Is it a good idea to train fillies and colts separately?

This research article studies the physiological response of horses when trained in same-sex and mixed-sex groups. It suggests that training mixed groups of horses may result in higher heart rates, indicating higher stress levels.

Objective of Study

• The main objective of the study was to discover the physiological response, specifically heart rate, of horses subjected to novel situations while they were trained either in a mixed-sex environment or separated by sex.
• This was measured with a view to determine if it was more appropriate to train horses in a mixed-sex system or separately based on their sexes.

Methodology

• The participants of the study were 41 Purebred Arabian 2½-year-olds, who were taken for their first walk on an automated horse walker.
• The horses were divided into four groups: 10 colts and 10 fillies kept in separate stables and trained individually in their respective sexes; and a mixed group of 12 colts and 9 fillies who were kept together and subsequently trained together.
• The researchers noted down the heart rate of the horses when at rest, through transition periods (moving from stables to the walker), during 30 minutes of training on the walker, return transition (moving from walker to stables), and finally at rest after the exercise.

Findings

• The average heart rate scores recorded during the training on the walker were found to be higher in the mixed-sex groups.
• The heart rates were also significantly higher for horses in mixed-sex group during the transition periods, i.e., moving from stable to walker and back.
• The data suggested that the factors of novelty and mixed-sex interaction could cause higher stress levels in young horses.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• Based on the higher heart rates observed in mixed-sex groups, the study concluded that young horses might experience a larger amount of stress when trained in a mixed sex-group.
• The research, therefore, concluded against training young horses in mixed-sex groups. The study suggests training fillies (female horses) and colts (male horses) separately, at least during the initial stages when the situations are new to them.