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Human direct actions may alter animal welfare, a study on horses (Equus caballus).
Abstract: Back pain is the cause of bad welfare in humans and animals. Although vertebral problems are regularly reported on riding horses, these problems are not always identified nor noticed enough to prevent these horses to be used for work. Results: Nineteen horses from two riding centres were submitted to chiropractic examinations performed by an experienced chiropractor and both horses' and riders' postures were observed during a riding lesson. The results show that 74% of horses were severely affected by vertebral problems, while only 26% were mildly or not affected. The degree of vertebral problems identified at rest was statistically correlated with horses' attitudes at work (neck height and curve), and horses' attitudes at work were clearly correlated with riders' positions. Clear differences appeared between schools concerning both riders' and horses' postures, and the analysis of the teachers' speech content and duration highlighted differences in the attention devoted to the riders' position. Conclusions: These findings are to our knowledge the first to underline the impact of riding on horses' back problems and the importance of teaching proper balance to beginner riders in order to increase animals' welfare.
Publication Date: PubMed ID: 20442766 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.
Summary
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The article investigates how human actions during riding can impact the health of horses, specifically their spinal health. The study finds significant correlation between riding postures and horses’ back problems, stressing the importance of proper riding techniques for the welfare of the animal.
Study Approach
The researchers conducted chiropractic examinations on nineteen horses from two riding centres. The horses’ posture and the riding techniques of their riders were observed during a lesson. The study was designed to understand the relationship between riding postures, vertebral problems in horses, and the methods of training imparted to the riders at the riding centres.
Key Findings
- The study found that a majority of the horses (74%) suffered from severe vertebral problems.
- Only 26% of the horses were mildly affected or unaffected.
- The severity of the vertebral problems identified in horses at rest was statistically correlated with their posture at work (how they held their neck height and curve).
- The horses’ work postures were also found to be influenced by the riding posture of their riders. In essence, the riders’ positions significantly impacted the horses’ back health.
- There were noticeable disparities between the two riding schools with regard to the posture of the riders and the horses, and the attention devoted to teaching correct riding posture.
Conclusions
The findings of this research are important as they are among the first to highlight the impact of horse riding on equine back health. They underscore the significance of teaching appropriate riding balance to beginners, which becomes crucial for the welfare of the horses. The study concludes by pressing the need for more attention on riders’ training methods to mitigate the risk of spinal problems in horses due to improper riding techniques.
Cite This Article
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Human direct actions may alter animal welfare, a study on horses (Equus caballus).
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Citations
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