It's all about the horse. Or is it?: Exploring the human side of equine veterinary practice

Abstract

This thesis explores the human side of equine veterinary practice in a sector undergoing significant change. As societal views on animal welfare and ethics evolve, so do expectations surrounding human–horse relationships. This shift directly impacts equine veterinarians, who must meet the needs of horse owners while safeguarding both equine welfare and their own wellbeing. Therefore the main question of this thesis is: how can equine veterinarians effectively respond to the expectations and needs of horse owners while also safeguarding the welfare of the horse (and themselves)? Chapter 1 outlines the changing context of equine veterinary care. Horses, once working animals, are now primarily used for sport, leisure, and therapy. Their emotional and financial value to owners has grown, and so has public scrutiny. The concept of a "social license to operate" (SLO) is increasingly relevant, requiring transparency and ethical care. Consequently, veterinarians are expected to provide clinical expertise but also strong communication, ethical awareness, and consideration of diverse stakeholder interests. Chapter 2 examines client satisfaction, identifying seven key factors: quality of care, quality of service, horsemanship, financial aspects, interpersonal skills, professional aspects, and knowledge transfer. These span technical, communicative, and relational skills. Owners want to be taken seriously, included in decision-making, and clearly informed. The way care is delivered often matters more than the objective outcome of treatment. Chapter 3 investigates owner expectations across four scenarios—vaccination, colic, lameness, and pre-purchase exams. In emergencies like colic, owners usually contact their vet first. For less urgent issues, clients may consult trainers or online sources, or act independently. Preferences vary depending on owner type: across all groups, perceived quality of care was seen as most important, however competitive owners value professionalism and financial transparency more, while recreational owners prioritize interpersonal aspects. A “one-size-fits-all” approach is therefore inadequate. Chapter 4 explores veterinarians’ perspectives, using the same scenarios. Like owners, equine veterinarians prioritized quality of care, especially in emergency or complex cases. For pre-purchase exams, professionalism took precedence. Veterinarians consistently ranked financial aspects lower than clients did, revealing a potential disconnect. Perception gaps may cause tension or reduced compliance and underscore the need for improved communication and mutual understanding. Chapter 5 addresses job satisfaction, identifying four critical factors: pride and purpose, company culture and management relationships, working conditions and compensation, team culture and development opportunities. Veterinarians who feel appreciated, supported, and given room to grow are more satisfied. Conversely, high workloads, lack of feedback, and limited autonomy contribute to dissatisfaction. This chapter emphasizes that sustainable employability depends not just on individual resilience but also on structural conditions within the workplace. Chapter 6 integrates findings and emphasizes that equine veterinary care is shaped by the interplay of expertise, human relationships, and social expectations. Veterinary education and practice must invest in communication, ethics, and self-care to prepare professionals for this evolving landscape. In summary, equine veterinary medicine is deeply intertwined with social, ethical, and personal dynamics. It’s not just “about the horse”; it’s equally about the people around it.