Developing a greenhouse gas emission model for sport horses: case studies in dressage and jumping
Abstract
Sustainability is gaining growing attention within the equine sector. Sustainability consists of various subjects including feed and nutrition, resource efficiency, animal welfare, carbon footprint (CFP) and biodiversity, for example. Studies in horse research focus mainly on behaviour and welfare. Little information is available about the environmental impact of equids. The few studies that can be found are principally concerned with local impact, such as nitrogen leaching or ammonia concentrations in bedding. Little is known about greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) for horses, although GHG emissions are part of the National Inventory Report, there is nothing known for different types of horses. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a model to calculate the GHG emissions of a sport horse. Using the developed model (Hoofprint), the CFP of a sport horse in the Netherlands was calculated and the GHG hotspots identified. The model was developed based on life cycle assessment approach where various models and standards were applied. The model was developed to be applicable for all types of horses and various disciplines. To calculate the CFP throughout the whole life of a sport horse, four main stages, reproduction, raising, sport and retirement were considered. It is important to take the first two stages into account; hence otherwise, the history is not taken into consideration, and therefore, the CFP would be incomplete. As case studies, the CFP for both a dressage horse and…
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