HorsesExplained

The hardest part isn't loving horses.
It's choosing them when that choice costs you something.

-Joanna

Positive welfare is more than the absence of suffering.

For a long time, our understanding of animal welfare was led by a simple goal: prevent harm. Avoid pain, reduce fear, ensure basic needs are met. This was an important and necessary foundation, and it still matters deeply today. But over time, research and observation began to show something more—that animals, including horses, are not just passive beings avoiding discomfort, but individuals capable of experiencing a rich range of positive states.
This shift encouraged us to look beyond survival and ask what it means for an animal to live well truly. There is a growing field of work exploring the idea that welfare is not only about minimizing negatives, but also about actively supporting positive experiences. In other words, welfare is not measured only by what is missing. It is also measured by what is present.
A horse may have food, shelter, and excellent veterinary care, yet still have very few opportunities to experience comfort, choice, curiosity, play, social connection, or relaxation. Meeting survival needs is essential, but it is only the starting point.

Positive welfare is about intentionally creating experiences that allow horses to feel good—not just avoid feeling bad.
So the question shouldn't only be, "Is my horse suffering?" It should also be:
"What positive experiences did my horse have today?"

If this interests you, you might want to explore the Five Domains model further. There is a lot more behind it than first meets the eye. And if you're interested in the research side, feel free to reach out—I can share some studies.

- Joanna