Presentation Details
| Investigating how rider and horse movement influences horse behavior during mounted equine-assisted services Bethany Baxley1, 2, Nichole Anderson1, Anastasia Stellato3. 1Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, Amarillo, Texas, USA.2Lake Erie College, Mentor, Ohio, USA.3Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA |
Abstract
Horses within equine-assisted services can display negative behavioral responses. This observational study examined how rider presence and posture, horse gait, and factors related to the horse, rider, and session influence behavioral indicators of stress in horses (N=22) across four PATH Intl-accredited centers. Measures of horse gait (via inertial unit sensors), behavior (via ethograms and ridden stress scale), and rider posture (via static images) were recorded during warmup and mounted sessions across three days. Regression analysis revealed that rider presence was associated with increased displays of neck above withers (p< 0.001) and head tossing (p< 0.001), and higher stress scores (p< 0.001). Adult riders were associated with increased displays of neck above withers (p< 0.001) and reduced biting (p=0.01). Rider left hip angle was associated with increased tail swishing (p< 0.001) and rider vertical displacement was associated with higher stress scores (p< 0.01). Horse stride length was associated with increased tail swishing (p=0.04) and head tossing (p=0.02). Findings highlight the influence of contextual and individual variables on horse behavior during therapeutic riding.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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