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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2025; 15(22); 3289; doi: 10.3390/ani15223289

Comparative Analysis of the Stallion Field Performance Test at Different Training Stages and Horse Age.

Abstract: Breeding value estimations of Warmblood horses in Poland are based on field performance, but the amount of stallions' data is still insufficient (334 horses). The first study's aim is to compare stallions' results in different stages and evaluate the overall ability using both stages. The effects on preselection (first stage free movement) and performance tests (second stage under rider) were analyzed separately and together as the overall ability. Spearman correlations were evaluated. The second aim was to evaluate the training period on the results. Due to the pandemic and lack of tests, horses had different training periods during the six years studied. The combined year-place effect, horse specialization group, and birth country had effects on four of twelve traits. The regression on age influenced only the preselection jumping trait ( = 0.04), while the training period influenced canter ( = 0.04) and "success" (passed/or not) in the performance test ( = 0.04). It seems that the training period and horse age are more significant for young horses' performance. The correlations between stages for the same traits are moderate for gaits (<0.53) and low for jumping (<0.3). Thus, at least on a basic phenotypical level, results do not correspond strongly with each other.
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Publication Date: 2025-11-13 PubMed ID: 41301997PubMed Central: PMC12649309DOI: 10.3390/ani15223289Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This research analyzes the performance of Warmblood stallions in Poland at different training stages and ages to better understand their breeding value.
  • It compares early and later performance test results, examines factors influencing these results, and evaluates the impact of training duration and horse age on performance.

Background and Purpose

  • Warmblood horses in Poland undergo field performance tests, which contribute to estimating their breeding value.
  • Currently, data are limited, with only 334 stallions tested, making it important to maximize the information from available tests.
  • The study had two main goals:
    • Compare stallion results across different training stages and assess overall ability by combining these stages.
    • Evaluate the impact of varying training periods and horses’ age on performance outcomes, especially considering disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

  • Data were collected from performance tests over six years, with two main stages:
    • Preselection stage: free movement tests without a rider.
    • Performance test stage: under-rider tests assessing performance with more training.
  • Spearman correlations were calculated between results at different stages for the same traits.
  • Factors analyzed included:
    • The combined effect of the year and test location.
    • Specialization group of horses (different intended discipline or ability focus).
    • Country of birth of the horse.
    • Age and length of the training period, which varied during the pandemic due to fewer tests.
  • Twelve traits were evaluated, including gait quality and jumping ability.

Key Findings

  • Four out of twelve traits were significantly affected by year-place combination, horse specialization, and birth country, showing environmental and genetic influences.
  • Regression analysis found:
    • Age influenced only the jumping ability during preselection (early stage) with a modest effect (p = 0.04).
    • Training period impacted canter performance and the overall success (pass/fail) in the performance test stage (p = 0.04 for both).
  • Training period and age were more important for younger horses’ outcomes, suggesting these factors influence early performance development strongly.
  • Correlations between the two stages for the same traits were:
    • Moderate for gaits, with Spearman correlation coefficients below 0.53.
    • Low for jumping traits, with correlations below 0.3.
  • This indicates that at a basic phenotypic level, early free-movement tests and later under-rider tests do not strongly predict each other, especially in jumping ability.

Implications and Conclusions

  • The weak to moderate correlations imply that different training stages measure somewhat distinct aspects of ability or performance.
  • Relying solely on early preselection test results may not fully capture a stallion’s potential under rider conditions later on.
  • The training period and age effects highlight the importance of considering maturation and sufficient preparation time in evaluating young horses.
  • Breeding value estimations could be improved by integrating results from both stages and adjusting for age and training duration.
  • Future data collection efforts should aim to increase sample size and monitor training consistency for better accuracy in performance prediction.

Cite This Article

APA
Lewczuk D, Borowska A, Andruszkiewicz J, Bagnicka E. (2025). Comparative Analysis of the Stallion Field Performance Test at Different Training Stages and Horse Age. Animals (Basel), 15(22), 3289. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15223289

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 22
PII: 3289

Researcher Affiliations

Lewczuk, Dorota
  • Institute of Genetic and Animal Biotechnology PASN Jastrzębiec, Postepu 36A, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland.
Borowska, Alicja
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Live Sciences, Poznań, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznań, Poland.
Andruszkiewicz, Julia
  • Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Live Sciences, Poznań, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznań, Poland.
Bagnicka, Emilia
  • Institute of Genetic and Animal Biotechnology PASN Jastrzębiec, Postepu 36A, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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