Welcome to the EWA Perceptions of Equine Welfare Survey
Thank you for taking the time to participate in this important survey. As a valued member of Equestrian WA your insights are crucial in helping us understand current perceptions of equine welfare in the EWA community. The purpose of this survey is to gather your views on equine welfare in our sport and to identify potential areas for improvement. With growing public interest in equine welfare, it is essential that we continually strive to enhance the care and treatment of our equines, ensuring that we maintain the trust and respect of our broader community—what is often referred to as our "social licence to operate." Your responses will help guide and inform future initiatives aimed at promoting the highest standards of welfare in EWA competitions. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete, and your feedback will remain completely confidential. Thank you again for your contribution to this vital effort. Together, we can ensure that equine welfare remains a top priority in our community.
About you
This information is confidential and will only be used to identify any demographic trends collected in the data from this survey.
EWA Membership No.
*
EWA Membership Type (Select all that apply)
*
EWA Competitor
EWA Participant
EWA Adult Rider
EWA Supporter
EWA Recreational
Age Category
Please Select
18 - 34
34 - 50
51 - 69
70+
Prefer not to disclose
Gender
Please Select
Male
Female
Prefer not to disclose
In which EWA discipline do you MOST frequently participate? (please choose a maximum of 2)
*
Eventing.
Showjumping.
Dressage.
Show Horse.
Vaulting.
Driving.
Pleasure/Adult Riders.
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Views on Equine Welfare
Which of the following BEST describes what horses mean to you? (Choose a maximum of 2)
*
Partner/Team Mate.
Family member.
Companion animal/pet.
Livestock animal.
Leisure pursuit/hobby.
Sport & Competition.
Work & Income.
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Views on Equine Welfare
How well do you think the following indicate of the standard of welfare for a horse?
Performance (How well the horse is able to perform in their chosen discipline)
*
Weak Indicator of Welfare
1
2
3
4
Strong Indicator of Welfare
5
1 is Weak Indicator of Welfare, 5 is Strong Indicator of Welfare
Health Indicators (Heart rate, respiratory rate, physical movement)
*
Weak Indicator of Welfare
1
2
3
4
Strong Indicator of Welfare
5
1 is Weak Indicator of Welfare, 5 is Strong Indicator of Welfare
Physical Condition (Body condition score, coat quality)
*
Weak Indicator of Welfare
1
2
3
4
Strong Indicator of Welfare
5
1 is Weak Indicator of Welfare, 5 is Strong Indicator of Welfare
Mental/Psychological Health (performance of normal and/or abnormal behaviours)
*
Weak Indicator of Welfare
1
2
3
4
Strong Indicator of Welfare
5
1 is Weak Indicator of Welfare, 5 is Strong Indicator of Welfare
Which of the following do you think are the best indicators of the standard of welfare for a horse?
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither agree/disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Performance (how well the horse can perform in the chosen discipline)
Health Indicators (Heart rate, respiratory rate, movement etc.)
Physical Condition (Body condition score)
Mental/Psychological Health (normal/abnormal behaviours)
With regards to your experiences the standard of welfare in EWA Competitions and Events, which statement do you most agree with?
*
I believe current welfare standard are high
I believe current welfare standards need improving
I believe it is impossible to to provide adequate welfare standards at competitions and events
Please provide any additional information for your above answer if you wish
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Welfare Concerns in Equestrian Sport
There are a variety of welfare concerns in the current landscape of EWA equestrian sport. Rank the following welfare concerns by order of importance to you personally. (Top concern is most important - bottom concern is least)
*
If you have any other welfare concerns applicable to EWA competitions that have not been captured above, please outline them here.
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Social Licence to Operate (SLO)
In basic terms “social license to operate” is the public's perception of an industry or activity and represents the level of “social” acceptance, granting unwritten permission (i.e., a “license”). Legitimacy of an industry, consent from stakeholders, and trust/transparency between community players, are all essential to have and maintain SLO.
How important do you think maintaining social licence is for the future of EWA equine sports?
*
Not important
1
2
3
4
Highly important
5
1 is Not important, 5 is Highly important
What (if anything) do you think needs to be done to protect and improve social licence to operate in EWA equine sports?
*
Improvement of existing rules with a greater focus on equine welfare.
Increased communication about horse welfare.
New welfare rules informed by the latest science/published research.
Accessible science-backed education to improve knowledge about equine welfare in the EWA community.
Other.
If you chose other, please elaborate here
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The Future of Equestrian Welfare in Sport
What initiatives from EWA would you like to see in the future to help protect and improve equine welfare and social licence to operate?
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