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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet J / Identification of risk factors for lameness in dressage hors...
Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2009; 184(1); 27-36; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.020

Identification of risk factors for lameness in dressage horses.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of illness and lameness at different anatomical sites in registered United Kingdom dressage horses and to identify risk factors for lameness. A questionnaire was sent to all 11,363 registered members of British Dressage in 2005, with one questionnaire assigned per horse. Four multivariable logistic regression models were developed for each section of the questionnaire. A final mixed effects logistic regression model was developed which combined the results from all prior models. Owners reported that 33% of horses had been lame at some time during their career, with 24% of these within the previous 2 years. A number of factors were associated with the occurrence of lameness in the last 2 years, including age, height, indoor arenas, horse-walkers, lunging (as protective), back problems, arenas that become deeper in wet conditions and sand-based arenas. These factors were included as variables in a final model to provide information for selection of horses, development of safer arenas and more effective training regimens to minimise the onset of lameness.
Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2009-04-14 PubMed ID: 19369100DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.020Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 research article is about a study the identified risk factors leading to lameness in dressage horses in the United Kingdom.

Study Overview

  • Conducted by the use of detailed questionnaires sent to all 11,363 registered members of British Dressage in 2005, the study aimed to determine the prevalence of illness and lameness in dressage horses in different anatomical sites. Each horse was assigned an individual questionnaire.

Statistical Methodology Used

  • After the questionnaires were returned and filled, four multivariable logistic regression models were developed for each section of the questionnaire. The researchers performed this to analyze and determine the relationships between risk factors and lameness.
  • The four models were integrated in a final mixed-effects logistic regression model. This final model combined the results from all the prior smaller models and was used to interpret the overall results.

Reported Prevalence of Lameness

  • The study found out that 33% of dressage horses under investigation had been lame at some point in their lives with 24% of these experiencing lameness in the last two years of the study.

Lameness Risk Factors

  • Age, height, use of indoor arenas, pneumonia, and back problems were found to significantly contribute to lameness. Conditions that expose horses to wet conditions, such as training in arenas that become deeper in wet conditions and sand-based arenas, were also associated with lameness incidents.
  • Interestingly, the study established some protective factors, activities or conditions that seemed to reduce the likelihood of lameness. In this case, lunging was identified as protective.

Implications of the Study

  • By identifying these risk factors, the research provides essential insights that can guide the selection of horses, the design of safer arenas, and the development of training programs.
  • Overall, the information generated can help minimize incidences of lameness in dressage horses and promote the well-being of these animals.

Cite This Article

APA
Murray RC, Walters JM, Snart H, Dyson SJ, Parkin TD. (2009). Identification of risk factors for lameness in dressage horses. Vet J, 184(1), 27-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.03.020

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1532-2971
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 184
Issue: 1
Pages: 27-36

Researcher Affiliations

Murray, Rachel C
  • Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK. Rachel.murray@aht.org.uk
Walters, Juli M
    Snart, Hannah
      Dyson, Sue J
        Parkin, Tim D H

          MeSH Terms

          • Age Factors
          • Animal Husbandry / methods
          • Animals
          • Back Pain / epidemiology
          • Back Pain / etiology
          • Back Pain / veterinary
          • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
          • Horse Diseases / etiology
          • Horses / injuries
          • Lameness, Animal / epidemiology
          • Lameness, Animal / etiology
          • Logistic Models
          • Multivariate Analysis
          • Physical Conditioning, Animal / adverse effects
          • Physical Conditioning, Animal / methods
          • Prevalence
          • Risk Factors
          • Sentinel Surveillance / veterinary
          • Sports
          • Surveys and Questionnaires

          Citations

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