Training

Researchers investigated the effect of two different light regimes, and two different depths of straw bedding on sleep patterns in horses. They also looked at whether the differences affected the horses’ response to a memory test.

A horse being injured as a result of wearing a head collar was reported by 31% of survey respondents.

Seven common themes in owner decision-making around older horses are identified by University of Liverpool researchers.

At elite level, most Grand Prix dressage horses studied were comfortable in their work, although there was evidence of episodic discomfort.

Can the equestrian community accept a different gait appearance in favor of lameness prevention? Or, will tradition and lameness prevail?

“It seems that a certain level of social transmission takes place, meaning that an experienced horse plays an important role in the regulation of fear reactions in groups of horses.”

Role of key hormones on horse temperament explored in study.

“The increase in thermal activity in the thoracic region found in the present study was as a function of exercise and not saddle fit.”

“Since most mouth lesions are not evidenced as bleeding outside the mouth, the bit area should be monitored.”

World Bitless Association argues that whipping a horse has no valuable contribution to racing.

“Mortality is not an inevitable outcome of racing and may represent the endpoint of a continuum of influences whose effects might be anticipated.”

Bit type, breed and even the sex of the horse affected the risk of mouth-related injuries being present the study team found.

“It is clear that there are behaviours which occur commonly which are either interpreted as normal or which are not observed by owners.”

Researchers in Poland explore the paddock preferences of horses for sun, shade, or a mist curtain.

Retraining a horse prone to bucking needs to be slow and progressive, say researchers. “Rider safety must always be of paramount importance.”

The longissimus dorsi muscle has a great influence on the stability of the spine and facilitates proper locomotion.

The current “gold standard” assessment technique involves taking muscle biopsies.

Study in Poland scored Konik horses on their exploratory behaviours in a five-phase experiment.

The evidence gathered indicates that the decreased reactivity seen in more experienced horses is a result of habituation — getting used to the sequence of events at the rodeo — rather than what is termed learned helplessness.