Indagine sulle problematiche di trasporto del cavallo sportivo = Investigation on transport of athletic horses

Horses are transported several times in their lives. Transport includes a range of potential stressors and many scientific researches evidence that it can affect the welfare of horses. Various transport conditions may cause injuries, reduce performances, promote the development of diseases and weaken animal's health. The objective of this research, conducted as a retrospective study, was to investigate all problems related to the transportation of athletic horses in 3 riding centres situated in Northern Italy. We set up a questionnaire in order to achieve information concerning the horses' characteristics, anamnesis and haulage. 31% of the horses showed problems, occurring during loading in 54% of the cases. A trailer was mainly utilised for the trasportation of horses, and 71% of them were placed on the side. The results indicate that athletic horses are frequently transported and generally show problems during transportation. An haulage form should be filled in by the horses' owners in order to enhance the animals' management and welfare.