EQUIPAD SCIENCE & RESEARCH
- Home
- SCIENCE & RESEARCH
SCIENCE & RESEARCH
Investigating Equine Behaviour: Hartpury College Pilot Study
4Equine™ partnered with Hartpury College to evaluate how horses interact with the EquiPad™ and to better understand the role of sensory enrichment in equine welfare.
Key Findings
Key Findings
Tactile Interaction Was the Most Dominant Behaviour
Horses showed a strong preference for using touch when exploring the EquiPad™, confirming that tactile enrichment is central to meaningful engagement.
Individual Differences Matter
Engagement varied between horses, demonstrating that temperament, experience, and environment all influence how horses respond to enrichment tools.
Some Horses Benefited More Than Others
While all horses interacted with the board, some displayed significantly higher levels of engagement—highlighting the value of personalised enrichment strategies.
Routes to Further Enhancement
The study indicated that certain horses might benefit from additional sensory or reward-based elements, guiding future product refinement.
Hartpury College Study
Study Conclusion
The pilot study supports the use of tactile sensory boards like the EquiPad™ to stimulate natural behaviours and enhance welfare in stabled horses.
It also reinforces that sensory enrichment has the potential to significantly improve equine emotional well-being when tailored to individual needs.
4Equine™ is committed to ongoing research, development, and welfare-driven innovation.
