Search Results (80)

With society’s ever-growing concern for animal welfare, the equestrian industry has focused on passing and enforcing new rules to protect the main athlete, the horse. In jumping, courses go by quickly, with judges using the occurrence of conflict behaviours to assess any welfare breach. This study aimed to evaluate the overall frequency of such behaviours in Brazilian Sport Horses during elite show jumping competitions in Brazil. Conflict behaviour displays were analyzed in 120 different horse–rider pairs in jumping competitions in Brazil. All videos were observed at a slowed-down speed, with the frequency of behaviours being recorded. The observed behaviours included head shaking, tail swishing, neck hyperflexion, excessive pulling on the reins, kicking, bucking, rearing, and disobedience. All horses (100%) presented at least one type of conflict behaviour, with head shaking (100%, n = 120, IQR 3–7, range 1–18) being the most common one (p < 0.001) and tail swishing (45.83%, n = 55, IQR 1–10, range 1–29) being the second most common (p < 0.001). Most horses showed only one (41.67%, n = 50) or two (43.33%, n = 52) different types of behaviours, with few episodes of each throughout the course. Those findings were in line with studies in other disciplines, as the competition environment offers a series of challenging and stressful situations. The low levels of conflict observed in most horses indicate that the current horse welfare rules are working and must continue to be reinforced to consistently protect the horses. Full article

The aim of the research was to assess how the selected factors could influence the performance of the best horses in dressage, jumping and eventing competitions. The research was based on the Studbook Rankings published by the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses from 2019 to 2024. Our analysis shows a statistically significant effect of each of the observed factors in at least one discipline. The leading factor in all disciplines was studbook affiliation. The Belgian warmblood, German Sport Horse, Hanoverian, Royal Dutch Sport Horse, Oldenburg and Westphalian studbooks are represented among the significantly best studbooks in all three disciplines. Geldings were statistically highly demonstrably the best in jumping. In eventing, both geldings and stallions were highly significantly better than mares. Significantly, the highest performance was achieved by 11-year-old horses in jumping and by 15-year-old horses in eventing. We have demonstrated a statistical effect of the proportion of thoroughbred genes on performance in dressage. Statistically better performance in a selected elite population of dressage horses was achieved by horses with 20% to 50% thoroughbred genes. Our results confirm the necessity of selecting sport horses based on specialized performance tests and the need for different breeding programs for success in individual equestrian sports. Full article

In equestrian circles, horse–rider harmony is understood intuitively, yet clear criteria are lacking. This study examined how different equestrians conceptualized and visually assessed harmony and how this influenced scoring. Qualitative interviews were combined with eye tracking technology. Thirty equestrians assessed five videos of horse–rider combinations performing in dressage, showjumping, eventing, working equitation and Icelandic riding, with eye movements being recorded using a mounted eye tracker. Verbal definitions were analyzed using thematic analysis, revealing three overarching themes: Horse Behavior, Horse–Rider Connection, and Rider Influence. Number of fixations and duration of fixation were reduced using principal component analysis (PCA), yielding five components each. These explained 70.9% and 64.5% of variance, respectively. Linear mixed-effects models showed significant effects for two PCA components: frequent fixation on the horse’s ears and eyes relative to the horse’s shoulder and rider leg predicted lower harmony scores (B = −0.34, SE = 0.13, z = −2.53, p < 0.05), whereas longer dwell time on the rider’s shoulder relative to the rider’s leg predicted higher scores (B = 0.25, SE = 0.12, z = 2.12, p < 0.05). Ears and eyes were also the most frequent first fixation. Harmony appears to be a shared construct at the conceptual level, but is personally enacted at the practical level. Equine facial expressions and rider posture serve as important perceptual indicators. Full article

Polo is a high-speed equestrian sport that imposes mechanical demands on horses and turf, yet limited research has examined the functional behavior of polo playing surfaces. This study characterizes the spatial variability of mechanical surface properties across turf polo pitches representing high-, medium-, and low-handicap categories. Three fields were assessed using lightweight field-based instruments, including the Impact Test Device (ITD), Rotational Peak Shear (RPS) tester, Going Stick© for penetration (GSP) and shear (GSS), and a TDR probe for volumetric moisture content (VMC%). A total of 210–223 grid-based sampling points per pitch were analyzed to evaluate mechanical responses under vertical and horizontal loading conditions. Significant differences among pitches were observed, with ITD and VMC emerging as the indicators of surface behaviour. Spatial analysis revealed heterogeneous within-pitch patterns, expressed as directional gradients and localized variability. Linear discriminant analysis demonstrated that the combined measurements could differentiate pitches associated with different handicap levels with high classification accuracy (0.88). Although the applied instruments do not replicate full equine biomechanical loading, they proved effective in detecting spatial variability in surface uniformity, a functional property relevant to performance and equine welfare. These findings support integration of spatially explicit surface assessments into routine turf management practices. Full article

