Developing a greenhouse gas emission model for sport horses: case studies in dressage and jumping

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 jumping horse was determined. Data were collected on reproduction, raising, level of training and feed production and feed intake in all phases. Results showed that the total emissions of a dressage horse and jumping horse do not differ much when transport is not taken into account. The CFP of a dressage horse varied from 4 132 to 4 334 kg CO₂ equivalent per year. The CFP of a jumping horse varied from 4 158 to 4 651 kg CO₂ equivalent per year. When the horses are transported, the CFP increases with 1 664 and 68 528 kg CO₂ equivalent per horse per year, respectively. Showing that transport and especially the mode of transport and distance have a great impact on the CFP of a sport horse. This study was a first attempt to calculate the CFP of a Dutch sport horse competing internationally. The equine sector, however, is more diverse and consists of more disciplines and different types of yards. More research is needed to create a better understanding of the sector’s impact.