Improving Equine Welfare through Human Habit Formation.

Area of Science:

• Animal Welfare Science
• Human Behavioural Science
• Equine Studies

Background:

• Human behavioural research supports habit formation for lasting change.
• Equine care practices offer opportunities for habit development.
• Limited research exists on applying habit theory to equine welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a theory-based intervention for developing and maintaining pro-animal welfare habitual behaviours (PAWHBs) in equine caregivers.
• To explore the application of habit theory principles in equine welfare.
• To assess the impact of a PAWHB intervention on human behaviour and habit formation.

Main Methods:

• A 30-day pro-animal welfare habitual behaviour intervention (PAWHBInt) was implemented.
• Intervention involved providing equine enrichment (scratching) linked to an existing routine.
• Qualitative methods included semi-structured interviews with participants (n=9) analyzed via thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• The PAWHBInt positively impacted human behaviour and habit formation.
• Participants self-reported observed outcomes during the intervention.
• Linking new behaviours to existing routines was emphasized for PAWHB development.

Conclusions:

• The study provides proof-of-concept for habit-based interventions in equine welfare.
• Mutual benefit and emotion play a role in habit formation, aligning with cue-routine-reward principles.
• Further research is needed on habit theory applications for animal welfare.