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Horse Welfare 12: A Human Behavior Change Framework for Improving Horse Welfare
Karen L Luke1, Jo Hockenhull2, Tamzin Furtado3
1Independent Researcher, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science : JAAWS
|May 21, 2026
Summary
Improving horse welfare requires a new scientific approach. This study introduces the Horse Welfare 12 (HW12), a systems thinking tool to guide behavior change research and accelerate science into practice for better animal welfare outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Animal Welfare Science
- Systems Thinking
- Behavior Change Research
Background:
- Decades of research have increased understanding of horse needs but translation to practice remains slow.
- There is a lack of industry-specific research to guide practical improvements in horse welfare.
- Existing scientific approaches may not be effectively bridging the gap between research findings and real-world application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel scientific framework for improving horse welfare.
- To adapt a recognized systems thinking model for the equine industry.
- To provide a practical tool for behavior change research in animal welfare.
Main Methods:
- Recasting the Meadows 12 systems thinking framework into the Horse Welfare 12 (HW12).
- Identifying 12 intervention points within the horse industry system.
- Ranking intervention points by effectiveness, from least to most impactful.
- Basing the framework on extensive lived experience and research in horse welfare and systems thinking.
Main Results:
- The Horse Welfare 12 (HW12) framework is presented as a practical tool for researchers.
- The HW12 identifies specific, ranked points for intervention within the horse industry.
- The tool is adaptable for use across different species and animal use industries.
Conclusions:
- The HW12 offers a roadmap to accelerate the translation of scientific knowledge into practice.
- This framework addresses a critical gap in welfare science, facilitating meaningful improvements in horse welfare.
- The HW12 provides an accessible and adaptable approach for enhancing animal welfare through targeted interventions.
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