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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2019; 9(12); doi: 10.3390/ani9121124

Improving the Recognition of Equine Affective States.

Abstract: A key welfare problem for horses is that people commonly fail to recognise, and consequently neglect to resolve, equine behavioural signs of distress, worsening the welfare of the horse and potentially putting the safety of the handler at risk as a result. Members of equestrian Facebook groups were asked to view six videos and assess the horse's behaviour in each; the authors selected the videos and considered each video to demonstrate behaviour associated with negative affective states. An additional six equine behaviourists also completed the survey as an "expert comparison group" from whom we could define "correct" answers; their responses were consistent with each other and the views of the authors. Although the majority of respondents successfully recognised behaviour indicative of distress in some instances, behaviour associated with negative affective states was commonly missed; videos featuring natural horsemanship and bridle-less riding were particularly interpreted incorrectly to be positive experiences for the horses. Binary logistic regression analysis (72.1% success rate) confirmed that the different video types (ridden dressage, natural horsemanship, in-hand dressage, bridle-less riding, Western reining and behavioural rehabilitation) were strong predictors for obtaining a correct answer (p < 0.01) but that experience of equine-ownership was not. Of the equestrian activities preferred by participants, only proponents of clicker training showed an increased likelihood of obtaining the correct answer (p = 0.05). Even when behavioural signs suggestive of negative affective states were recognised, a minority of respondents stated that they would be happy for their horse to be treated similarly. In conclusion, behavioural signs of equine distress are poorly recognised; they therefore warrant an increased prominence in education and the outreach activity of welfare organisations, in order to reduce equine suffering.
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Publication Date: 2019-12-11 PubMed ID: 31835886PubMed Central: PMC6941154DOI: 10.3390/ani9121124Google 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 discusses the problem of humans failing to recognize signs of equine distress, which can potentially pose a threat to the horse’s welfare and human safety. Despite some respondents successfully identifying signs of distress in horses, many behaviors indicative of negative affective states were commonly overlooked. The study concludes that there is a need for more education and awareness on this issue to reduce equine suffering.

Understanding the Research

This research aimed at understanding how well humans can identify equine distress. The authors argue that failing to recognize horses’ behavioural signs of distress can lead to worsening of the horse’s wellbeing and can potentially endanger the handler’s safety. The research involved participants from equestrian Facebook groups who were asked to watch videos and interpret the horses’ behaviours. The authors had previously identified the behaviours depicted in the videos as indicating negative affective states.

Methodology

  • The study used a comparative group of six equine behaviorists to establish “correct” answers for the equine behaviours observed in the videos. Their answers were consistent with each other and with the authors’ own interpretations.
  • The videos presented various situations: ridden dressage, natural horsemanship, in-hand dressage, bridle-less riding, Western reining, and behavioural rehabilitation.
  • To analyze the results of the participants’ interpretations, the researchers used binary logistic regression analysis, which showed a 72.1% success rate in recognizing correct behaviours.

Results

  • Most respondents could spot distress indicators in some videos, but they often failed to identify behaviours associated with negative states. Videos featuring natural horsemanship and bridle-less riding were frequently misunderstood as positive experiences for the horses.
  • The type of video viewed was a significant predictor of correctly identifying behaviours, whereas the participant’s experience with horse ownership was not.
  • The respondents’ preferred equestrian activities affected their ability to recognize behavioural signs correctly. Only those who preferred clicker training had a higher chance of identifying distress behaviours accurately.
  • Even in situations when negative affective states were recognized, a handful of respondents indicated they would still be comfortable with their horse being treated in the same manner.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that behavioural signs of equine distress are frequently overlooked or misinterpreted. They suggest that a greater emphasis should be placed on education and outreach activities by welfare organizations to improve recognition of equine distress and reduce suffering.

Cite This Article

APA
Bell C, Rogers S, Taylor J, Busby D. (2019). Improving the Recognition of Equine Affective States. Animals (Basel), 9(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9121124

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 12

Researcher Affiliations

Bell, Catherine
  • Equine Behaviour and Training Association; Godalming, GU8 6AX, UK.
Rogers, Suzanne
  • Equine Behaviour and Training Association; Godalming, GU8 6AX, UK.
Taylor, Julie
  • EPONA-TV; 3400 Hillerød, Denmark.
Busby, Debbie
  • Equine Behaviour and Training Association; Godalming, GU8 6AX, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest

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Citations

This article has been cited 22 times.
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