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Pearson G, Waran N, Reardon RJ, Keen J, Dwyer C. A Delphi study to determine expert consensus on the behavioural indicators of stress in horses undergoing veterinary care. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Chatel M, Tabor G, Williams J, Williams J. An evaluation of factors affecting show jumping warm-up on subsequent show jumping performance in 1.30 m class. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3920/cep200026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Show jumping causes physical and physiological stress on horses’ musculoskeletal structures, which can lead to decreased performance and injury. Appropriate warm-ups can enhance performance, decrease injury risk, as well as increase oxygen kinetics for better efficiency. Despite this, little is known for how warm-up routines affect show jumping performance. Forty-five warm-up routines of show jumpers preparing to enter the show ring were recorded and analysed. Kruskal Wallis analyses with post-hoc Mann Whitney U tests identified if the number of classes combinations completed, types of jumps attempted, warm-up duration, and time spent in each gait during the warm-up varied with rider and horse sex and age, and faults. Spearman correlations assessed if relationships occurred between warm-up duration and content, and the number of faults in the show ring, and horse age. Warm-up ranged from 3:51 to 62:46 min (median 15:09 min) and included at least two jumps (range 2-15). Walk was the most common gait, while upright fences were jumped the most. Knocking down or refusing a fence when warming up did not affect performance. Male riders jumped uprights twice as much as female riders (P<0.03) but this did not impact their performances. Jumping a class prior to the 1.30 affected warm-up, competitors spent longer on the flat before jumping in they had competed earlier in the day (P<0.05) and had fewer jump attempts if they had competed in the class just prior to the 1.30 m (P<0.007). Even though no significant differences were detected, combinations which accumulated >8 faults spent less time warming up. These results suggest warm-up tactics, riders and horses’ age and sex did not influence significantly fault accumulation in the show ring, however warm up routines were influenced by rider decision making and horse age.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.M. Chatel
- Hartpury College, 135 Allée des Pensées, 13300 Salon de Provence, France
| | - G. Tabor
- Hartpury University, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - J.R. Williams
- Hartpury University, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - J.M. Williams
- Hartpury University, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
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A systematic literature review to evaluate the tools and methods used to measure rein tension. J Vet Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Effect of density and relative aggressiveness on agonistic and affiliative interactions in a newly formed group of horses. J Vet Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Pierard M, McGreevy P, Geers R. Reliability of a descriptive reference ethogram for equitation science. J Vet Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Effect of preceding activity and multiple testing of Belgian police horses on behavior during personality tests. J Vet Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Rigterink A, Moore GE, Ogata N. Pilot study evaluating surface temperature in dogs with or without fear-based aggression. J Vet Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Thompson K, Haigh L. Perceptions of Equitation Science revealed in an online forum: Improving equine health and welfare by communicating science to equestrians and equestrian to scientists. J Vet Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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De Santis M, Contalbrigo L, Borgi M, Cirulli F, Luzi F, Redaelli V, Stefani A, Toson M, Odore R, Vercelli C, Valle E, Farina L. Equine Assisted Interventions (EAIs): Methodological Considerations for Stress Assessment in Horses. Vet Sci 2017; 4:E44. [PMID: 29056702 PMCID: PMC5644660 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci4030044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine assisted interventions (EAIs) are recently facing an increasing popularity, and are characterized by a wide diversity of practices. However, information on the welfare of animals involved in this kind of activity is often lacking. Horses are highly susceptible to work stressors related to physical constraints and/or to the need to control emotions while interacting with humans. Considerations of the emotional state of horses involved in EAIs have multiple valences: for the safety of humans and animals involved, for the quality and efficacy of interventions, as well as for ethical reasons. The aim of this unsystematic narrative review is to summarize the different approaches used for the evaluation of horses' stress responses, investigate their application in the context of EAIs, and discuss some methodological considerations for researchers and practitioners involved in EAI. The sources of information are mostly based on electronic databases (i.e., Medline, Scopus and Google scholar), as well as on hand searches of the references of retrieved literature, and discussions with experts in the field. At present, a few studies have investigated horses' stress responses during EAIs, and further studies are recommended, with the final aim to derive a reliable multidimensional method for assessing a horse's reaction during therapeutic programs, ultimately helping professionals to better develop interventions by taking into consideration the animal's perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta De Santis
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Laura Contalbrigo
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Marta Borgi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Fabio Luzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Veronica Redaelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Stefani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Marica Toson
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Rosangela Odore
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Cristina Vercelli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Valle
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Luca Farina
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Assisted Interventions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
