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Equine Welfare Assessment Skills Certification Course

Extension Education

Robyn Stewart
County Extension Coordinator
University of Georgia
Lincolnton

Abstract

Livestock contribute $1.59 billion in economic impact to the state of Georgia, with 12.1% or $192 million attributed to the equine industry. Animal welfare and neglect continues to remain a concern of the general public, but individuals responding to these concerns may lack agricultural background or education on acceptable equine welfare and management practices. A 3-day course targeting law enforcement, state agencies, animal control, equine rescues, and veterinarians was piloted in 2024. The objective of the program was to increase participant knowledge of equine best management practices and improve participants’ ability to make informed decisions regarding animal welfare. The program had 35 participants from 7 states, representing veterinarians, 501c3 equine rescues, and state agencies. Teaching methods included a combination of lectures on social license to operate, best practices for non-profits, defining welfare, behavior and handling, trailer safety and transportation, body condition scoring, herd health management, and nutrition, hands-on activities, and a 501c3 rescue tour. The participants had a positive experience with the program (96%) and excellent satisfaction with presenters (70%) and take-home materials (71%). Participants reported an increase in knowledge, with 85.6% reporting being very or extremely knowledgeable after the course compared to 53.5% prior to it. In addition, 98% of participants agreed that attending the program would improve their ability to make informed decisions regarding equine welfare, 78% felt attending the program increased their understanding of equine welfare and 78% improved their confidence in making equine management decisions. A certificate of completion was provided upon completing the course and scoring 60% or better on a final competency exam, and all participants (100%) received certificates. Participants gave open-ended feedback such as “this was an innovative idea and well done for a first event.” Future plans include hosting this course again in the future and expanding the use of this curriculum to meet this need in other states.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Robyn Stewart, Brooklyne Wassel, Ashley Best, Lucy Ray, Brandi McGonagill, Brenda Jackson, Pam Sapp, Kylee Duberstein
  1. Stewart, R. County Extension Coordinator, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30817
  2. Wassel, B. County Extension Coordinator, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30256
  3. Best, A. County Extension Coordinator, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30014
  4. Ray, L. County Extension Coordinator, University of Georgiaa, Georgia, 30650
  5. McGonagill, B. Area Livestock Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 31069
  6. Jackson, B. County Extension Coordinator, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30705
  7. Sapp, P. County Extension Coordinator, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30434
  8. Duberstein, K. Associate Professor and Equine Specialist, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30602