FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2023; 13(3); 396; doi: 10.3390/ani13030396

Cortisol Variations to Estimate the Physiological Stress Response in Horses at a Traditional Equestrian Event.

Abstract: In many countries, horses remain involved in traditional equestrian events such as those celebrated in Menorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) every year since at least the 14th century. The present study aimed to evaluate the variations in salivary cortisol concentrations to estimate the physiological stress response in horses at the Menorca patronal festivals. Two different editions (years 2016 and 2018) of the festivals in honor of the Virgin of Grace in Maó (Menorca, Spain) were studied. Nineteen and seventeen Pure Breed Menorca stallions were included in the study, respectively. The stallions were aged between seven and twelve years. During celebrations, samples were collected before the start of the festivals between 8-9 a.m. and during the festivals at 8-9 p.m. On the second day of celebrations, the samples were collected at 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. Finally, on the day after the festivals, one sample was collected at 8-9 p.m. Additionally, a control group was sampled at 8-9 a.m., 3-4 p.m., and 8-9 p.m. Salivary cortisol concentrations were assessed by using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit specially validated to quantify salivary cortisol in horses. Salivary cortisol concentrations did not show significant differences between sampling hours in the control group ( > 0.05). All the samples collected during festivals were significantly higher than samples of the control group ( 0.05). Hence, the present study describes that the participation of the horses in these particular acts generate an acute and transitory stress response. Overall, the current work provides a reasonable basis for future research on the stress physiology and well-being of horses participating in traditional celebrations or similar events.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2023-01-24 PubMed ID: 36766285PubMed Central: PMC9913708DOI: 10.3390/ani13030396Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

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.

The research article discusses a study that evaluates the stress levels in horses, measured by variations in salivary cortisol levels, during traditional equestrian events in Menorca, Spain. The findings suggest a temporary increase in stress during the events, with cortisol levels returning to normal after the festivities.

Research Study Context

  • The study is conducted within the context of traditional equestrian events held annually in Menorca, Spain, tracking two different editions of the festivals in 2016 and 2018.
  • These events have been part of the local culture since the 14th century, providing a unique environment to study stress responses in horses related to specific activities.
  • Studied horses were Pure Breed Menorca stallions aged between seven and twelve years.

Method of Data Collection

  • The researchers collected salivary samples from the horses before, during, and after the festivals at specified times.
  • To form a baseline for comparison, a control group of horses not involved in the festivities was also sampled at the same times.
  • These samples were analyzed using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit that had been previously validated for use in quantifying cortisol levels in horses.

Key Findings

  • The study found no significant differences in cortisol levels among the control group samples, implying that the sample timings (morning, afternoon, and evening) do not inherently affect those levels.
  • Salivary cortisol concentrations in the horses during the festivals were significantly higher than those in the control group, indicating an increased stress response associated with participation in the events.
  • However, these cortisol levels returned to baseline within twenty-four hours after the end of the festivities, suggesting the induced stress was transitory and acute, rather than chronic.

Significance and Implications of the Study

  • The study’s results provide concrete physiological evidence of an increase and subsequent decrease in stress levels in horses participating in traditional equestrian events.
  • These findings can inform future research on the impact of such events on the well-being and physiologic responses of horses.
  • The study also demonstrates the utility of salivary cortisol measurement as a non-invasive and time-sensitive indicator of stress response in horses, reinforcing its use in research and veterinary practice.

Cite This Article

APA
Olvera-Maneu S, Carbajal A, Serres-Corral P, López-Béjar M. (2023). Cortisol Variations to Estimate the Physiological Stress Response in Horses at a Traditional Equestrian Event. Animals (Basel), 13(3), 396. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13030396

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 3
PII: 396

Researcher Affiliations

Olvera-Maneu, Sergi
  • Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
Carbajal, Annaïs
  • Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
Serres-Corral, Paula
  • Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
López-Béjar, Manel
  • Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA.

Conflict of Interest Statement

None of the authors have any competing interests that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper.

