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Topic:Equestrian
"Equestrian" encompasses the study and practice of horse riding, management, and care. This field covers a wide range of topics, including equine anatomy, physiology, behavior, nutrition, and training techniques. It also addresses the various disciplines within equestrian sports, such as dressage, show jumping, eventing, and endurance riding. Research within this area often focuses on improving horse welfare, enhancing performance, and understanding the human-animal bond in equestrian contexts. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the diverse aspects of equestrian activities and horse management, aiming to provide insights into best practices and advancements in the field.
A review of the equine suspensory ligament: Injury prone yet understudied. The suspensory ligament (SL) is a key component of the elaborate and highly adapted suspensory apparatus in the horse. In addition to contributing to stabilisation of the metacarpophalangeal joint, the SL has a spring like function to reduce the energetic cost of locomotion. Although the SL is highly prone to injury in horses of all ages and competing in a wide range of disciplines, knowledge regarding fundamental structure-function relationships in the SL is lacking, particularly compared with other injury-prone tendinous structures such as the superficial digital flexor tendon. In this revie...
Injury Patterns and Associated Demographic Characteristics in Children with a Fracture from Equines: A US National Based Study. Fractures often occur due to equestrian activities with injury patterns varying by age. The purpose of this study was to investigate in detail fracture patterns and associated demographics in children due to equine activities. Methods: The US National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was queried for all injuries with the consumer product code 1239 (horseback riding) from 2000 to 2023. Those <16 years old with fractures were extracted. Statistical analyses were performed with SUDAAN 11.0.01™ software to obtain national estimates. Results: There were an estimated 101,677 patients with a f...
Twelve-year review of horse-related trauma registry presentations to a regional Australian Emergency Department. The size, strength, and unpredictability of horses, makes any interaction a potential situation for minor to severe injury. Despite this, horses continue to be popular for work and recreational activities. There have been five recent Australian publications that have examined various aspects of horse-related trauma, but none have been conducted in regional New South Wales (NSW). This study aims to report on the pattern of horse-related trauma that met the Institute of Trauma Injury Management's (ITIM) Trauma Registry criteria for people who presented to the emergency department at a regional N...
How well can you tell? Success of human categorisation of horse behavioural responses depicted in media. Horses employ a range of subtle to overt behaviours to communicate their current affective state. Humans who are more cognisant of their own bodily sensations may be more attuned to recognising affective states in horses () thereby promoting positive human-horse interactions. This study investigated human ability to categorise human-horse interactions depicted in media relative to equine behaviour experts and compared participant scores to their level of interoception. Using an online survey, participants (n = 534) categorised 31 photographs and videos as (overt) positive, likely (subtle) posi...
The Role of the Equestrian Professional in Bridle and Bit Fit in the United Kingdom. To ensure the comfort of ridden horses, equipment including bridles and bits should be suitable and fit correctly. Horse owners employ a variety of equestrian professionals with varying degrees of responsibility regarding bridle and bit fit. This study aimed to compare the frequency and manner in which equestrian professionals within a multidisciplinary team (MDT) engage with clients on matters of bridle and bit fit, and to capture their perceptions of the key issues in bridle and bit fit. The participants completed an online questionnaire to obtain information regarding participant demographi...
Does Equestrian Helmet Type Affect Head Injury? A Study on Equestrian Helmet Use Among Collegiate Athletes. To characterize helmet use, head injury risk, and to examine rider-related factors that influence these variables. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The University of Alabama at Birmingham Equestrian Sports Medicine Collaborative. Methods: In total, 357 equestrians competing at the collegiate level participated in this study. Unassigned: χ 2 tests were used to evaluate potential associations between a rider's experience level, riding style, and use of helmet designed with MIPS with number of falls, past head injuries, and helmet use frequency. Methods: Data regarding helmet use and equ...
Rein tensions and behaviour with five rein types in international-level vaulting horses. Health and performance of vaulting horses cantering with reins might be affected by rein tensions. The primary aim of this present study was to measure rein and lunge line tensions in international-level vaulting horses with several types of reins adjusted in accordance with the requirements of the FEI Vaulting Rules and study the effect of reins types on it. The secondary aim was to evaluate behavioural signs of discomfort under the same conditions and study the effect of reins types on it. The relationship between tensions and behavioural signs of discomfort was then explored. Thirty-nine in...
