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Home / Equine Research Bank / Physiol Behav / Effects of hyperflexion on acute stress responses in ridden ...
Physiology & behavior2014; 128; 39-45; doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.01.024

Effects of hyperflexion on acute stress responses in ridden dressage horses.

Abstract: The effects of hyperflexion on the welfare of dressage horses have been debated. This study aimed to investigate acute stress responses of dressage horses ridden in three different Head-and-Neck-positions (HNPs). Fifteen dressage horses were ridden by their usual rider in a standardised 10-min dressage programme in either the competition frame (CF), hyperflexion ("Low-Deep-and-Round"; LDR) or a looser frame (LF) in a balanced order on three separate test days. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability parameters (HRV), behaviour and rein tension were recorded during the test. Salivary cortisol concentrations were measured 60 min before and 0, 5, 15 and 30 min after the test. Rein tension was significantly lower in LF and did not differ between CF and LDR; however approx. 15% of recordings in CF and LDR were above the sensor detection limit of 5 kg. The horses had significantly higher cortisol concentrations directly after LDR compared to LF. In addition, the horses showed more distinctive head movements, including head waving, during LDR. There were no significant treatment effects on HR and HRV. In conclusion, the results indicate that LDR may be more stressful to these horses during riding.
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2014-02-08 PubMed ID: 24518858DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.01.024Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 article studies the impact of different head and neck positions (HNPs) on the stress levels of dressage horses during riding. The research suggests that a hyperflexion position, known as “Low-Deep-and-Round” (LDR), may cause more stress for the horses compared to other positions.

Methodology

  • The study involved fifteen dressage horses, each ridden by their regular riders. The experiment was spread across three separate test days.
  • During each test, the horses were ridden in one of three different HNPs: the competition frame (CF), the Low-Deep-and-Round (LDR) or a looser frame (LF). Each horse experienced each of the three positions in a balanced order across the test days.
  • The experimental procedure also included a standardized 10-minute dressage programme for the horse and rider to follow.

Data Collection

  • To examine stress responses, the study collected data on heart rate (HR), heart rate variability parameters (HRV), observable horse behaviour, and the tension in the reins.
  • The researchers also measured salivary cortisol concentrations, a bodily marker often used to indicate stress. The horses’ cortisol levels were recorded 60 minutes before the test, and then again at 0, 5, 15, and 30 minutes after the test.

Findings and Conclusion

  • Rein tension was found to be significantly lower in the LF position, with no significant difference between the CF and LDR positions.
  • Roughly 15% of the CF and LDR recordings exceeded the sensor detection limit of 5 kg, suggesting the possible presence of high-stress levels in these positions.
  • Directly after being ridden in the LDR position, horses had significantly higher cortisol concentrations compared to when they were ridden in the LF position.
  • Horses also displayed more distinctive head movements, such as head waving, when in the LDR position.
  • However, there were no significant treatment effects found for HR and HRV between the different HNPs.
  • The study concluded that the LDR position might cause more stress to dressage horses during riding compared to other HNPs.

Cite This Article

APA
Christensen JW, Beekmans M, van Dalum M, VanDierendonck M. (2014). Effects of hyperflexion on acute stress responses in ridden dressage horses. Physiol Behav, 128, 39-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.01.024

Publication

Physiology & behavior
ISSN: 1873-507X
NlmUniqueID: 0151504
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 128
Pages: 39-45

Researcher Affiliations

Christensen, J W
  • Dept. of Animal Science, Aarhus University, P.O. Box 50, 8830 Tjele, Denmark. Electronic address: JanneWinther.Christensen@agrsci.dk.
Beekmans, M
  • Dept. of Biology, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80086, 3564CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
van Dalum, M
  • Dept. of Biology, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80086, 3564CH Utrecht, The Netherlands.
VanDierendonck, M
  • Dept. of Biology, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80086, 3564CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; Veterinary Faculty, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Horses / physiology
  • Horses / psychology
  • Hydrocortisone / analysis
  • Male
  • Movement / physiology
  • Posture / physiology
  • Saliva / chemistry
  • Stress, Physiological / physiology
  • Stress, Psychological / etiology
  • Stress, Psychological / physiopathology

Citations

This article has been cited 21 times.
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