Researchers in the United Kingdom are seeking input from owners of horses diagnosed with or suspected of having back problems.

Samantha Bijl, a MSc student in Equine Science at the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland, is performing a survey study on possible causes of equine back problems.

“There is currently little knowledge on this topic and it is a serious problem for a high number of horses worldwide,” she said. “The survey results may help gain knowledge on the influence of management choices and the onset of equine back problems. Hopefully this research will set a solid base for further research and eventually help in preventing the onset of equine back problems.”

Bijl said the survey will take no more than 15 minutes to complete and is available at edinburgh.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/equine-back-survey