Workload and stress in horses: comparison in horses ridden deep and round (‘rollkur’) with a draw rein and horses ridden in a natural frame with only light rein contact.

The research article is about studying the physical workload and stress induced in horses by two riding techniques: ‘rollkur‘, a controversial technique involving deep and round riding with a draw rein, and a more natural style with light rein contact.

Introduction and Context

• The study’s focal point is the ‘rollkur’ or ‘overbending’ riding technique used in dressage training and warm-up sessions. This technique has lately been under critique for potential welfare implications on the horses.
• However, the criticism is often derived from subjective evaluation rather than objectively measured data. Therefore, it is important to better understand the exact workload and stress induced by the ‘rollkur’ technique to make a comprehensive evaluation.

Aim of the Study

• The researchers aim to compare these aspects – workload and stress- between the ‘rollkur’ technique and a lighter, more natural horse riding technique. This latter method involves a lighter rein contact which is considered a ‘free’ or natural frame of riding.

Method of Study

• The study involves eight riding-school horses which were ridden using both techniques under monitored conditions.
• The main parameters for measuring workload were heart rate and blood lactate concentration. These measures provide a quantifiable representation of the physical exertion experienced by the horses during different riding styles.

Results

• According to the collected data, horses ridden ‘rollkur’ showed a slightly higher workload as indicated by increased heart rate and elevated blood lactate concentration compared to when they were ridden ‘free’.
• However, there was no measurable difference found in parameters such as packed cell volume, glucose, and cortisol concentrations. These might have indicated possible physical stress, metabolic demand, or hormonal stress response, respectively.
• In addition, there were no observable signs of discomfort or stress detected during ‘rollkur’ riding. This finding might suggest the absence of any immediate or visible welfare issues related to the technique.
• Interestingly, the horses showed improved responsiveness and displayed a better way of moving when ridden ‘rollkur’, indicating possible rider-horse synergism in this technique.

Conclusion

• While the ‘rollkur’ technique increases the workload slightly, it does not appear to cause stress or discomfort to the horses, at least in the short term and under the specific conditions of the study.
• These findings are important for nuancing the discourse around the ‘rollkur’ technique and opening up further avenues for research in horse training and welfare.