Kunskap om stereotypier och inlärd hjälplöshet hos hästar bland personal inom hästunderstödda insatser : en enkätstudie

Sammanfattning

The aim of this BSc thesis was to investigate the level of knowledge regarding stereotypes and learned helplessness among horse-responsible staff within organizations that conduct Equine Assisted Interventions (EAI). Learned helplessness is a psychological condition resulting from the individual’s lack of control over unpleasant or harmful states, where their actions are perceived as pointless. Stereotypes are defined as repetitive and unchanging movements without purpose or goal. The definition of a calm horse is that it has a slightly lowered neck combined with a relaxed mouth and nose, ears turned outward, relaxed muscles around the eyes, a normal pulse and breathing, and that it can rest on one hind leg with a lowered hip. A survey was created using Google Forms, which was distributed to members of EAI. The survey was privately sent out by the organization to its members. Before finalizing this survey, a pilot survey was developed to determine whether the questions needed to be modified before the actual distribution. The pilot survey was also created with Google Forms and shared in a private Teams channel with people connected to Wången AB. The final survey consisted of 13 questions. The response rate was higher than expected, with 22 respondents (n=22). Questions were asked about how these behaviors manifest and the underlying causes of these unnatural behaviors. The study also examines whether these individuals understand the difference between these two concepts and how to distinguish a calm horse from a horse that is learned helpless. Scientific literature has been used to support the description of the horse’s natural behavior and behavioral needs, the underlying causes of unnatural behaviors, and how to prevent stereotypes and learned helplessness. Respondents demonstrated good knowledge of the causes behind both learned helplessness and stereotypes. The study indicates that overall knowledge of stereotypes is higher than knowledge of learned helplessness. The way respondents described what characterizes a calm horse varied. The most common words and phrases were relaxed, seeking contact, standing still, and that the horse is confident in itself and in its surroundings. The responses primarily consisted of correct or partially correct descriptions. However, it appears that in some answers, there was no clear distinction in the meaning of the concepts or the causes that lead to abnormal behaviors. Therefore, my study suggests that the subjects have knowledge gaps within the subject, but also a solid foundation of understanding. Further research with a specific focus on causes is needed to understand the root of the knowledge deficit and which educational measures would be most effective. By increasing knowledge among those who work practically with horses, the occurrence of unnatural behaviors in horses can be prevented, which in turn promotes better horse welfare.