Coverage from the 2017 International Society for Equitation Science Conference in Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.
One veterinarian concedes that equitation scientists and vets alike are still working to determine how to change people’s behavior with the goal of improving horse welfare, but offers some suggestions on how to make progress.
New industry rules intended to improve horse welfare by decreasing whipping frequency might actually go against the principles of operant training and, specifically, negative reinforcement, one equitation scientist says.
To make a sustainable difference to horse welfare, owners must apply the findings of research into human behavior change, one researcher says.
Researchers are still lacking reliable tools to understand what good equine welfare looks like from the horse’s point of view, but they’re making progress.
Recent study results suggest heart rate monitoring can allow trainers to assess workloads and adjust training for improved conditioning and race outcomes.
The document outlines new minimum standards and best practice guidelines for managing and maintaining good welfare for all domestic horses and donkeys.
Tongue ties help some racehorses breathe better, but study results suggest they can also cause stress, even in horses that have been tied regularly in the past.
The ability to select Quarter Horse breeding stock for behavior traits might improve equine welfare and human safety, researchers said.
Recent study results suggest competitive riders would be much more inclined to use technology to keep track of their mounts’ biometric data than recreational riders would.
Researchers found that young people recognized signs of poor horse welfare in common training practices as well as adult experts did.
The “alpha” concept of showing dominance when training a horse doesn’t coincide with what equitation science research is revealing, scientists say.
A look at racing ethics could help researchers and industry members acknowledge rightful concerns from a well-meaning public, help resolve misconceptions, and contribute to better equine welfare.
The domains focus on horses’ nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental experiences.
Full and half blinks decreased significantly during stressful situations, researchers found.
Understanding body language when working with equids can improve how we interact with and study them.
The International Society for Equitation Science event will take place Nov. 22-25, in New South Wales, Australia.
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