The effect of occlusal equilibration on sport horse performance.

This study evaluated if dental occlusal equilibration treatment improves the dressage test performance of sport horses, but found no significant improvement.

Study Overview

• The study aimed to ascertain if dental occlusal equilibration treatment has an influence on a horse’s dressage performance. Dental occlusal equilibration is a process in which the chewing surfaces of a horse’s teeth are mechanically adjusted to improve balance and functionality.
• Two groups of horses were involved in the study. Eleven horses were treated with dental equilibration while five horses remained untreated, serving as the control group.
• The horses’ performance was evaluated through a standard dressage test, which was scored by two proficient dressage judges.

Methodology

• Before the treatment, all the horses underwent a thorough oral examination facilitated by a full-mouth speculum. The treated group then received dental equilibration via a motorized dental instrument under sedation.
• Each horse was ridden by the same person and performed the dressage test twice: before the equilibration and 48 hours afterwards. This was to ensure the results were not biased by variations in rider skills or horse handling.
• The judges and the rider were not aware of which horses were treated to maintain impartial judgment and eliminate potential bias.

Results and Conclusion

• The researchers analyzed the total test scores and the scores for individual movements. Variance equality and statistical tests were used to understand the impact of the treatment.
• Despite expectations, the study found that the equilibration treatment did not significantly improve the test scores for the horses. Therefore, the treatment’s effectiveness on sport horses’ performance remains inconclusive based on this specific research.