Correlations between the behavior of recreational horses, the physiological parameters and summer atmospheric conditions

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to select atmospheric factors and their values, which may disrupt the correct behavior and physiological condition of recreational horses. The studies were carried out from 1 July until 1 September on 16 Anglo-Arabian geldings. Each day, from 09.00 to 10.00 hours, the horses worked under saddle. The riders and the authors gave a qualitative behavioral assessment for each horse. Mood and willingness to work were evaluated. The quantitative assessment was called 'incorrect behavior of the horse while riding' (IBHR). The percentage time of duration and the number of occurrences of the features while riding were calculated. Heart rate, body temperature and respiratory rate were taken at 08.00 hours (resting measurement) and at 10.05 hours (post-exercise measurement). Air temperature, relative air humidity, wind speed and atmospheric pressure were measured at 08.00 and 10.00 hours. The results showed that adverse changes in the behavior of recreational horses can occur if the horse is ridden when the air temperature is above 26°C and when wind speeds exceed 5.5 m/s. Such conditions may cause a reduction in the mood and willingness to work in horses. Physiological parameters like heart rate and body temperature seem to be more sensitive indicators of the horse body reaction to the weather than behavioral reactions.

Can Donkey Behavior and Cognition Be Used to Trace Back, Explain, or Forecast Moon Cycle and Weather Events?

“…This advantage means a drawback as well, as it occurs at a high energetic cost, making endothermic animals face a two-fold challenge. This double challenge could be one of the reasons, as reported by Janczarek et al [ 43 ], for adverse changes in the behavior of recreational horses that can occur if the horse is ridden when the air temperature is above 26 °C. These conditions may cause an alteration in mood, with donkeys showing more elusive and hyporeactive responses, and a reduction in the willingness to work in horses and other equids.…”

Leisure riding horses: research topics versus the needs of stakeholders

“…; Janczarek et al . ). It was found that these parameters are more sensitive indicators of the general predisposition of leisure horses than behavioral observation, and may potentially be applied to improve the welfare of leisure horses as well as the safety of people.…”

“…Janczarek et al . () defined the threshold values for atmospheric factors in the summer season which, when exceeded, may trigger unfavorable changes in heart rate parameters, body temperature and mood in leisure horses. Unfortunately, papers on the desired motor traits in leisure horses are still lacking.…”

“…Measurements of the frequency with which the specific targeted behaviors occur, such as the number of contacts with a person involved in the test or the time needed to regain the behavior from before the test, have also been applied (Nicol 2005). There are a few publications on physiological parameters in leisure horses (Cie sla et al 2013;Janczarek et al 2015). It was found that these parameters are more sensitive indicators of the general predisposition of leisure horses than behavioral observation, and may potentially be applied to improve the welfare of leisure horses as well as the safety of people.…”

“…It was found that these parameters are more sensitive indicators of the general predisposition of leisure horses than behavioral observation, and may potentially be applied to improve the welfare of leisure horses as well as the safety of people. Janczarek et al (2015) defined the threshold values for atmospheric factors in the summer season which, when exceeded, may trigger unfavorable changes in heart rate parameters, body temperature and mood in leisure horses. Unfortunately, papers on the desired motor traits in leisure horses are still lacking.…”