Anatomical variations of the caudal ventral lamina of the sixth cervical vertebra (C6), referred to as equine caudal cervical morphologic variations (ECCMV), and radiographic modelling of the caudal cervical articular process joints (APJ) are commonly identified in sport horses, yet their interrelationship and relevance for athletic performance remain controversial. This retrospective observational study aimed to determine the prevalence of ECCMV and APJ modelling in a clinically sound warmblood sport horse population, to evaluate a potential association and to assess if ECCMV affects competition performances. Records of 200 warmbloods, presented for pre-purchase examination between 2020 and 2024 were reviewed: the predominant breed was Hanoverian (n = 131), followed by Oldenburg (n = 27) and Holsteiner (n = 22), including 127 geldings, 61 mares and 12 stallions with a median age of 5. ECCMV was diagnosed on latero-lateral radiographs if the caudal ventral lamina of C6 was uni- or bilaterally absent, and APJ modelling at C6/C7 was graded as either normal or mild or moderate to severe. Competition placings and lifetime earnings of each horse were collected from the German National Equestrian Federation database. ECCMV was found in 30% of horses and APJ modelling in 32.5% (mild 26.5%, moderate/severe 6%). There was no significant association between the presence of ECCMV, APJ alterations and competition results, but horses with ECCMV were less likely to exhibit radiographic changes in the adjacent APJ compared to those with a normal C6 morphology (23.3% vs. 36.4%). In conclusion, ECCMV is a common anatomical variation in clinically sound warmbloods, neither predisposing them to APJ modelling nor limiting athletic performance. Full article

With the growing popularity of equestrian sports, the incidence of athletic injuries in horses has also risen. Among these injuries, proximal sesamoid bone fracture (PSBF) and flexor tendinitis are particularly common in the forelimbs of sport horses and represent major causes of musculoskeletal impairment. A 5-year-old horse presented with obvious symptoms such as swelling at the left fetlock joint and metacarpal region after exercise. Through lameness assessment, diagnostic imaging, and hematological testing, the horse was diagnosed with PSBF complicated by flexor tendinitis. The affected horse was treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs combined with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy. After treatment, local microcirculation at the fracture and flexor tendon sites was improved, tissue healing was accelerated, and clinical indicators were stabilized. This case report demonstrates the potential of LIPUS-assisted therapy in promoting the recovery of horses with PSBF and concurrent flexor tendinitis, providing a valuable clinical reference for the management of complex musculoskeletal injuries in veterinary practice. Full article

Amino acid (AA) metabolism and the adaptation of muscles to increased physical performance are interdependent. This field study examined changes in plasma amino acid (PAA) concentrations and two metabolites (ammonia and urea) before and after cross-country (CC) competitions throughout an entire eventing season and their associations with performance outcomes in eventing horses. Twenty horses from nine different Warmblood breeds were evaluated between two and seven times across 14 international eventing competitions over a 23-week period. A total of 55 rides were sampled. Blood samples were collected at four time points: before the start (TP0), 10 min after completion of the CC ride (TP1), 30 min post-CC (TP2), and the next morning (TP3). A mixed ANOVA revealed significant effects (p < 0.05) of calendar week on PAA concentrations for asparagine, ornithine, and proline. Correlations between CC scores and PAA concentrations were observed for 4 of the 25 measured parameters. TP0 leucine concentrations and TP2 histidine concentrations correlated negatively with CC penalty score, whereas TP1 proline concentrations and TP3 alanine concentrations correlated positively with CC penalty score. These results indicate that higher plasma leucine concentrations may contribute to improved performance in eventing horses. Additionally, alanine and proline show potential as performance-related diagnostic biomarkers. Full article

This study examines seasonal changes in muscle and heart parameters in eventing horses over the course of a competition season. Blood levels of the enzymes creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as well as the heart muscle-specific concentration of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were measured before (pre), 30 min (p30) and 24 h (p24) after competitions. Creatine kinase (CK: median pre-competition = 175 U/L, 30 min post = 221 U/L, 24 h post = 140 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (AST: pre = 319 U/L, p30 = 335 U/L, p24 = 333 U/L), and cardiac troponin I concentration (cTnI: pre = 0.006 ng/mL, p30 = 0.011 ng/mL, p24 = 0.007 ng/mL) exhibited partial normalization by 24 h post-exercise but at the same time demonstrated significant seasonal variation (p < 0.001). Echocardiographic assessments revealed sustained high-level myocardial velocities, with occasional modest seasonal declines. A significant correlation was identified between cTnI levels and early diastolic myocardial velocity (Em) (Spearman’s Rho: pre-exercise 0.323, Rho p30: 0.357), whereas a negative correlation was manifest at 24 h (Spearman’s Rho = −0.300). These findings suggest a heightened sensitivity of diastolic myocardial velocity to myocardial injury. Given that diastolic dysfunction frequently constitutes an early manifestation of myocardial compromise, our results underscore the utility of biomarkers alongside myocardial velocity measures as valuable tools for the early detection of subclinical fatigue in high-performance sport horses. Full article

