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PloS one2015; 10(6); e0131880; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131880

Human Preferences for Conformation Attributes and Head-And-Neck Positions in Horses.

Abstract: Human preferences for certain morphological attributes among domestic animals may be entirely individual or, more generally, may reflect evolutionary pressures that favor certain conformation. Artificial selection for attributes, such as short heads and crested necks of horses, may have functional and welfare implications because there is evidence from other species that skull shape co-varies with behaviour. Crested necks can be accentuated by flexion of the neck, a quality that is often manipulated in photographs vendors use when selling horses. Equine head-and-neck positions acquired through rein tension can compromise welfare. Our investigation was designed to identify conformations and postures that people are attracted to when choosing their 'ideal' horse. Participants of an internet survey were asked to rate their preference for horse silhouettes that illustrated three gradations of five variables: facial shape, crest height, ear length, ear position and head-and-neck carriage. There were 1,234 usable responses. The results show that overall preferences are for the intermediate, rather than extreme, morphological choices (p=<0.001). They also indicate that males are 2.5 times less likely to prefer thicker necks rather than the intermediate shape, and 4 times more likely to prefer the thinner neck shape. When compared to the novice participants, experienced participants were 1.9 times more likely to prefer a thicker neck shape than the intermediate neck shape and 2.8 times less likely to prefer a thinner neck shape than the intermediate neck shape. There was overall preference of 93% (n=939) for the category of head carriage 'In front of the vertical'. However, novice participants were 1.8 times more likely to choose 'behind the vertical' than 'in front of the vertical'. Our results suggest that people prefer a natural head carriage, concave facial profile (dished face), larger ears and thicker necks. From these survey data, it seems that some innate preferences may run counter to horse health and welfare.
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Publication Date: 2015-06-30 PubMed ID: 26126209PubMed Central: PMC4488389DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131880Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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 study explores humans’ preferences regarding horse shape and posture attributes and how these preferences may impact horse welfare. The results revealed an overall inclination towards intermediate morphological features, but noticeable preferences still existed for particular aspects such as a natural head carriage and thicker necks. The findings underline the potential conflict of inherent human preferences and horse health and welfare.

Study Overview

  • The research was designed to identify the body shapes and postures in horses that humans generally find appealing.
  • An internet survey was conducted where participants rated their preferences for horse silhouettes representing different variations of five variables: face shape, crest height (neck curvature), ear length, ear position, and head-and-neck carriage.

Methodology

  • There were 1,234 usable responses to the survey.
  • The silhouettes presented to participants in the survey depicted three variations (minor, intermediate, and major) of each of the five variables.
  • Participants’ preference for each morphological attribute was rated and analyzed.

Key Findings

  • The results showed that participants preferred intermediate, rather than extreme, morphological choices. For example, most people did not favor horses with very long or very short ears or necks, preferring something in between.
  • However, males were 2.5 times less likely than females to prefer horses with thicker necks and were instead 4 times more likely to favor horses with thinner necks.
  • Comparatively, experienced horse persons were more likely to prefer horses with thicker necks.
  • Participants overwhelmingly (93%) preferred a natural, forward head carriage – where the horse’s head is carried in front of its body. Novice participants, however, were more likely to choose a posture where the head position was behind the vertical.
  • Preference was indicated for larger ears, concave facial profiles, and thicker necks.

Implications

  • The findings suggest that although humans tend to favor horses with certain features and postures, these preferences might not align with what is best for the horse’s welfare and health.
  • Where artificial selection for certain traits occurs, such as a horse breeder selecting for shorter heads or more flexed necks, the health and functionality of the horse could be compromised.
  • Therefore, it’s essential to manage these preferences in a way that ensures the physical well-being of horses while also accounting for human preference.

Cite This Article

APA
Caspar GL, Dhand NK, McGreevy PD. (2015). Human Preferences for Conformation Attributes and Head-And-Neck Positions in Horses. PLoS One, 10(6), e0131880. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0131880

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 6
Pages: e0131880
PII: e0131880

Researcher Affiliations

Caspar, Georgina L
  • Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Dhand, Navneet K
  • Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
McGreevy, Paul D
  • Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animals
  • Anthropometry
  • Attitude
  • Breeding
  • Female
  • Gait / physiology
  • Head / physiology
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck / physiology
  • Posture / physiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
  1. Tilley P, Simões J, Sales Luis JP. Effects of a 15° Variation in Poll Flexion during Riding on the Respiratory Systems and Behaviour of High-Level Dressage and Show-Jumping Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023 May 22;13(10).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13101714pubmed: 37238147google scholar: lookup
  2. Hausberger M, Lesimple C, Henry S. Detecting Welfare in a Non-Verbal Species: Social/Cultural Biases and Difficulties in Horse Welfare Assessment. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jul 30;11(8).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11082249pubmed: 34438708google scholar: lookup
  3. Fenner K, Caspar G, Hyde M, Henshall C, Dhand N, Probyn-Rapsey F, Dashper K, McLean A, McGreevy P. It's all about the sex, or is it? Humans, horses and temperament. PLoS One 2019;14(5):e0216699.
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  4. König von Borstel U, Kienapfel K, McLean A, Wilkins C, McGreevy P. Hyperflexing the horse's neck: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2024 Oct 2;14(1):22886.
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