Equestrian-associated injuries of the hand: a retrospective analysis of injury mechanisms and patterns. Hand injuries are frequently caused by sports and are associated with long periods of inability to work and high economic health costs. After ball sports and cycling, the most common cause of hand injuries is horseback riding. Therefore, measures should be taken to prevent these risks and increase safety in sports, however data characterizing equestrian sports-associated injuries are limited. Methods: A retrospective monocentric cohort study was performed including 39 patients (mean age: 35 ± 2.6 (range 9-65) years, female 89.7% who sustained an injury to the hand while practicing equestr...
Hoof slip duration at impact in galloping Thoroughbred ex-racehorses trialling eight shoe-surface combinations. Horseshoes used during racing are a major determinant of safety as they play a critical role in providing traction with the ground surface. Although excessive hoof slip is detrimental and can predispose to instabilities, falls and injuries, some slip is essential to dissipate energy and lower stresses on the limb tissues during initial loading. This study aimed to quantify hoof slip duration in retired Thoroughbred racehorses galloping over turf and artificial (Martin Collins Activ-Track) tracks at the British Racing School in the following four shoeing conditions: 1) aluminium; 2) steel; 3) G...
Hyperflexing the horse’s neck: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The article reports a meta-analysis of 58 peer-reviewed studies investigating on dorsoventral hyperflexion of the neck in horses, a practice under substantial public and scientific scrutiny for the past two decades. The following databases were last searched on 28.05.2023: CAB, Google Scholar, Web of Science, NAL/Agricola, PubMed and ScienceDirect. After evaluating the conclusions of each study, we performed statistical analyses to establish a consensus on welfare and performance (performance marks, kinematics and musculoskeletal) outcomes in horses performing with a hyperflexed head and neck ...
Welfare assessment of stabled horses in five equestrian disciplines. In Serbia, at present, there is very little information about the welfare of horses. The aim of this study was to identify the main welfare issues likely to be encountered in five different categories of horses (Western riding horses, riding school horses, leisure horses, jumping horses, and endurance horses) kept in stabled housing systems. A total of 50 horses were evaluated using the Animal Welfare Indicator (AWIN) welfare assessment protocol for horses. Identified welfare issues in horses were inadequate box dimensions (52%, 26/50), insufficient quantity of bedding material (34%, 17/50), d...
2022 Equine Community Needs Assessment Survey. To stay up-to-date with the demographics, interests, and needs of the equine community, equine extension programs commonly conduct so called "needs assessment surveys". The main goals of the 2022 Rutgers Equine Science Center (ESC) needs assessment survey were to: 1) characterize the equine community, 2) identify information sources used by the equine community, 3) assess the usefulness of selected equine-related services and programs, and 4) determine the perceived importance of selected equine-related issues. An anonymous online survey was distributed through the Rutgers ESC's email list, a ...
Gene doping in horse racing and equine sports: Current landscape and future perspectives. Gene doping, the use of gene therapy or genetic manipulation to enhance athletic performance, has emerged as a potential threat to the integrity and welfare of equine sports, such as horse racing and equestrian sports. This review aims to provide an overview of gene doping in horses, including the underlying technologies, potential applications, detection methods, ethical concerns and future perspectives. By understanding the current landscape of gene doping in horses, stakeholders can work together to develop strategies to safeguard the integrity of equine sports.
Outbreak of dermatophilosis in horses possibly transmitted by sharing riding equipment. The aim of this study is to describe an outbreak of dermatophilosis at an equestrian center in Castilla la Mancha (central Spain), which affected 16.6% (5/30) of the animals. Research was carried out to establish the mode of transmission and spread to other horses in the herd. Clinical features, diagnostic methods and treatment are also described. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever um surto de dermatofilose em um centro equestre em Castilla la Mancha (centro da Espanha), no qual 16,6% (5/30) dos animais foram afetados. Foi realizada uma pesquisa para estabelecer o modo de transmissão e a di...