References

This article includes 48 references
  1. Pazzola M, Pira E, Sedda G, Vacca GM, Cocco R, Sechi S, Bonelli P, Nicolussi P. Responses of hematological parameters, beta-endorphin, cortisol, reactive oxygen metabolites, and biological antioxidant potential in horses participating in a traditional tournament.. J Anim Sci 2015 Apr;93(4):1573-80.
    doi: 10.2527/jas.2014-8341pubmed: 26020179google scholar: lookup
  2. Solé M, Gómez M.D, Galisteo A.M, Santos R, Valera M. Kinematic Characterization of the Menorca Horse at the Walk and the Trot: Influence of Hind Limb Pastern Angle. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2013;33:726–732.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.12.002google scholar: lookup
  3. Bartolomé E, Cockram M.S. Potential Effects of Stress on the Performance of Sport Horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2016;40:84–93.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.01.016google scholar: lookup
  4. Arfuso F, Giudice E, Panzera M, Rizzo M, Fazio F, Piccione G, Giannetto C. Interleukin-1Ra (Il-1Ra) and serum cortisol level relationship in horse as dynamic adaptive response during physical exercise.. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2022 Jan;243:110368.
    doi: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2021.110368pubmed: 34922262google scholar: lookup
  5. Arfuso F, Giannetto C, Giudice E, Fazio F, Panzera M, Piccione G. Peripheral Modulators of the Central Fatigue Development and Their Relationship with Athletic Performance in Jumper Horses.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Mar 8;11(3).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11030743pmc: PMC8002136pubmed: 33800520google scholar: lookup
  6. Becker-Birck M, Schmidt A, Wulf M, Aurich J, von der Wense A, Möstl E, Berz R, Aurich C. Cortisol release, heart rate and heart rate variability, and superficial body temperature, in horses lunged either with hyperflexion of the neck or with an extended head and neck position.. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2013 Apr;97(2):322-30.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2012.01274.xpubmed: 22320155google scholar: lookup
  7. Sheriff MJ, Dantzer B, Delehanty B, Palme R, Boonstra R. Measuring stress in wildlife: techniques for quantifying glucocorticoids.. Oecologia 2011 Aug;166(4):869-87.
    doi: 10.1007/s00442-011-1943-ypubmed: 21344254google scholar: lookup
  8. Möstl E, Palme R. Hormones as indicators of stress.. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2002 Jul;23(1-2):67-74.
    doi: 10.1016/S0739-7240(02)00146-7pubmed: 12142227google scholar: lookup
  9. Ferlazzo A, Cravana C, Fazio E, Medica P. The different hormonal system during exercise stress coping in horses.. Vet World 2020 May;13(5):847-859.
    doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.847-859pmc: PMC7311877pubmed: 32636578google scholar: lookup
  10. Casella S, Vazzana I, Giudice E, Fazio F, Piccione G. Relationship between serum cortisol levels and some physiological parameters following reining training session in horse.. Anim Sci J 2016 May;87(5):729-35.
    doi: 10.1111/asj.12478pubmed: 26419874google scholar: lookup
  11. Yarnell K, Hall C, Billett E. An assessment of the aversive nature of an animal management procedure (clipping) using behavioral and physiological measures.. Physiol Behav 2013 Jun 13;118:32-9.
    doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.05.013pubmed: 23685232google scholar: lookup
  12. Arfuso F, Acri G, Piccione G, Sansotta C, Fazio F, Giudice E, Giannetto C. Eye surface infrared thermography usefulness as a noninvasive method of measuring stress response in sheep during shearing: Correlations with serum cortisol and rectal temperature values.. Physiol Behav 2022 Jun 1;250:113781.
    doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113781pubmed: 35314176google scholar: lookup
  13. Kędzierski W, Strzelec K, Cywińska A, Kowalik S. Salivary Cortisol Concentration in Exercised Thoroughbred Horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2013;33:1106–1109.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2013.04.011google scholar: lookup
  14. Bohák Z, Szabó F, Beckers JF, Melo de Sousa N, Kutasi O, Nagy K, Szenci O. Monitoring the circadian rhythm of serum and salivary cortisol concentrations in the horse.. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2013 Jul;45(1):38-42.
    doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2013.04.001pubmed: 23688596google scholar: lookup
  15. Murphy BA. Circadian and Circannual Regulation in the Horse: Internal Timing in an Elite Athlete.. J Equine Vet Sci 2019 May;76:14-24.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.02.026pubmed: 31084748google scholar: lookup
  16. Peeters M, Sulon J, Beckers JF, Ledoux D, Vandenheede M. Comparison between blood serum and salivary cortisol concentrations in horses using an adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge.. Equine Vet J 2011 Jul;43(4):487-93.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00294.xpubmed: 21496072google scholar: lookup
