As horses endure injuries or medical treatments, traditionally, veterinary focus tends to be on physical symptoms such as pain or lameness. However, researchers are investigating the often-overlooked aspect of a horse’s mental state during these times.

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Alessia Masini, a Master's candidate at the Ontario Veterinary College, is conducting a study under the guidance of Dr. Christopher Riley to explore how equine veterinarians perceive illness and injury's effects on a horse's mental health. This research includes an international survey launched in August 2026, aimed at gathering insights from equine veterinary professionals.

The anonymous online survey asks veterinarians to apply behavioral descriptors to various clinical situations, aiming to spark a deeper discussion about horses' mental welfare. Dr. Riley notes that while veterinarians can identify signs of depression or pain, this survey encourages them to consider a broader range of terms frequently referenced in animal welfare research.

Discussions surrounding horse welfare often refer to the Three F's—Friends, Forage, and Freedom—or the Five Freedoms, emphasizing the protection of animals from discomfort, pain, and fear. Developed over two decades ago, the Five Domains Model expands on these concepts, asserting that an animal's welfare is fundamentally linked to its mental state, which is influenced by physical and environmental factors.

Despite the model's acceptance, effectively integrating it into equine clinical practices poses challenges, as most welfare assessments still prioritize physical health. Dr. Riley, who chairs Clinical Studies at Ontario Veterinary College, comments on the need for a structured approach to assessing horse welfare that extends beyond just physical evaluations.

Masini highlights the necessity of connecting mental and physical states, and she seeks input from veterinarians regarding how they perceive the impacts of illness or injury on equine mental health. The survey will also assess veterinarians' familiarity with the Five Domains Model, which may vary based on their experience and geography, with expectations of higher awareness in regions like New Zealand, Australia, and the U.K.

Understanding veterinarians' approaches to evaluating horses’ mental states is increasingly vital, especially as the Five Domains Model gains traction in animal welfare legislation globally. Masini articulates the need for practical, scientifically validated assessment tools applicable in clinical settings.

Dr. Riley cites the Equine Facial Grimace Scale as a current example of a practical welfare assessment tool, assisting veterinarians in identifying signs of anxiety and pain through easily understood facial expressions. He emphasizes that brief interventions can significantly alleviate anxiety in stressful situations for horses, such as during hospital stays.

The survey's findings may establish common behavioral descriptors linked to various health conditions and stress levels, laying groundwork for enhanced welfare assessment tools. Additionally, the research may aid horse owners in recognizing behavioral changes indicative of underlying issues.

Masini encourages owners to monitor their horses closely for behavioral shifts, which could signal discomfort or pain, and to seek timely interventions. Should consistent patterns emerge from the survey results, the researchers may explore further studies, leading to standardized behavioral assessments for hospitalized horses.

Dr. Riley concludes that raising awareness about the Five Domains Model is a key objective of this initiative. The survey is disseminated through organizations such as the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, and British Equine Veterinary Association, remaining open until December 2026.

Horse owners can support this study by encouraging their veterinarians to participate in the anonymous 10-15 minute survey on how illness and injury may affect horses' mental states.