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Equine welfare in a competitive setting…what can 10+ years of research by the Equitation Science community tell us? (And what critical pieces are still missing?)
“Equitation science promotes an objective, evidence-based understanding of the welfare of horses during training and competition by applying valid, quantitative scientific methods that can identify what training techniques are ineffective or may result in equine suffering. www.equitationscience.com”
The relatively young field of Equitation science has yielded many important findings in terms of equine welfare in a competitive setting; e.g. König von Borstel and others performed a meta-analysis of 55 studies related to hyperflexing horses’ necks (e.g. rollkur). In 88% of the studies, the hyperflexed neck posture negatively impacted welfare.
McGreevy and others have performed several studies related to whip use in Australian race horses. High speed photography allowed them to see how much skin and muscle displacement takes place during a whip strike, and post-race thermography allowed them to see heat generated from whip strike areas. This research group did not find increased whip strikes relating to enhanced speed. This echoes a finding by Waite and others that showed barrel racing horses did not go faster when kicked more or struck more often with a riding aid.
Numerous studies from Equitation science have confirmed that the correct application of learning theory will enhance equine learning and will likely improve equine welfare. This has been applied to trailer loading, learning to cross over/encounter a novel object, tolerating certain veterinary procedures, etc. Conversely, researchers have confirmed that poorly timed punishment or attempting to train while the horse is fearful creates further problems.
Wemelsfelder has now collaborated with a number of researchers to provide strength to the value of qualitative behavioral assessment. More studies are needed, particularly across competition disciplines, but the foundation has been laid for equine behaviorists to assess facial expressions and body language signals that can help us to know the emotional state of the horse.
As this field matures, an increasing number of studies are presenting both physiological data (e.g. heart rate, heart rate variability, salivary cortisol) and behavioral data (e.g. frequency of behaviors exhibited, duration of behavioral states). In spite of logistical challenges, more research is needed from actual competition venues and with all levels of competing equine athletes.
Keywords: Equine Behavior, Equine Welfare, Equitation Science