SIBEQUUS Working Group: Comprehensive equine welfare system. Scalable protocols and assisted self-assessment

A national equine welfare advisory panel will be established, comprising representatives from various stakeholders in the equestrian industry, to facilitate dialogue and advise on improvements to equine practices. They will also provide recommendations for the development and implementation of protocols. This advisory panel will remain operational throughout the project and will consist of specialists from the different members of the GO SIBEQUUS network. On an ad hoc basis, the support of other experts may be requested to compare opinions and minimize the risk of undue bias.

A general equine welfare protocol will be developed based on a literature review of existing protocols and guidelines, knowledge and experience of the members of GO SIBEQUUS, data and conclusions gathered through a survey of the sector on equine welfare, trends marked in the European and international sphere, and sharing by the members of the advisory panel.

The different scenarios will be identified and characterized based on the facilities, environmental conditions, uses (sport, breeding, cultural, etc.), and management practices that may influence animal welfare. To complement and expand this identification, a survey will be conducted with various stakeholders in the equine sector, representing its diverse actors and subsectors (breeders, veterinarians, riders, caretakers, etc.). This will provide a clear picture of perceptions regarding equine welfare, the measures adopted by the surveyed public, and the needs of different profiles within the equestrian sector with respect to equine welfare. Once all the information has been collected and analyzed, the specific scenarios will be selected, and the digital equine welfare assessment tool will subsequently be adapted to them.

The welfare indicators defined in the general protocol will be adapted to the selected scenarios through a literature review and expert consensus. The most appropriate indicators will be selected and parameterized, correlating them with physiological parameters to ensure objective and quantifiable measurement. Validation will be carried out in an experimental setting to ensure replicability and reliability. Behavioral indicators will be combined with physiological measures such as heart rate variability (HRV), salivary biomarkers (cortisol, alpha-amylase, and butyrylcholinesterase), and temperature measured by thermography. This combined analysis will allow for the identification of critical points and the proposal of specific improvements to optimize equine welfare in each scenario.

A general equine welfare protocol will be adapted to the specific needs of each setting (equestrian centers, therapy centers, breeding centers, private uses, etc.). This will involve adjusting different aspects, recognizing that each environment presents unique challenges and requirements for the health and comfort of the horses. The aim is to personalize the protocol so that it is truly effective in each particular situation, ensuring maximum animal welfare.

The thorough analysis and design of the digital solution (app) will serve as an intuitive self-assessment tool for equine welfare. This stage will encompass software development, user interface implementation, integration of a database with all collected information, and display of the self-assessment results.

The approach to this outcome will include the design and implementation of a training program tailored to the different professional levels and stakeholders involved. Following this, the digital solution will be launched and tested in real-world scenarios, with guidance and demonstrations provided to ensure its successful implementation.

Web and social media communication strategy. For the successful development of the project, it is necessary to raise awareness, engage, and motivate the participation of the target audience through:

• Project corporate identity manual.

• EU-FarmBook platform: This will serve as a connection point to incorporate information of interest at the European level. It will be regularly updated with content, activities, etc.

• Social media profiles: to connect with society and create a community interested in the project, its progress will be published on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media profiles.

• Press office: drafting and sending press releases to a database of over 200 media outlets and specialized blogs. These efforts will be further supported by coordinated communication initiatives undertaken by the various members of the GO.

• Creation of explanatory videos about the content and results of the project, one at the end of the first period and another at the end of the second, in collaboration with the other partners.

Establishing channels for disseminating the project's objectives and results to all end users. This point is fundamental for the project's successful development, as it is necessary to inform, involve, and motivate the participation of the target audience, as well as consolidate the knowledge generated.

• Project corporate identity manual.

• Promotional material: roll-up banners and brochures with project information for distribution at conferences, seminars, fairs, and sporting events.

• Livestock fairs and sporting events. The following are planned: Figan, Jerez de la Frontera Horse Fair, Abanca Semana Verde de Galicia, Salamaq, Zafra, Trujillo, SICAB, Horse Week, Golega Horse Fair, Fegasur.

• Online dossier: one at the end of the first period and another at the end of the second, where the objectives, activities and progress of the project are collected and distributed.

• Seminars: presentation, explanation and communication of the project's progress.

• Articles: coordinate the writing of scientific-technical articles and publication in the RFEAGAS magazine.