Evaluation of the effects of performance dentistry on equine rideability: a randomized, blinded, controlled trial.

This research paper examines if performance dentistry has any impact on the rideability of horses, specifically Franches-Montagnes stallions. With a careful study setup, the researchers aimed to untangle the relationship between dental health and rideability of the horses but found no significant correlation.

Study Design and Methodology

• The researchers studied thirty-eight Franches-Montagnes stallions, evaluating their dental health and rideability before and after a dental treatment.
• Initially, all horses had dental examinations by a veterinarian dentist who assigned them a dental malocclusion score.
• The horses were then divided randomly into two groups: Group S (sham treatment) and Group D (performance dentistry with occlusal equilibration).
• Prior to the dental treatment and three times afterwards, the horses were ridden by a professional dressage rider who was not informed about the treatment group of each horse.
• The rideability of the horses was scored on a 27-point scale. This rideability score and the initial malocclusion score were statistically evaluated using Spearman’s coefficient of rank.
• The alterations in the rideability scores over time were assessed via repeated measures ANOVA. A significance level of P < 0.05 was used for the study.

Results of the Study

• According to the results, there was no significant correlation between the dental health of the horses and their rideability prior to the dental treatment (r = 0.06, P = 0.73).
• Post-treatment, there were no noticeable differences in the rideability scores between the two groups, i.e., sham treatment and performance dentistry (P = 0.93).
• Moreover, there was no significant interaction between the treatment group (Group S or Group D) and the progress of time with regard to rideability scores (P = 0.83).

Conclusion

• The study was unable to conclusively demonstrate that performance dentistry positively impacts the rideability of horses as measured by rider scoring.
• The researchers suggest that integrating more objective measurement tools and a longer assessment period might aid in scientifically verifying what is anecdotally believed about the benefits of performance dentistry for the rideability of horses.