Perceptions of Equitation Science revealed in an online forum: Improving equine health and welfare by communicating science  to equestrians and equestrian 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 analyzed the everyday talk of equestrians participating in an online forum thread debating ES. Using qualitative data analysis techniques, we inferred 4 beliefs about science that prevented the uptake of ES (science discounts feel, science is over-rated, science is a gimmick, and science is reductionist) and one that supported its aims (science is useful and progressive).
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: Equine Research Source Type: research