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Randle H, Waran N. Breaking down barriers and dispelling myths: The need for a scientific approach to Equitation. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Waran N, Randle H. What we can measure, we can manage: The importance of using robust welfare indicators in Equitation Science. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Fenner K, Webb H, Starling MJ, Freire R, Buckley P, McGreevy PD. Effects of pre-conditioning on behavior and physiology of horses during a standardised learning task. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174313. [PMID: 28358892 PMCID: PMC5373532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rein tension is used to apply pressure to control both ridden and unridden horses. The pressure is delivered by equipment such as the bit, which may restrict voluntary movement and cause changes in behavior and physiology. Managing the effects of such pressure on arousal level and behavioral indicators will optimise horse learning outcomes. This study examined the effect of training horses to turn away from bit pressure on cardiac outcomes and behavior (including responsiveness) over the course of eight trials in a standardised learning task. The experimental procedure consisted of a resting phase, treatment/control phase, standardised learning trials requiring the horses (n = 68) to step backwards in response to bit pressure and a recovery phase. As expected, heart rate increased (P = 0.028) when the handler applied rein tension during the treatment phase. The amount of rein tension required to elicit a response during treatment was higher on the left than the right rein (P = 0.009). Total rein tension required for trials reduced (P < 0.001) as they progressed, as did time taken (P < 0.001) and steps taken (P < 0.001). The incidence of head tossing decreased (P = 0.015) with the progression of the trials and was higher (P = 0.018) for the control horses than the treated horses. These results suggest that preparing the horses for the lesson and slightly raising their arousal levels, improved learning outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Fenner
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Holly Webb
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Rafael Freire
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Petra Buckley
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul D. McGreevy
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Doherty O, Casey V, McGreevy P, McLean A, Parker P, Arkins S. An analysis of visible patterns of horse bit wear. J Vet Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Fenner K, Yoon S, White P, Starling M, McGreevy P. The Effect of Noseband Tightening on Horses' Behavior, Eye Temperature, and Cardiac Responses. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154179. [PMID: 27140187 PMCID: PMC4854461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Restrictive nosebands are common in equestrian sport. This is concerning, as recent evidence suggests that very tight nosebands can cause a physiological stress response, and may compromise welfare. The objective of the current study was to investigate relationships that noseband tightness has with oral behavior and with physiological changes that indicate a stress response, such as increases in eye temperature (measured with infrared thermography) and heart rate and decreases in heart rate variability (HRV). Horses (n = 12) wearing a double bridle and crank noseband, as is common in dressage at elite levels, were randomly assigned to four treatments: unfastened noseband (UN), conventional area under noseband (CAUN) with two fingers of space available under the noseband, half conventional area under noseband (HCAUN) with one finger of space under the noseband, and no area under the noseband (NAUN). During the tightest treatment (NAUN), horse heart rate increased (P = 0.003), HRV decreased (P < 0.001), and eye temperature increased (P = 0.011) compared with baseline readings, indicating a physiological stress response. The behavioral results suggest some effects from bits alone but the chief findings are the physiological readings that reflect responses to the nosebands at their tightest. Chewing decreased during the HCAUN (P < 0.001) and NAUN (P < 0.001) treatments. Yawning rates were negligible in all treatments. Similarly, licking was eliminated by the NAUN treatment. Following the removal of the noseband and double bridle during the recovery session, yawning (P = 0.015), swallowing (P = 0.003), and licking (P < 0.001) significantly increased compared with baseline, indicating a post-inhibitory rebound response. This suggests a rise in motivation to perform these behaviors and implies that their inhibition may place horses in a state of deprivation. It is evident that a very tight noseband can cause physiological stress responses and inhibit the expression of oral behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Fenner
- Kandoo Equine, Towrang, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Samuel Yoon
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter White
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melissa Starling
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul McGreevy
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Thompson K, McGreevy P, McManus P. A Critical Review of Horse-Related Risk: A Research Agenda for Safer Mounts, Riders and Equestrian Cultures. Animals (Basel) 2015; 5:561-75. [PMID: 26479374 PMCID: PMC4598694 DOI: 10.3390/ani5030372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While the importance of improving horse-related safety seems self-evident, no comprehensive study into understanding or reducing horse-related risk has been undertaken. In this paper, we discuss four dimensions of horse-related risk: the risk itself, the horse, the rider and the culture in which equestrian activities takes place. We identify how the ways in which risk is constructed in each dimension affects the applicability of four basic risk management options of avoidance, transference, mitigation and acceptance. We find the acceptance and avoidance of horse-related risk is generally high, most likely due to a common construction of horses as irrevocably unpredictable, fearful and dangerous. The transference of risk management is also high, especially in the use of protective technologies such as helmets. Of concern, the strategy least utilised is risk mitigation. We highlight the potential benefit in developing mitigation strategies directed at: (a) improving the predictability of horses (to and by humans), and (b) improving riders' competence in the physical skills that make them more resilient to injury and falls. We conclude with the presentation of a multidisciplinary agenda for research that could reduce accident, injury and death to horse-riders around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirrilly Thompson
- The Appleton Institute, Central Queensland University, 44 Greenhill Road, Wayville, SA 5034, Australia.
| | - Paul McGreevy
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Phil McManus
- School of Geosciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Overall KL. From neurons to outcomes: Roles for attention, stimulation, observation, and critical thought in behavior. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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