Bridging the Gap Between Equine Experts and General Horse Owners: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Bridging the gap between industry experts (IEs) and general horse owners (GHOs) is a priority for all involved in the equine industry. This starts with understanding both the knowledge gap theory and diffusion of innovations theory. Both of these theories were used to explore what GHOs need to know, regarding equine health care. Additionally, it is important to recognize what GHOs know and understand how they learn, this in turn will allow IEs to disseminate knowledge into the GHOs sector more readily. This study used a qualitative case study approach with semi-structured interviews for both IEs and GHOs. IEs were interviewed to determine the knowledge needed by GHOs regarding equine health care. Interviews of GHOs were then guided based on IEs’ concerns to understand which knowledge was known and being applied by GHOs. Findings discovered IEs felt nutrition management, forage management, and yearly preventatives were important topics of concern that GHOs needed to know. Additionally, a majority of GHOs were able to identify the signs and symptoms of colic, and the importance of yearly preventatives. However, GHOs struggled to identify the signs and symptoms of founder and did not realize horses could survive on forage alone. Most GHOs stated they ask their veterinarian, farrier, or other GHOs who they trust when accessing new knowledge. The majority of GHOs prefer workshops and online courses as a method to gain new knowledge. Overall IEs’ knowledge concerning equine health care was diffusing into the GHOs sector which was evident by GHOs being able to express their knowledge and experiences over this topic.