Salivary cortisol (“stress hormone”) concentrations weren’t associated with scores in dressage and show jumping horses during three national events in Denmark, researchers found.
Boots and wraps protect the horse’s limbs. But have you ever asked yourself why or how these dressings protect a horse’s leg–or if they even do?
U.S. Olympic show jumper Kent Farrington discusses horsemanship, training, recognizing each horse’s individuality, his “ponies,” and more.
Foals from mares undernourished in late gestation had modified bone growth and slowed testicular development, while foals from overnourished mares had a higher osteochondrosis rate.
Recent study results suggest that horses’ nods allow them to use energy more efficiently to carry their heavy heads.
This approach, featuring animal-based indicators, could help well-meaning owners detect equine welfare issues they might accidentally be overlooking at their own farms, researchers say.
Researchers determined that, in one study, Western curb bits caused less rein tension than did English snaffles.
The researchers said owners shouldn’t stop using verbal praise, but they recommended adding a treat or food reward to help motivate horses to learn.
At this stage researchers can’t say whether one position is better or worse, however. That’s especially true when it comes to training, they said.
“Optimized” grooming led to as many as 177 times more positive behaviors on average per horse per 10-minute grooming session than standard grooming, researchers found.
To make a sustainable difference to horse welfare, owners must apply the findings of research into human behavior change, one researcher says.
Jerusalem artichoke meal showed promise in getting sugars out of healthy horses’ systems quicker than normal, but it hasn’t yet been tested in IR horses.
Researchers are working to help owners find ways to help their horses lose weight no matter their circumstances–from boarding facility set up issues to unsound horses that can’t be exercised.
Researchers said the data they collected will help them estimate how effective training and conditioning programs are in preparing three-day event horses for competition.
Organizers are hoping to invite some first-time guests into the lecture halls this year’s equitation science conference: horses.
Through good research and communication, equitation science can continue to evolve in a positive manner with the goal of improving equine welfare and horse and rider interactions.
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