EUROPEAN EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION
STUDY TO CALCULATE CARBON HOOFPRINTS
The EEF is proud to have created a partnership with Wageningen University and the Swedish Equestrian Federation (Svenska Ridsportförbundet) and a number of stables in Netherlands and Sweden to research the carbon impact of an elite competition horse and understand how we can provide a more sustainable environment for our top athletes.
In Partnership with:
With thanks to the stables in Sweden and the Netherlands for their time and cooperation with this research project.
The problem:
Previously, the full impact of the equine athlete’s carbon footprint was unknown and this needs to be fully understood in order to develop recommendations to reduce or offset emissions. We know generally every living being emits carbon, but unlike a cow or pig, the horse has never been specifically studied and measured.
The EEF worked with the Swedish Equestrian Federation, and researchers from Wageningen University to develop methods to understand a competition horse’s carbon “hoofprint”.
To conduct the research, the project team have engaged with stables in Sweden and the Netherlands to create detailed case studies and identify all the key components of competition horses’ lifestyles, and in turn, calculate the carbon outputs. This includes aspects such as feed, pasture management, training and exercise, travel, and waste production.
The Study
The study took into account the full cycle of the horse and the differences in feed, pasture management, training and travel that occur across its life cycle. With this data collated, they could then calculate the various GHG contributions to create an overall total.
Ultimately, from a European perspective, the researchers found there was little significant difference between countries and the management and practices of competition horses. This means the results and the major contributors to GHG outputs can be generalised across the continent. The major factors for GHG emissions are:
– Feed
– Transport
– Manure management
– Intrinsic fermentation (internal digestion processes)
When we compare a 1-year-old horse, we see feed contributes to 59% total GHG emissions, manure management to 27% and internal digestion 1%. Compared to an average 12-year-old, who is now regularly competing internationally, total GHG emissions increase, and transport enters the equation, accounting for around 90% of the total!
The results also allow us to compare the average emissions of the horse to other animals, and help us inform and guide potential legislation and actions with regard to climate regulations. Most importantly, they signpost the areas we need to be actively researching and actioning in order to create GHG emission reductions. Observing the feed production processes, and ingredients could go a long way to creating a reduction, as can the management and use of manure. Crucially transport sits as the number one priority, and adapting our behaviours will be an essential component to making meaningful reductions.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
The full research paper is undergoing its final peer review and once published will be available for download on this page.