‘Responsibility Grief’ Weighs Heavily On Horse Owners
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Researchers at the University of Nottingham have completed a study on how the horse-human relationship affects decision making around key events in a horse's life, including euthanasia. The team found that many owners have enjoyed their horses for multiple years and consider horses part of their family, which makes end-of-life decisions particularly difficult.
Drs. Harriet Clough, Mandy Roshier, Gary England, John Burford and Sarah Freeman found that feelings of guilt and the burden of responsibility can take an “extraordinary” toll on horse owners. The research team created an online survey that targeted horse owners who had experience with both purchasing and euthanizing horses. It delved into their experiences and relationships with their horses.