Managing obesity in horses- how can vets help horse owners? (2021)
Overview
“Cobs are Supposed to Have an Apple Bum… Not a Whole Orchard!” – Behaviour Change and Equine Obesity
How can we use the science of behaviour change to support owners in recognising and managing equine obesity?
This practical and engaging talk shares the findings of a three-year study exploring owners’ perceptions of weight management and how human behaviour change principles can be applied in veterinary practice.
Learn how to navigate difficult conversations, support clients in identifying when their horses are overweight, and implement strategies that lead to real change.
Featuring real-life case examples, this session will equip attendees with pragmatic tools and communication techniques to use in everyday practice.
Presenters
Dr Tamzin Furtado
Dr Tamzin Furtado is a social scientist with a background in global health and a particular interest in the interconnections between human and animal health and wellbeing.
She completed her PhD at the University of Liverpool, where she studied how to improve the management of equine obesity, with a focus on horse–human relationships and human behaviour change.
Tamzin now works on a broad range of projects exploring how understanding human behaviour can improve companion animal welfare. She uses social science to identify practical ways to support behaviour change in animal care and management.
She is currently working with BEVA on their equine obesity initiative and regularly delivers lectures and talks on applying behaviour change principles to help equine professionals and horse owners manage weight effectively.