  17. Waran N, Randle H. What we can measure, we can manage: The importance of using robust welfare indicators in Equitation Science. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2017;190:74–81.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.02.016google scholar: lookup
  18. Palme R. Monitoring stress hormone metabolites as a useful, non-invasive tool for welfare assessment in farm animals. Anim. Welf. 2012;21:331–337.
    doi: 10.7120/09627286.21.3.331google scholar: lookup
  19. Contreras-Aguilar MD, Hevia ML, Escribano D, Lamy E, Tecles F, Cerón JJ. Effect of food contamination and collection material in the measurement of biomarkers in saliva of horses.. Res Vet Sci 2020 Apr;129:90-95.
    doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.01.006pubmed: 31954319google scholar: lookup
  20. Peeters M, Closson C, Beckers J.F, Vandenheede M. Rider and Horse Salivary Cortisol Levels During Competition and Impact on Performance. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2013;33:155–160.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.05.073google scholar: lookup
  21. Christensen JW, Beekmans M, van Dalum M, VanDierendonck M. Effects of hyperflexion on acute stress responses in ridden dressage horses.. Physiol Behav 2014 Apr 10;128:39-45.
    doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.01.024pubmed: 24518858google scholar: lookup
  22. Peeters M, Sulon J, Serteyn D, Vandenheede M. Assessment of stress level in horses during competition using salivary cortisol: Preliminary studies. J. Vet. Behav. 2010;5:216.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2009.10.043google scholar: lookup
  23. Strzelec K, Kedzierski W, Bereznowski A, Janczarek I, Bocian K, Radosz M. Salivary cortisol levels in horses and their riders during three-day-events. Bull. Vet. Inst. Pulawy. 2013;57:237–241.
    doi: 10.2478/bvip-2013-0042google scholar: lookup
  24. Długosz B, Próchniak T, Stefaniuk-Szmukier M, Basiaga M, Łuszczyńśki J, Pieszka M. Assessment of changes in the saliva cortisol level of horses during different ways in recreational exploitation. Turk. J. Vet. Anim. Sci. 2020;44:757–762.
    doi: 10.3906/vet-2003-57google scholar: lookup
  25. Strzelec K, Kankofer M, Pietrzak S. Cortisol concentration in the saliva of horses subjected to different kinds of exercise. Acta Vet. Brno. 2011;80:101–105.
    doi: 10.2754/avb201180010101google scholar: lookup
  26. Kang OD, Lee WS. Changes in Salivary Cortisol Concentration in Horses during Different Types of Exercise.. Asian-Australas J Anim Sci 2016 May;29(5):747-52.
    doi: 10.5713/ajas.16.0009pmc: PMC4852239pubmed: 26954193google scholar: lookup
  27. Kędzierski W, Cywińska A, Strzelec K, Kowalik S. Changes in salivary and plasma cortisol levels in Purebred Arabian horses during race training session.. Anim Sci J 2014 Mar;85(3):313-7.
    doi: 10.1111/asj.12146pubmed: 24261657google scholar: lookup
  28. Witkowska-Piłaszewicz O, Grzędzicka J, Seń J, Czopowicz M, Żmigrodzka M, Winnicka A, Cywińska A, Carter C. Stress response after race and endurance training sessions and competitions in Arabian horses.. Prev Vet Med 2021 Mar;188:105265.
    doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105265pubmed: 33497894google scholar: lookup
  29. Schmidt A, Aurich J, Möstl E, Müller J, Aurich C. Changes in cortisol release and heart rate and heart rate variability during the initial training of 3-year-old sport horses.. Horm Behav 2010 Sep;58(4):628-36.
    doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.06.011pubmed: 20600048google scholar: lookup
  30. Carroll CL, Huntington PJ. Body condition scoring and weight estimation of horses.. Equine Vet J 1988 Jan;20(1):41-5.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1988.tb01451.xpubmed: 3366105google scholar: lookup
  31. Buchanan K.L, Goldsmith A.R. Noninvasive endocrine data for behavioural studies: The importance of validation. Anim. Behav. 2004;67:183–185.
    doi: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2003.09.002google scholar: lookup
  32. Olvera-Maneu S, Carbajal A, Gardela J, Lopez-Bejar M. Hair Cortisol, Testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate and Their Ratios in Stallions as a Retrospective Measure of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axes Activity: Exploring the Influence of Seasonality.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jul 25;11(8).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11082202pmc: PMC8388521pubmed: 34438659google scholar: lookup
  33. Contreras-Aguilar MD, Lamy E, Escribano D, Cerón JJ, Tecles F, Quiles AJ, Hevia ML. Changes in Salivary Analytes of Horses Due to Circadian Rhythm and Season: A Pilot Study.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Aug 24;10(9).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10091486pmc: PMC7552333pubmed: 32846911google scholar: lookup
  34. Aurich J, Wulf M, Ille N, Erber R, von Lewinski M, Palme R, Aurich C. Effects of season, age, sex, and housing on salivary cortisol concentrations in horses.. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2015 Jul;52:11-6.
    doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2015.01.003pubmed: 25700267google scholar: lookup
