The expansion of renewable energy infrastructure is essential, but a new scientific commentary highlights why the welfare of horses, particularly Thoroughbred breeding stock, must not be overlooked during planning.
A paper published in the Irish Veterinary Journal on 23 October 2026, entitled “Large-scale energy infrastructure projects and thoroughbred stud farms: equine welfare, evidence gaps and planning considerations”, raises important questions about the potential impact of solar farms and wind energy developments on neighbouring equine establishments. The paper highlights the need for scientifically informed planning decisions and, crucially, independent equine veterinary expertise.
Key Findings: Understanding the Risks to Horses
The authors identify several potential welfare concerns associated with large-scale infrastructure developments:
Noise and vibration: Construction activities, particularly pile driving, can generate substantial and unpredictable noise. Horses possess highly sensitive hearing and may respond with anxiety, startle reactions or flight behaviour. Pregnant mares, foals and youngstock may be particularly vulnerable.
Visual disturbance: Horses have a visual field exceeding 300 degrees and are highly responsive to movement. Construction vehicles, flashing lights, reflections and moving turbine blades may introduce unfamiliar stimuli into otherwise quiet environments.
Dust and respiratory health: Excavation, vehicle movements and construction activities generate airborne particulates that may compromise equine respiratory health, particularly in young animals.
Emergency preparedness: Although relatively uncommon, fires and other infrastructure emergencies may create significant challenges for equine evacuation, especially where mares and foals are involved.
Importantly, the authors acknowledge that direct research demonstrating adverse effects from renewable energy developments on neighbouring stud farms remains limited. However, an absence of direct evidence should not be confused with evidence of no risk.
Why Equine Veterinary Experts Are Essential
One of the paper's most important implications is the need for specialist veterinary involvement in planning and environmental assessments. Conventional environmental impact assessments frequently prioritise human health, biodiversity and ecological considerations. However, these assessments may not adequately address the distinctive physiological, behavioural and management requirements of horses.
An appropriately qualified equine veterinary expert can provide independent, evidence-based assessments encompassing:
Equine-specific noise, visual and environmental sensitivities.
Potential impacts on breeding, foaling, youngstock development and welfare.
Critical evaluation of scientific evidence and proposed mitigation measures.
Site-specific welfare risk assessments and emergency planning.
Expert evidence for planning applications, objections, appeals and legal proceedings.
Crucially, veterinary expertise can help distinguish scientifically credible risks from unsupported assumptions, ensuring that decisions remain proportionate and defensible.
A Balanced, Evidence-Based Approach
At Duggan Veterinary Consulting (DVC), we recognise the importance of integrating specialist equine veterinary knowledge into complex infrastructure and land-use decisions. Led by Dr Michael Duggan, an RCVS and European recognised Specialist in Equine Surgery, DVC provides independent veterinary consultancy, scientific evaluation and expert witness services across the UK and Ireland.
Renewable energy development and equine welfare need not be competing priorities. However, achieving appropriate outcomes requires early engagement, robust scientific assessment and meaningful veterinary input. Independent equine veterinary experts should be involved from the earliest planning stages, rather than only after concerns or disputes arise. By incorporating specialist veterinary evidence into development planning, stakeholders can better protect equine welfare while supporting responsible renewable energy expansion.
Reference: Bayly, W. M., Hodgson, D. R. & Leadon, D. P. (2026). Large-scale energy infrastructure projects and thoroughbred stud farms: equine welfare, evidence gaps and planning considerations. Irish Veterinary Journal, 79, Article 41. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13620-026-00367-x
For independent equine veterinary consultancy or expert witness services, visit www.dvconsultants.co.uk.
