Estratégias de manejo para promoção do bem-estar de equinos estabulados

Abstract

The welfare of stabled horses is an essential factor in ensuring health, performance, and quality of life in modern equine production. This study aimed to analyze management practices adopted in a horse farm, relating them to the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare and identifying strategies to optimize stabling conditions. The methodology was based on direct observation during a supervised internship, complemented by a literature review and analysis of internal management protocols. The results demonstrated that factors such as adequate nutrition, continuous access to water, comfortable housing, disease prevention, socialization, and stress reduction directly influence equine behavior, physical health, and performance. It was also observed that inadequate management practices may contribute to the development of stereotypies, discomfort, and emotional alterations. The study concludes that the welfare of stabled horses depends on integrated management, adequate infrastructure, and constant attention to the physiological and behavioral needs of the species, with the Five Freedoms serving as fundamental principles for ethical, sustainable, and efficient equine management