Polo is an equestrian sport with a long tradition, but to date there is little scientific data on health risks, particularly lameness. In an international online survey, 145 polo players (47.6% female, 52.4% male) with an average of 13.4 years of playing experience were questioned about lameness risks and influencing factors. The respondents reported a median of six horses, most frequently mares as their best-performing and healthiest animals. Horse age was significantly associated with the risk of lameness, increasing by approximately 19.5% per year (OR = 1.195; p = 0.030) and differed depending on the breed of horse. Player-related variables such as age, sex, level of experience and type of husbandry had no significant influence. Risk perception was only associated with the handicap: players with a higher handicap rated the risk of injury as lower. Sex, age and horse ownership were not relevant. Unfavourable ground conditions were cited as the most common cause of injury (58.6%). The results show that players believe key predictors of lameness, in particular the age and breed of the horses, are objective factors, while subjective risk assessments are primarily influenced by the players’ level of experience. Further studies are necessary to improve horse health in polo and to enable preventive measures. Full article

Bit pressure and rein tension-induced mouth pain in horses have recently become a significant welfare concern, fueling debates within the equestrian community and beyond. Evidence indicates that bits can cause pain-related behaviors and even oral lesions. Although studying pressure-induced pain in animals is challenging, the similarities in the physiology of pain processing (nociception) across mammals suggest that it is reasonable to assume that pain perception in humans and horses is principally comparable. Therefore, we compared human pressure pain detection thresholds (PPDTs) to reported rein pressures in equestrian sports as reported in the scientific literature. Reported rein tensions (kPa) range from a minimum of 91.2–107.87 to a maximum of 1314.09–4285.51, while human PPDTs (in kPa) are 232.4 for the face, 445.3 for the hand, and 535.5 for the foot. These comparisons reveal that only the lowest reported bit pressures would be pain-free for humans. Average to maximum pressures would cause strong to severe pain sensations in humans. Furthermore, data on pressure pain-induced stimulus response functions suggest that bit pressures commonly encountered in equestrian sports could cause lesions in humans, making them unacceptable in human experimentation. In conclusion, bit pressures as reported in the scientific literature would cause significant pain if applied to humans, raising welfare concerns for horses. Full article

The interaction between equine hooves and various ground surfaces is a critical factor for injury prevention and performance in modern equestrian sports. Accurate measurement of surface grip is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of different hoof protection systems. This study introduces the Vienna Grip Tester (VGT), a novel sensor-based device developed to quantify rotational resistance—an important parameter for assessing hoof–surface interaction. The VGT utilizes a torque wrench and spring-loaded mechanism to simulate lateral hoof movements under a standardized vertical load (~700 N), enabling objective grip measurements across different conditions. Twenty combinations of hoof protection (barefoot, traditional iron shoe, and two glue-on models) and surfaces (sand, sand with fiber at 25 °C and −18 °C, frozen sand, and turf) were tested, yielding 305 torque measurements. Statistical analysis (repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction) revealed significant differences in grip among surface types and hoof protection systems. Frozen surfaces (SDAF (31 ± 8.9 Nm and SDF 33 ± 8.7 Nm, p < 0.001) exhibited the highest grip, while dry sand (SDA (18.3 ± 3.3 Nm, p < 0.001) showed the lowest. Glue-on shoes (glue-on grip, 26 ± 10 Nm; glue-on, 25 ± 10 Nm) consistently provided superior grip compared to traditional or unshod hooves (bare hoof, 21 ± 7 Nm). These results validate the VGT as a reliable and practical tool for measuring hoof–surface grip, with potential applications in injury prevention, hoof protection development, and surface optimization in equestrian sports. Full article

