Equine welfare assessment : assessing equine welfare using positive parameters

Abstract: This thesis examines positive parameters for assessing horse welfare. The purpose of the study was to examine what positive welfare parameters there are, and if they are valid or not. Data has been collected through a literature review. Findings suggest that behavioural indicators like yawning, vacuum chewing and play are not valid. In addition, physiological parameters also lack validation. The thesis also examined valid positive welfare parameters. Horses living under natural conditions display behaviour related to good welfare. Relationships are also important, i.e. the social bonds with conspecifics but also the human-animal bond. Further, cognition and learning are closely related to emotions. Time budget studies and social bond analyses are suitable methods for assessing horse welfare with positive parameters.