To implement the questionnaire and the campaign, a project team was formed. The project team consisted of members of EEWA’s board, horse professionals and communications professionals. The creation of the questionnaire and the following campaign were supported by a group of advisors which consisted of a researcher, veterinarian and an ethologist as well as several animal trainers.
We defined “forceful methods” as actions taken by humans to end unwanted behaviour or to force a horse to perform. Forceful methods include actions which cause fear, pain, or significant discomfort and distress to the horse. One of the goals of the survey was to find out how people define violence against horses. For this reason we decided not to give it a precise definition in the questionnaire.
The anonymous questionnaire was shared and advertised to horse enthusiasts and professionals on different social media platforms. The communications campaign was done in collaboration with SEY Animal Welfare Finland.