Perceptions of Equitation Science revealed in an online forum: Improving equine health and welfare by communicating science to equestrians and equestrians to scientists

One of the aims of equitation science (ES) is to improve horse welfare through a scientific approach. However, little is known about how equestrians perceive ES. To determine what equestrians think about ES, we analysed the ‘everyday talk’ of equestrians participating in an online forum thread debating ES. Using qualitative data analysis techniques, we inferred four beliefs about science that prevented the uptake of ES (science discounts ‘feel’, science is over-rated, science is a gimmick, science is reductioni st), and one that supported its aims (science is useful and progressive).
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research