What’s the fuzz: The frequency, practice and perceptions of equine facial hair trimming revealed in a survey of horse owners in Australia

Abstract

Abstract Recently, equine organizations from multiple countries around the world, including Australia, have implemented bans on the trimming of vibrissae (sensory hairs located around the muzzle and eyes) of horses competing in their events. These hairs are likely to have sensory functions that are important to horses, and the ban is based on welfare grounds. The aims of this study were to determine: the proportions of horse owners trimming equine facial hairs (ear and muzzle hair) across different types of equestrian disciplines in Australia, the types of equine facial hairs trimmed, whether horses were restrained for trimming, and attitudes related to the practice. An online survey of Australian horse owners was advertised through organizations involving equine competitive sports. A total of 422 responses were obtained, with respondents mostly female and a wide range of age groups. Respondents involved in showing competitions were more likely to trim muzzle and ear hairs than the other competition types. Respondents in showing competitions more commonly believed that trimming muzzle and ear hairs was a normal practice in their discipline, made it more likely a horse would win, and that horses did not need muzzle or ear hairs for day-to-day living. The results of this study provide valuable insight into the widespread trimming of horse muzzle and ear hairs in some horse disciplines prior to the implementation of the ban in Australia. The information gained may also be useful for the design and implementation of behaviour change interventions for other management and presentation practices used for horses and other animals. Further studies are needed to determine if and how the practice and attitudes to facial hair trimming in horses have changed with the enforcement of the ban.