Supplement Use and Perceptions: A Study of US Horse Owners

Although difficult to accurately assess, the equine supplement market is substantial and continues to grow, yet little research has examined horse owner use of supplements or beliefs regarding safety and efficacy. It was hypothesized that perceptions of use, safety, and efficacy of supplements would differ by rider discipline and competitive versus recreational riders. An online survey including demographics, rider discipline, and six-point Likert scale questions examined beliefs regarding supplements. Two thousand eighty-seven responses were collected over 30 days. Perceived horse health issues were positively correlated (P < .05; R2 > 0.10) with the use of supplements to treat or prevent those issues, while 84% of respondents reported giving supplements to at least one horse under their care. There was no difference by discipline or competitive status concerning perceptions on using supplements to treat or prevent issues, or the safety or efficacy of supplements. Most horse owners, regardless of discipline or competitive status, report giving supplements and indicate belief in their safety and efficacy.