17 - Sustainable and multifunctional keeping, use and breeding of horses

Chevaux, Pferd, Pferde, AP 2026-2029 Forschungsprogramm 17 — © Agroscope

Programme manager: Corinne Boss
Programme director: Anne-Cécile Lefranc

Objective

To increase the agricultural profitability and value added of horses while taking account of animal health and the impact on the environment. Horse breeding should focus primarily on animal health (incl. reproduction) and the preservation of the Freiburger breed. The National Stud should fulfil its legal enforcement tasks as efficiently and effectively as possible. Knowledge sharing serves as an essential link between basic and applied equine research and the sector.

Specific objectives

Preserve the genetic diversity of the Freiberger breed
Establish new genetic principles for maintaining horse health
Develop measures for optimising grassland-based horse feeding and its impact on the environment
Development new methods of knowledge sharing
Establish measures for the future management (incl. rearing, use and breeding) of horses (sports and work horses) as a consequence of changed social perceptions based on the model horse
Devise applied concepts for innovative horse rearing and breeding to promote sustainable (economically, socially and environmentally) and multi-functional agriculture

Expected outcomes

The role and the multifunctional use of horses improve markedly in a diversified agricultural system and in society. Horse health significantly improves as a result of management practices. The Freiberger is preserved in the long-term and the breed enjoys a high degree of popularity.