Field study of the efficacy of three types of nose net for the treatment of headshaking in horses.

This study compares the effectiveness of different types of nose nets in decreasing headshaking behaviors in horses. Utilizing a within-subjects repeated measure design, it reported that approximately 75% of horse owners noticed an overall improvement in headshaking behavior with each type of net, and around 60% saw over half the behavior reduced, while 30% reported over 70% reduction.

Research Objectives and Design

• The researchers aimed to compare three types of nose nets: full cylindrical net and two forms of half nets which cover only the nostrils and the upper part of the muzzle.
• The sample size was 30, all of whom owned horses exhibiting seasonal headshaking behavior. Each owner provided data on the overall severity and specific behaviors depicted by their horses.
• Experiment involved each net used for a week before assessing its effects on the headshaking problem.

Results and Findings

• The majority (about 75%) of the participants observed some overall improvements with each net. Around 60% of the owners recorded a 50% or greater improvement, and 30% noted a 70% or more improvement.
• The nets significantly reduced the overall headshaking score and specific behaviors like: up-and-down headshaking, nose flipping, acting as if a bee had flown up the nose, shaking at exercise, shaking when excited, shaking in bright sunlight or windy conditions, striking at the face, shaking at night, rubbing the nose when moving, rubbing the nose on objects, sneezing, shaking in the rain, and shaking indoors.
• No significant effect was found on side-to-side headshaking, shaking at rest or rubbing the nose when stationary. However, the effect on snorting remained uncertain.
• Among the three types of nets, the half nets were found to be significantly better at containing the ‘bee up the nose’ behaviour.
• Owners reported horses older than 10 years were less likely to show a 50% or more improvement in nose flipping and headshaking while exercising.

Conclusion

• The study affirms that nose nets can effectively lessen headshaking behaviors in horses, with slight variations in efficacy observed between different types of nose nets.
• Nevertheless, further research might be needed to further explore the effect of these nose nets on other behaviors and in different environmental conditions.