Characteristics of equestrian accidents and injuries leading to permanent medical impairment. Equestrian sports, also referred to as equestrianism, is practiced all over the world and a popular leisure activity in Sweden. Equestrianism is the country's second-largest youth sport, and previous studies indicate that accidents are common in equestrianism. However, few previous studies have examined acute equestrian injuries leading to permanent medical impairment (PMI). Methods: By using nationwide insurance data comprising all injured equestrians registered in the Swedish Equestrian Federation, the aim was to analyse characteristics of equestrian accidents and particularly injuries leadi...
Horse Owners’ Knowledge of Fundamental Care and their Perceptions on the Implementation of a Mandatory Certificate of Knowledge. The aims of this study were to first determine the extent of owners' fundamental knowledge of equine care, second, gain their opinions on the implementation of a mandatory certificate of knowledge and third, to investigate the association of certification on horse owner knowledge. An online survey comprising 23 questions (18 closed, 5 open) was distributed worldwide via snowball sampling, and completed by 1847 horse owners who were all ≥18 years old from 17 different countries. Almost all (96%, n = 1781) completed surveys were usable. Just over half (52%) of participants held a curre...
The Role of Equestrian Professionals in Saddle Fit for Horses and Riders in the United Kingdom. The horse owner and the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) are responsible for safeguarding horse welfare by ensuring the equipment being used is correctly fitted. The aim of this study was to investigate how saddle fit is assessed, managed, and acted upon by equestrian professionals. Participants ( = 483) completed an online questionnaire, which was split into three major sections: (1) participant demographics; (2) saddle fit for the horse; and (3) saddle fit for the rider. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis, and univariable and multivariable analyses were performed ( < 0.05). Inductive con...
2D Kinematic Analysis of the Esbarrada and Volta Sobre Patas Manoeuvres of Criollo Breed Horses Competing in Freio de Ouro. The esbarrada and volta sobre patas manoeuvres are critical in Criollo horse equestrian activities, yet their kinematics remain largely unexplored. This observational study aimed to kinematically describe the manoeuvres in Criollo breed horses and explore the relationship between static goniometry and dynamics. A 2D kinematic analysis was conducted on 31 Criollo horses performing the manoeuvres using high-speed cameras. Joint angles were measured using static goniometry and analysed in relation to dynamic performance. The esbarrada covered a distance of 4.28 ± 0.99 m in 1.15 ± 0.11 s at a ve...
“How long is life worth living for the horse?” A focus group study on how Austrian equine stakeholders assess quality of life for chronically ill or old horses. Quality of life (QoL) provides a comprehensive concept underpinning veterinary decision-making that encompasses factors beyond physical health. It becomes particularly pertinent when seeking responsible choices for chronically ill or old horses that emphasise their well-being and a good QoL over the extension of life. How different stakeholders use the concept of QoL is highly relevant when considering the complexity of these decisions in real-life situations. Methods: Seven focus group discussions (N = 39) were conducted to gain insights into how stakeholders assess and use equine QoL in ...
Prevalence of movement asymmetries in high-performing riding horses perceived as free from lameness and riders’ perception of horse sidedness. A high proportion of horses in training, perceived as free from lameness by their owner, exhibit vertical movement asymmetries. These types of asymmetries are sensitive measures of lameness, but their specificity as indicators of orthopaedic pathology or locomotor function remains unclear. Equine athletes performing at a high level could be assumed to exhibit a higher degree of movement symmetry compared with the general horse population, but this has not been confirmed. This study investigated the prevalence of movement asymmetries in horses performing at a high level in three equestrian disc...
The efficacy of an eight-week exercise program for the management of chronic low back pain in the equestrian population. Equestrians (horse riders) are more susceptible to low back pain than the general population due to loads placed on their bodies during the activity. A specific eight-week exercise intervention program targeting the muscles used during horse riding was implemented for a group of equestrians with low back pain. Methods: Volunteers were invited to participate in the study through social media posts in Melbourne, Australia. The participants were required to complete an exercise screening test prior to enrolment in the study to ensure they were suitable to participate in the iteration program. Par...
