Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise

Horses in the wild have lower welfare levels than those living in the stable and engaged in work activities

Research by the Animal Welfare Department of IZSAM found that horses living in the wild had higher cortisol levels than those stabled and employed in work activities. The study suggests that proper management by humans is more respectful of horse well-being than a pure nature condition.