Behavioural and physiological reactivity of Konik polski horses during stable handling activities

Abstract

Behawioralna i fizjologiczna reaktywność koni rasy konik polski podczas obsługi stajennejSummary. The purpose of this research was to determine the behavioural reactivity and the heart rate of Konik polski horses during routine handling activities in the stable. The study included 20 horses of Konik polski breed (12 mares and 8 stallions) kept in the Centre for Conservation Breeding of Konik polski horses in Florianka. The horse's behaviour was assessed on a scale of 1 point (aversive behaviour) to 5 points (affiliative behaviour) and the heart rate was telemetrically recorded during particular stages of handling (approach to the horse, brushing, bridling, legs rising) in the stable. Significant negative correlations between the animal's behaviour scores and their heart rate values were noticed. The mares were characterised by a higher heart rate than the stallions. The horses whose behaviour was assessed positively during the handler's approach were also characterised by affiliative behaviour during bridling.