Assessment of ridden horse behavior

Abstract

Assessments of the behavior of ridden horses form the basis of performance evaluation. The purpose of any performance being evaluated will determine the factors considered important, those indicative of 'poor' performance and what makes a successful equine athlete. Currently there is no consistent objective means of assessing ridden horse behavior and inevitably, given the different equestrian disciplines, the likelihood of a universal standard of good and bad performance is remote. Nevertheless, in order to protect the welfare of the ridden horse regardless of its specific role, we should strive for consensus on an objective means of identifying behavioral signs indicative of mental state. Current technological developments enable objective evaluation of movement patterns, but many aspects of the assessment of ridden behavior still rely on subjective judgement. The development of a list of behaviors exhibited by ridden horses, a ridden horse ethogram, will facilitate recording of observable behavioral events. However, without objective evidence of the relevance of these behavioral events, such a resource has limited value. The aim of this review is to investigate potential sources of such evidence and relate these to the assessment of ridden horse behavior. The current and potential contribution that further objective measures can make in this process is evaluated. We believe that the only way to improve the welfare of the ridden horse is by objectively identifying behavioral signs that indicate that the horse is either comfortable or uncomfortable with the activity in which it is participating. Once there is clear evidence to support this, appropriate adaptation of performance criteria in all disciplines can proceed along with alignment in training systems that ensures a mutually positive experience for both horse and human partners.

Detecting and Measuring Back Disorders in Nonverbal Individuals: The Example of Domestic Horses

“…High / Hollow neck (Lesimple et al, 2010) Tail swishing, backing up, attempt to buck, crabbing, snorting, groaning (Driessen & Zarucco, 2007;Hall et al, 2013;Head et al, 2012;von Borstel et al, 2009;Wennerstrand et al, 2004) Headshaking (Cook 1999(Cook , 2003 Conflict behaviors (Hockenhull & Creighton, 2012;McGreevy & McLean, 2005) Note. Indicators in italic are non-specific of back disorders.…”

“…Several other behavioral patterns are commonly recognized as "conflict behaviors" (reflecting at least discomfort) in the equine world: tail-swishing, backing up, change in pace, attempt to buck, crabbing, abnormal oral behavior, ears pinned backwards, head-tossing, nose tilting, visible eye-white, stumbling, snorting and groaning are the most frequently reported (Driessen & Zarucco, 2007;Hall et al, 2013;Head et al, 2012;McGreevy et al, 2010;von Borstel et al, 2009;Wennerstrand et al, 2004). However, there is a lack of clear and objective definitions.…”

Assessing ridden horse behavior: Professional judgment and physiological measures

“…See Table 3 for a list of behavioral categories, associated states and descriptors (adapted from Weeks, 1996;Kaiser et al, 2006;Heleski et al, 2009;Hall et al, 2012 Strong lateral and dorso-ventral movements of the tail beyond that of simple rhythmic swinging…”

Equitation Science: Principles and Practice – Science at work

“…However a clear, basic summary of ridden horse behavior, against which the outcomes of the increasing number of observations and behavioral studies can be referenced, does not yet exist. As Hall et al (2013) state in their comprehensive review paper, the creation of a list of observable behaviors in the ridden horse which can then be converted into an evidence-based ethogram will provide the foundation for future studies, but crucially only if the behaviors listed can be measured reliably and repeatedly and corroborated with scientific objective measurement. Hall et al (2013) suggest that some equitation disciplines are more prone to subjectivity than others, for example dressage scoring depends on qualitative variables such as 'submission', 'acceptance' and 'willingness', whilst performance in show jumping is indicated quantitatively by numbers of points/faults.…”

“…As Hall et al (2013) state in their comprehensive review paper, the creation of a list of observable behaviors in the ridden horse which can then be converted into an evidence-based ethogram will provide the foundation for future studies, but crucially only if the behaviors listed can be measured reliably and repeatedly and corroborated with scientific objective measurement. Hall et al (2013) suggest that some equitation disciplines are more prone to subjectivity than others, for example dressage scoring depends on qualitative variables such as 'submission', 'acceptance' and 'willingness', whilst performance in show jumping is indicated quantitatively by numbers of points/faults. Achievement of objective definitions of horse behavior is unavoidably complicated by factors such as breed, temperament, the occurrence of undesired events/behaviors, and causes of behavioral anomalies such as pain, anxiety, fear and confusion.…”