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PloS one2014; 9(8); e103140; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103140

Prevalence of different head-neck positions in horses shown at dressage competitions and their relation to conflict behaviour and performance marks.

Abstract: Much controversy exists among riders, and in particular among those practicing dressage, regarding what can be considered an "appropriate" Head-Neck-Position (HNP). The objective was to assess the prevalence of different HNPs in the field, the behavioural reactions of horses during warm-up and competition rides in relation to HNP and the relation between HNP and marks achieved in the competition. Horses (n = 171) were selected during dressage competitions according to their HNP (3 categories based on the degree of flexion), and their behaviour was recorded during 3 minutes each of riding in the warm-up area and in the competition. Scans were carried out on an additional 355 horses every 15 minutes to determine the proportion of each HNP in the warm-up area. Sixty-nine percent of the 355 horses were ridden with their nasal planes behind the vertical in the warm-up area, 19% were ridden at or behind the vertical and only 12% were ridden with their nasal plane in front of the vertical. Horses carrying their nasal plane behind the vertical exhibited significantly (P<0.0001) more conflict behaviours than horses with their nose held in front of the vertical. Horses were commonly presented with a less flexed HNP during competition compared to warm-up (P<0.05). A HNP behind the vertical was penalised with lower marks in the lower (P = 0.0434) but not in the higher (P = 0.9629) competition levels. Horses in higher classes showed more (P = 0.0015) conflict behaviour than those in lower classes. In conclusion, dressage horses are commonly ridden during warm-up for competitions with their nasal plane behind the vertical, and this posture seems to cause significantly more conflict behaviour than HNPs in front of the vertical.
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Publication Date: 2014-08-04 PubMed ID: 25090242PubMed Central: PMC4121138DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103140Google 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.

This research focuses on the common head-neck position (HNP) in horses during dressage competitions, its connection to the horses’ behavioral reactions, and the impact on their grading. The study observed that horses with their noses behind the vertical had more behavioral issues, and, this HNP is often deemed less favorable in competition grading.

Study Methodology

  • The researchers selected 171 horses during dressage competitions based on their HNP. HNPs were categorised into three groups – the nose behind the vertical, at or behind the vertical, and in front of the vertical. The behavior of the selected horses was recorded for 3 minutes during both warm-up and competition.
  • An additional number of 355 horses were observed every 15 minutes to determine the proportion of each HNP in the warm-up area.

Findings of the Study

  • Out of the 355 additional horses studied, 69% were ridden with their nasal plane behind the vertical in the warm-up area. 19% were ridden at or behind the vertical and only 12% had their nasal plane in front of the vertical.
  • The horses carrying their nasal plane behind the vertical showed significantly more conflict behaviours than horses with their noses in front of the vertical.
  • During competitions, the horses were often presented with less flexed HNP as compared to warm-ups.

Link between HNP and Competition Marks

  • A HNP behind the vertical led to lower marks in the lower levels of competition but didn’t affect scoring in higher levels.
  • Horses in higher competitive classes showed more conflict behaviours than those in lower classes.

Conclusion of the Study

  • The finding of this research suggests that during dressage competition warm-ups, horses are commonly ridden with their nasal plane or HNP behind the vertical. This position is linked to significantly more conflict behaviours than HNPs in front of the vertical.

Cite This Article

APA
Kienapfel K, Link Y, König V Borstel U. (2014). Prevalence of different head-neck positions in horses shown at dressage competitions and their relation to conflict behaviour and performance marks. PLoS One, 9(8), e103140. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0103140

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 8
Pages: e103140

Researcher Affiliations

Kienapfel, Kathrin
  • Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Link, Yvonne
  • Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
König V Borstel, Uta
  • Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Competitive Behavior
  • Conflict, Psychological
  • Head / physiology
  • Horses
  • Least-Squares Analysis
  • Neck / physiology
  • Pilot Projects
  • Posture / physiology
  • Prevalence

Conflict of Interest Statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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Citations

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