Bit-related trauma is a welfare issue in equestrian sports; therefore, a proper understanding of how the bit behaves inside the mouth is of importance. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of bit design (snaffle bits/single/double-jointed; ring/eggbutt and curb bits), size, rein tension, and rein angle on the intra-oral movement of the bit in ex vivo specimens. The lateral and posterior movement of different bits was measured on cadaver heads under different circumstances. This ex vivo model, while not fully replicating natural conditions, provided insight into potential bit-related movements. Lateral displacement of the snaffle bit was significantly greater with higher unilateral rein tension. Bits that were too wide exhibited significantly more lateral and posterior displacement under unilateral rein tension. Posterior displacement increased with both unilateral and bilateral rein tensions. Using a bit that is too wide, using reins at a 20° angle, and applying 4 kg of rein tension were identified as risk factors for contact with the mesial gingival tissues of the mandibular 06s. Similar patterns were observed with curb bits, although bit movement was more restricted, and no contact with the mesial gingival tissues of the mandibular 06s was noted. This study demonstrated that bit design, bit size, rein angle, and rein tension all influence bit movement in the horse’s mouth. Full article

Equestrian sports play a significant economic role in the horse industry. In recent years, numerous equine viruses have emerged, among which are equine Pegiviruses and the re-emerging Equine coronavirus (ECoV). These viruses are distributed globally and primarily cause subclinical infections with unknown morbidity, even if ECoV can occasionally induce febrile and diarrheic episodes. To broaden the data on the Italian equine population, a study was conducted to assess their prevalence in two distinct horse populations belonging to the Carabinieri Corps (CC) and the Italian Army (IA) of the Italian Armed Forces (IAF). Samples consisted of blood serum and rectal swabs of 436 horses collected within the national surveillance program for equine infectious anemia and gastrointestinal parasite monitoring and analyzed for Pegivirus (caballi and equi) and ECoV by Real-Time RT PCR. The prevalence detected were 6.56% and 3.53%, respectively, for Pegivirus caballi and equi for the IA, while for the CC, they were 10.13% and 0.84%. Only one sample tested positive for ECoV belonging to a horse of the CC. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out on the PCR-positive samples that were sequenced using Sanger protocols. Understanding the epidemiology of these viruses is essential for evaluating the implementation of effective prevention strategies. Full article

Ecdysterone controls moulting and reproduction in insects, crustaceans, and helminths. It is also produced by many plants, probably as an insect deterrent. The steroid is not made by vertebrates but has anabolic effects in mammals and could be useful for treating sarcopenia in aged horses. However, ecdysterone is banned in horseracing and equestrian sports, and with no limit of reporting, the risk of unintended exposure to this naturally occurring prohibited substance is a concern. To explore this risk, pasture plants and hay samples were analysed for ecdysterone content, as well as samples of blood, faeces, and intestinal mucosa from horses (euthanized for non-research purposes) with varying degrees of endo-parasite infestation. The variability in serum ecdysterone concentrations between different horses after administering a fixed dose was also examined. Ecdysterone was detected in 24 hay samples (0.09 to 3.74 µg/g) and several weeds, with particularly high concentrations in Chenopodium album (244 µg/g) and Solanum nigrum (233 µg/g). There was a positive correlation between faecal ecdysterone and faecal egg counts, but no effect of anthelmintic treatment and no relation to the number of encysted cyathostome larvae in the large intestine mucosa. Certain horses maintained an unusually high serum ecdysterone concentration over several weeks and/or displayed an abnormally large response to oral ecdysterone administration. Thus, the risk of environmental exposure to ecdysterone is apparent, and several factors must be considered when determining an appropriate dosage for clinical studies or setting a reporting threshold for equine sports. Full article

This commentary evaluates contemporary equestrian sport governance through the lens of equine welfare science. Drawing on evidence from the FEI Sport Forum 2025 debates, the IFHA Racing Integrity Handbook, media coverage of horse sport, recent scientific presentations, regulatory texts, and published research, we identify systemic shortcomings in how horse welfare is assessed, prioritised, and protected. Key issues include reliance on performance as a proxy for welfare, inadequate “fit-to-compete” protocols, neglect of horses’ mental states, coercive tack and equipment practices (e.g., double bridles, tight nosebands, ear hoods), pharmacological and surgical interventions that mask pain, euphemistic regulatory language (e.g., whip “encouragement”), and inconsistent implementation of welfare rules. Through a series of case studies, from dressage and show jumping forums to racing integrity handbooks, we illustrate euphemistic language, defensive group dynamics, dismissive rhetoric towards evidence-based criticism, and a troubling “stable blindness” that sidelines the horse’s perspective. We conclude that meaningful reform requires (1) embedding validated behavioural and physical welfare indicators into all competition and pre-competition protocols, (2) transparent, evidence-inclusive rule-making under a precautionary principle, (3) genuine engagement with independent equine welfare experts, and (4) establishment of empowered, impartial oversight bodies to ensure that stated codes of conduct translate into consistent, enforceable practice. Only by catering to the horse’s subjective experiences and applying modern ethological and bioethical standards can equestrian sport retain its social licence and ensure integrity in all areas of competition management. Full article