Hold Your Horses!
Whether you're deeply involved with horses or simply curious about the future of animal welfare, your perspective matters. Help shape an independent research project exploring the people, ideas and emotions behind change.
As a thank you, you'll also have the chance to win an original oil painting.
Eddie and I “dressaging”
Photo by Paul Buddin Photography
by a confused and
curious horse owner
An independent research project
If you’ve ever found yourself plagued by overthinking and wondering “is this still the right way to do things?”, you’re not alone.
My name is Anna and I’ve found myself asking increasingly complex questions about the relationship we have with horses.
I'm keen to hear what other people are thinking, feeling and experiencing as we navigate change in the equestrian community so I’ve set up a research project to explore what’s happening.
The survey will take about 15 to 20 minutes to fill out, and is open to all respondents, even if you don’t know one end of a horse from another.
As a thank you, you’ll have the chance to win an A4 oil painting of a horse, dog or other subject by request. Find out more here.
What is the research?
The survey aims to explore what people are thinking, feeling and experiencing as the equestrian community navigates change and transformation. You'll be asked about:
Your background,
How your views on equestrian welfare and best practice might be changing
How you perceive different types of equestrian organisation
How different types of communication and presentation of new ideas makes you feel
How long will it take?
It’s not a short survey. There’s so much to be interested in and I expect it will take about 15 to 20 minutes. So grab a coffee, snuggle up and enjoy thinking about horses. If you don’t have time to fill it in right now but would like to be reminded later, fill in this form.
Who can take part?
Anyone! Professional riders. Weekend hackers. Breeders, vets, sceptics, traditionalists, reformers, and the simply curious who've never sat on a horse. I'd love to hear from you!
The way the survey is structured means you will see some different questions dependent on your location and level of involvement with horses. For example, if you know nothing about horses, the survey will ask you questions about your attitude to change for a hobby, topic or sport you are passionate about.
People outside of the UK will not be asked about brands and organisations as these are UK specific.
Why is it being done?
The equestrian community is at a strange, confusing point: welfare science is moving fast, public opinion is shifting, and long-standing traditions are being questioned more openly.
Because a) I love exploring data and insight that is related to people experiences, attitudes and thought processes, and b) I love horses, I’ve tried to build a survey that asks not just what people think, but what it's like to be asked to change something you've always believed. My perspective is that we are at an interesting and pivotal moment in the horse world and I’m curious to hear what others think.
In all honesty, I don’t have an end game for this piece of research. It was born out of passion and curiosity. If there is enough interest, I’d love to set up a community group of like minded people who wanted to read and discuss the findings, and what they mean. You can register your interest for that below.
Who is conducting the research?
I’m Anna Carter and I’m a horse lover, an artist, and by day, an insights consultant.
Through all of these identities I’m constantly thinking, questioning and exploring alternative perspectives and I’m fascinated by how we experience change. Alongside my equestrian life, I work in research and insight, helping organisations understand people’s experiences, motivations and behaviours. I wanted to bring those skills into a subject I care deeply about: understanding how the equestrian community thinks about the future of horses.
I know I won’t ever have all the answers but I do believe that asking thoughtful questions and listening to different perspectives is one of the best ways we can move forward.
If you’d like to find out a bit more about who I am you can explore my social media profiles and the rest of my website. I don’t post very often but you can see I’m a real person with no set agenda.
Just someone who loves horses, trying to make sense of where we are.
The prize draw!
On completion you’ll have the chance to input your email address to win your choice of an available painting from my collection or an original oil painting of a horse or dog, created from a supplied photograph. Children or other animals may be possible on discussion.
Closing Date and Draw
The prize draw will take place on the earlier of:
500 completed survey responses being received; or 1 October 2026.
The winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries and contacted by email.
The aim is to complete the painting in time for Christmas, although this cannot be guaranteed if photographs or other required information are received late.
Your email address will be securely stored by Squarespace and used only to send you communications you have opted into. It will not be used for any other purpose.