No abstract

Physiological responses that occur in horses and humans during their interactions, on the ground and during ridden work, have been investigated in a number of studies with some conflicting results. These suggest that in some situations emotional state may be transferred from humans to horses and that there is the potential for the heart rates of horse-human pairs to become synchronized during ridden work. Here we explore the effect of familiarity on the physiological responses of horse-human pairs completing a task in-hand, using heart rate as an indicator for emotional state. We investigated differences in heart rate response between familiar and unfamiliar pairings and the possibility of heart rate synchronization within each pair. Complete sets of horse and human heart rate data were available for 17 horses. We found a significant order affect, with higher horse heart rates seen the first time around the course regardless of whether a familiar or unfamiliar handler was leading (Wilcoxon test: Z =-2.67, p < 0.05). However, despite this, the horses' mean heart rates for each course were significantly higher with the unfamiliar handler than with the familiar handler (Wilcoxon test: Z =-4.46, p < 0.001). In contrast, human heart rates were higher when paired with a familiar horse compared with an unfamiliar horse (Mann-Whitney U test: Z =-5.08, p < 0.001). Significant correlations between horse and human heart rates were seen in three familiar pairings and two unfamiliar pairings. Our findings indicate that the relationship between horse and human heart rates during interactions is not straightforward or consistent between horses and humans, and is likely to depend on a number of factors such as experience of the test situation. Although

No abstract

Despite there being an increased use of Internet-based learning environments, little research has examined the effects of online learning on school-aged children’s learning. 64 11-12 year old (Year 8) students participated in a study that explored the effect online and face-to-face group discussions have on participation levels, and test scores on math assessments. Students completed a pre-test on number sequences and basic algebra. They then received a video lesson on the content of the pre-test, before discussing the video content in face-to-face groups or online groups. Finally, the students completed a post-test. There was no significant difference between the two groups’ test scores or levels of participation. Further research with larger sample sizes needs to be completed exploring the effect online and face-to-face environments have on student participation; as well as quasi-experiments investigating the best learning environment within online, face-to-face, and virtual reality mediums.

This study investigated whether the modifications made to Grand National (GN) fences at Aintree, Liverpool, UK in 2012 following the Review of Safety and Welfare commissioned by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), reduced the number and severity of ridden horse falls. The study also investigated whether the number of fences in a race and the total starters were positively linked to falls, and whether horse and jockey experience had any bearing. Videos of 36 races run between 2008 and 2016 recording all horse falls were retrospectively reviewed. Eighteen of the races were run prior to the 2012 changes made to the fences and 18 after the modifications. Falls were graded using a pre-determined severity scale, and previous experience of jumping GN fences. The severity scale was developed by the authors based on the literature and their perception of the degree of injury caused to the rider. The number of falls pre- and post-GN fence modification were adjusted to generalised linear models using the number of falls and severity of falls as dependent variables. A significant decrease in fallers was seen (P<0.001) after changes were made to the GN fences, together with a reduction in the probability of all levels of severity of fall. The severity scores decreased with increasing number of fences (P<0.001). When there were more starters in a race, a greater probability of horse falls was observed (P<0.001). No positive association between horse’s experience of jumping GN fences and horse falls, or jockey licence and horse falls was found (P>0.05). This study revealed that by implementing the changes recommended by the BHA, which included modifying the GN fences, the number and severity of ridden horse falls decreased. Horse and rider welfare was improved, contributing positively to the debate and public perception of the horseracing industry.