Guide on the management of horses with chronic grass sickness is now available online.

 

 

The World Horse Welfare Undergraduate Bursary Scheme is available to veterinary students in their later years undertaking a degree course at a veterinary school in UK or Ireland. The bursaries are competitive and students must demonstrate their special interest in horse welfare. The bursary may be taken at home or abroad. In 2008, study periods were taken with working equines in Mexico and South Africa as well as at our own centres in UK.

 

 

Veterinary scientists and students wishing to know more about World Horse Welfare grants and bursaries should contact email investigations@worldhorsewelfare.org