  35. Smiet E, Van Dierendonck MC, Sleutjens J, Menheere PP, van Breda E, de Boer D, Back W, Wijnberg ID, van der Kolk JH. Effect of different head and neck positions on behaviour, heart rate variability and cortisol levels in lunged Royal Dutch Sport horses.. Vet J 2014 Oct;202(1):26-32.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.07.005pubmed: 25127376google scholar: lookup
  36. Cordero M, Brorsen BW, McFarlane D. Circadian and circannual rhythms of cortisol, ACTH, and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in healthy horses.. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2012 Nov;43(4):317-24.
    doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2012.05.005pubmed: 22717182google scholar: lookup
  37. Irvine CH, Alexander SL. Factors affecting the circadian rhythm in plasma cortisol concentrations in the horse.. Domest Anim Endocrinol 1994 Apr;11(2):227-38.
    doi: 10.1016/0739-7240(94)90030-2pubmed: 8045104google scholar: lookup
  38. Lassourd V, Gayrard V, Laroute V, Alvinerie M, Benard P, Courtot D, Toutain PL. Cortisol disposition and production rate in horses during rest and exercise.. Am J Physiol 1996 Jul;271(1 Pt 2):R25-33.
    doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.1996.271.1.R25pubmed: 8760200google scholar: lookup
  39. Schmidt A, Biau S, Möstl E, Becker-Birck M, Morillon B, Aurich J, Faure JM, Aurich C. Changes in cortisol release and heart rate variability in sport horses during long-distance road transport.. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2010 Apr;38(3):179-89.
    doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2009.10.002pubmed: 19962266google scholar: lookup
  40. Bohák Z, Harnos A, Joó K, Szenci O, Kovács L. Anticipatory response before competition in Standardbred racehorses.. PLoS One 2018;13(8):e0201691.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201691pmc: PMC6072081pubmed: 30071079google scholar: lookup
  41. Ono A, Matsuura A, Yamazaki Y, Sakai W, Watanabe K, Nakanowatari T, Kobayashi H, Irimajiri M, Hodate K. Influence of riders' skill on plasma cortisol levels of horses walking on forest and field trekking courses.. Anim Sci J 2017 Oct;88(10):1629-1635.
    doi: 10.1111/asj.12801pubmed: 28402026google scholar: lookup
  42. Munk R, Jensen RB, Palme R, Munksgaard L, Christensen JW. An exploratory study of competition scores and salivary cortisol concentrations in Warmblood horses.. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2017 Oct;61:108-116.
    doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2017.06.007pubmed: 28800426google scholar: lookup
  43. Viru A, Viru M. Cortisol--essential adaptation hormone in exercise.. Int J Sports Med 2004 Aug;25(6):461-4.
    doi: 10.1055/s-2004-821068pubmed: 15346236google scholar: lookup
  44. Peckett AJ, Wright DC, Riddell MC. The effects of glucocorticoids on adipose tissue lipid metabolism.. Metabolism 2011 Nov;60(11):1500-10.
    doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2011.06.012pubmed: 21864867google scholar: lookup
  45. Rabasa C, Dickson S.L. Impact of stress on metabolism and energy balance. Curr. Opin. Behav. Sci. 2016;9:71–77.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2016.01.011google scholar: lookup
  46. von Lewinski M, Biau S, Erber R, Ille N, Aurich J, Faure JM, Möstl E, Aurich C. Cortisol release, heart rate and heart rate variability in the horse and its rider: different responses to training and performance.. Vet J 2013 Aug;197(2):229-32.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.12.025pubmed: 23380228google scholar: lookup
  47. Ille N, Von Lewinski M, Erber R, Wulf M, Aurich J, Möstl E, Aurich C. Effects of the level of experience of horses and their riders on cortisol release, heart rate and heart-rate variability during a jumping course. Anim. Welf. 2013;22:457–465.
    doi: 10.7120/09627286.22.4.457google scholar: lookup
  48. Schmidt A, Möstl E, Wehnert C, Aurich J, Müller J, Aurich C. Cortisol release and heart rate variability in horses during road transport.. Horm Behav 2010 Feb;57(2):209-15.
    doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.11.003pubmed: 19944105google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Nowak AC, Macho-Maschler S, Biermann NM, Palme R, Dengler F. Investigating the interplay of stressors and health in horses through fecal cortisol metabolite analysis. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1545577.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1545577pubmed: 40264993google scholar: lookup
  2. Arias-Esquivel AM, Moscoso E, Umaña D, Arguedas M, Solano D, Durán G, Gómez A, Gutiérrez JM, León G. Stress levels, hematological condition, and productivity of plasma-producing horses used for snake antivenom manufacture: A comparison of two industrial bleeding methods. Toxicon X 2024 Dec;24:100212.
    doi: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2024.100212pubmed: 39525403google scholar: lookup
  3. Ghezzi MD, Ceriani MC, Domínguez-Oliva A, Lendez PA, Olmos-Hernández A, Casas-Alvarado A, Hernández-Avalos I. Use of Infrared Thermography and Heart Rate Variability to Evaluate Autonomic Activity in Domestic Animals. Animals (Basel) 2024 May 1;14(9).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14091366pubmed: 38731370google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,824 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.