Should the use of omeprazole be allowed during equestrian competition? Prioritising equine welfare, making evidenced-based policy, and consistent decision-making across sports are crucial to maintaining the social licence for equestrian sport. Regulations on the use of omeprazole during competition differ; all regulators argue that their rules prioritise welfare. This discrepancy is a matter of concern to the public and equestrian stakeholders. Objective: To apply Campbell's Ethical Framework for the use of Horses in Sport to the question: 'Should the use of omeprazole be allowed during equestrian competition?' Methods: A desk-based ethico-legal study. Methods: C...
Detection of nonsteroidal and steroidal selective androgen receptor modulators in equine hair after oral administrations. This paper describes the detections of nonsteroidal and steroidal selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), namely, RAD140 and YK-11, in mane hair collected from horses having been orally administered with the respective drugs. SARMs are potent anabolic agents with a high potential of misuse in horseracing and equestrian sports, and the misuses of RAD140 and YK-11 in human sports have been reported. To better control the misuse of RAD140 and YK-11 in horses, two separate oral administration studies of RAD140 (0.3 mg/kg daily for 3 days) and YK-11 (0.2 mg/kg daily for 3 days) were pre...
In the Eye of the Beholder-Visual Search Behavior in Equestrian Dressage Judges. This study investigated the visual search behavior of equestrian dressage judges at different expertise levels during the assessment of Grand Prix horse-rider combinations. Twenty judges (11 foundational level, 9 advanced level) participated in the study, with their eye movements recorded using Tobii Fusion Eyetracker as they evaluated video recordings of dressage tests. Fixation metrics, namely Total Duration of Fixation (TDF), Average Duration of Fixation (ADF), and Total Number of Fixations (TNF), were analyzed across four Areas of Interest (AOIs): front, back, rider, and horse's feet. Stat...
A demographic and performance assessment of horses used in draw-based Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association competitions. Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) competitions evaluate riders on equitation and skills when riding randomly drawn horses. This study considered demographic and competition-related variables of horses involved in IHSA competitions, and their correlation to performance through points accumulated. Demographics were recorded for fifty-nine horses in two-day Hunter Seat and Western IHSA shows along with use of artificial riding aids, day of competition, number of rides, and points, to evaluate performance. Data were analyzed using a mixed effect model and correlation coefficients with ...
Globetrotting Horses: Welfare Discourses and Disciplinary Power in the Transportation of Horses by Air. Every year, many horses are transported by air. Alongside sport horses traveling to tournaments worldwide, mainly breeding horses, such as shuttle stallions and broodmares, thoroughbreds traded at auctions, and leisure horses are transported by air. Research in veterinary science has highlighted welfare concerns during air transportation. Equine welfare is constituted in the language and discourse evolving from social, political, and ethical views about the treatment of horses. Consequently, this study targets power in creating equine welfare by analyzing the welfare discourses, transportation...
A survey of general road transportation: How and why horses are transported in the U.S. Horses are regularly transported in the United States (U.S.); however, how, and why horses travel by road has not been explored. Consequently, an online nationwide survey was conducted to understand 1) the most common reasons for travel; 2) the types of journeys undertaken when being transported by road in the U.S. and 3) the general management practices when transporting for 3 hours or less. Responses were collected from 1294 participants with at least one response from every state in the continental U.S. The most common survey taker was a female (93.9%), adult amateur (81.2%), horse owner (6...
Determination of Equine Behaviour in Subjectively Non-Lame Ridden Sports Horses and Comparison with Lame Sports Horses Evaluated at Competitions. The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) was developed to facilitate the identification of musculoskeletal pain. The aim of the current study was to collate behavioural data using the RHpE from horses at competitions assumed by their owners and/or riders to be fit for competition. The objectives were to quantify the frequency of occurrence of behaviours in pain-free horses and those with lameness or abnormalities of canter and to determine any differences between disciplines and levels of competition. The RHpE was applied to 1358 horses competing in Grand Prix (GP) dressage (n = 211), 5* three-da...
Exploring the relationship between horse-owner attributes and their approach to horse training. The way horses are trained has implications for equine welfare and training success, yet little is known about the factors that influence horse-owners' choice of training approach (TA). Limited understanding in this area will hinder the development and dissemination of evidence-based training advice to owners. Consequently, this study aims to identify demographic and attitudinal factors that influence horse-owner TA selection. A 22-question online survey collected information from 1,593 horse-owners about their demographics, equestrian activities, goals and beliefs. Participants rated how like...
