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The research-and-practice work, based on a comparative-analytical approach and the synthesis of zootechnical and veterinary data, resulted in the development of the “Standards of Welfare for Therapeutic Horses” – the first national draft document regulating ethical, zootechnical, and veterinary practice in the field of hippotherapy, hipoinvention (equine intervention), and adaptive equestrian sports in Ukraine. The study was conducted by the working group of the Non-Governmental Union “Ukrainian Equine-Assisted Therapy and Adaptive Riding Association (UEAT-ARA)” using the internationally recognized Five Domains Model by David Mellor, which provides a comprehensive assessment of animal welfare at the level of physical and psycho-emotional indicators. International protocols from the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI), the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and other organizations were adapted to national conditions, taking into account the climatic, economic, and breed characteristics of Ukrainian horse breeding.

The main achievements of the work include the introduction of clear quantitative indicators: a minimum stall size of 3.65 x 3.65 m to ensure freedom of movement (which exceeds typical norms for sport horses); limitation of the maximum concentrate portion to 2 kg per feeding and prohibition of using cattle feed as a means of preventing obesity, acidosis, and laminitis; a daily water intake norm of 25-50 L and a pasture area of 0.5-1.0 ha per horse. The Standards focus special attention on psycho-emotional welfare – they introduce a requirement for daily social interaction and define signs of behavioral burnout, upon which work must be immediately stopped. For the first time in Ukraine, the Standards establish provisions for the Responsibility for the Horse’s Life Cycle after retirement and the mandatory nature of an annual dental examination.

The proposed Standards form a scientifically sound regulatory basis for assessing and controlling the welfare of horses in therapeutic programs, contributing to enhancing the ethical status of equestrian centers, extending the effective working period of animals, and ensuring the safety and quality of rehabilitation services in Ukraine.

References

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