“Biodiverse Equine yards could contribute to the restoration of nature and horse welfare”
Loss of biodiversity is an urgent problem. This is why Inga Wolframm, Research chair Sustainable Equine yards at Hogeschool Hall van Larenstein, started the project: biodiverse equine yards. Many have joined already, under which Yteke Elte, veterinarian at the faculty Veterinary Medicine and Annet den Hoeve (webpage in Dutch), riding school and equestrian business owner. Their goal? Transforming biodiverse equine yards to green connectors that contribute to the restoration of nature and horse welfare.
Since the beginning of industrialization, 85 percent of the Dutch indigenous biodiversity has vanished. “To make efficient farming possible, landscapes such as hedges and trenches have almost completely vanished”, explains Inga Wolframm. “With this project we want to restore green and blue veining, such as hedges, trees and pools. The equestrian business ‘De Vier Hoeven’ owned by Annet van den Hoeven is located between city and nature and functions as pilot location and connection zone.
The collaboration within the project is unique: five MBO’s, four HBO’s, Utrecht University, 23 equestrian businesses, different branch organisations, companies in the equestrian sector, nature organisations and local and provincial governments all participate. Wolfram expresses: “Thanks to the collective approach we can have the Biodiverse Equine yards contribute to societal questions such as the expansion of biodiversity.” Directing body SIA is supporting the project with a subsidy.
By now, 85 percent of the indigenous animal and plant species has disappeared
Biodiversity and horse welfare hand in hand
Veterinarian Yteke Elte appreciates the multidisciplinary collaboration. “We are researching the welfare of horses. What would happen if they were given a more natural and varied living environment? Does it have any influence on their health and welfare? Through pairing veterinary medicine students to mbo and hbo students we pool expertise and develop practical guidelines for equestrian businesses. That is how we connect biodiversity, animal welfare and healthy business operations. It’s amazing to make such an impact.
Stable owner Van den Hoeven adds: “The welfare of our horses is my priority. Digging pools and planting hedges contributes to the restoration of nature, but will also contribute to their welfare. I’m proud that we, De Vier Hoeven, are pioneers in this.” She sees how the harmony in Biodiverse Equine yards between humans and animals is often central. “We then forget nature and we want to change that. Nature inclusive Biodiverse Equine yards could be an example for other sectors.”
Digging pools and planting hedges is better for the welfare of horses and the restoration of nature
A different approach
Elte hopes that with this project it encourages people to take a different approach to biodiversity. “This project shows that innovation, collaboration and the restoration of nature go side by side. If Biodiverse Equine yards contributes to the restoration of nature, they could play a role in solving the bigger environmental challenges.
Wolframm trusts the power of positive change. “Many people ride horses to be closer to nature. We want to show how Biodiverse Equine yards can contribute to an ecological restoration. This positive sign motivates the sector to join us.”