Abstract
The European Horse Network (EHN) is a non-profit network that unites 34 stakeholders from across the European equine sector to coordinate actions and strengthen their voice at all levels. It promotes the development of the equine sector in Europe and represents common interests to European institutions.
To create a robust strategy for ensuring that horses remain a key part of the European landscape in the years to come, the European Horse Network (EHN) promoted a co-creative process to generate scenarios of the future.
Note, scenarios are not predictions, or expressions of desired futures. They are thought experiments that position how the future may plausibly develop, and how it would then impact all dimensions of the horse industry. They have then been used to create a strategy for EHN that will survive regardless of what actually then does happen. In our case, four scenarios were created around two axes: sustainability and the social acceptability of equine activities:
1. A new place for horses in society – Horses are well integrated in the countryside alongside of innovative agriculture – A pragmatic use of research and a strong implementation of welfare practices ensure the industry has a full license to operate.
2. Horses must fight for their status – The transition to a low carbon economy and climate changes impact food production which becomes the priority to the detriment of horses.
3. The Horse comes last – The industry faces strong criticism, costs to keep horses are increasing, transport possibilities extremely restricted.
4. Horses for the Happy Few – The industry is being managed by the wealthy categories and is marginalized. It is a very expensive leisure for only a small part of the population and highly criticized by the others.
The scenarios were built on similar exercises conducted in France, the Netherlands and an EHN Workshop organized in June 2023. These are extreme but possible futures. Each elaborated scenario comes with specific opportunities, risks and options.
Based on these scenarios, the EHN has carefully built its action plan for the coming years where specific tools will be developed, new research supported and a strong and specific communication expanded.
EHN wishes to play an important role in creating a sustainable horse world where horses, humans and the environment are all cared for.
To create a robust strategy for ensuring that horses remain a key part of the European landscape in the years to come, the European Horse Network (EHN) promoted a co-creative process to generate scenarios of the future.
Note, scenarios are not predictions, or expressions of desired futures. They are thought experiments that position how the future may plausibly develop, and how it would then impact all dimensions of the horse industry. They have then been used to create a strategy for EHN that will survive regardless of what actually then does happen. In our case, four scenarios were created around two axes: sustainability and the social acceptability of equine activities:
1. A new place for horses in society – Horses are well integrated in the countryside alongside of innovative agriculture – A pragmatic use of research and a strong implementation of welfare practices ensure the industry has a full license to operate.
2. Horses must fight for their status – The transition to a low carbon economy and climate changes impact food production which becomes the priority to the detriment of horses.
3. The Horse comes last – The industry faces strong criticism, costs to keep horses are increasing, transport possibilities extremely restricted.
4. Horses for the Happy Few – The industry is being managed by the wealthy categories and is marginalized. It is a very expensive leisure for only a small part of the population and highly criticized by the others.
The scenarios were built on similar exercises conducted in France, the Netherlands and an EHN Workshop organized in June 2023. These are extreme but possible futures. Each elaborated scenario comes with specific opportunities, risks and options.
Based on these scenarios, the EHN has carefully built its action plan for the coming years where specific tools will be developed, new research supported and a strong and specific communication expanded.
EHN wishes to play an important role in creating a sustainable horse world where horses, humans and the environment are all cared for.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Commissioning body | European Horse Network |
| Publication status | Published - 2025 |
Keywords
- European Horse Network