| Records |
| Author |
Robert, C.; Audigie, F.; Valette, J.P.; Pourcelot, P.; Denoix, J.M. |
| Title |
Effects of treadmill speed on the mechanics of the back in the trotting saddlehorse |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2001 |
Publication  |
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J Suppl |
| Volume |
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Issue |
33 |
Pages |
154-159 |
| Keywords |
Animals; Biomechanics; Electromyography/veterinary; Exercise Test/veterinary; Horses/*physiology; Locomotion/*physiology; Muscle, Skeletal/*physiology; Range of Motion, Articular/*physiology; Spine/*physiology; Video Recording |
| Abstract |
Speed related changes in trunk mechanics have not yet been investigated, although high-speed training is currently used in the horse. To evaluate the effects of speed on back kinematics and trunk muscles activity, 4 saddle horses were recorded while trotting on a horizontal treadmill at speeds ranging from 3.5 to 6 m/s. The 3-dimensional (3-D) trajectories of skin markers on the left side of the horse and the dorsal midline of the trunk were established. Electrical activity was simultaneously obtained from the longissimus dorsi (LD) and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles using surface electrodes. Ten consecutive strides were analysed for each horse at each of the 5 velocity steps. Electromyographic and kinematic data were time-standardised to the duration of the stride cycle and compared using an analysis of variance. The back extended during the first part of each diagonal stance phase when the RA was active and the back flexed during the second part of each diagonal stance phase when the LD was active. The onset and end of muscle activity came earlier in the stride cycle and muscle activity intensity increased when speed increased. The amplitude of vertical movement of the trunk and the maximal angles of flexion decreased with increasing speed, whereas the extension angles remained unchanged. This resulted in a decreased range of back flexion-extension. This study confirms that the primary role of trunk muscles is to control the stiffness of the back rather than to induce movements. Understanding the effects of speed on the back of healthy horses is a prerequisite for the prevention and treatment of back pathology. |
| Address |
UMR INRA, Biomecanique et Pathologie Locomotrice du Cheval, UP d'Anatomie, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire d'Alfort, 7 Avenue du General de Gaulle, F-94704 Maisons-Alfort, France |
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English |
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| Notes |
PMID:11721558 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4050 |
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| Author |
Robinson, I.H. |
| Title |
The human-horse relationship: how much do we know? |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
1999 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J Suppl |
| Volume |
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Issue |
28 |
Pages |
42-45 |
| Keywords |
*Animal Husbandry/economics; Animals; *Bonding, Human-Pet; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Hobbies; *Horses; Humans; Power (Psychology); Sports |
| Abstract |
Human relationships or interactions with horses have varied throughout history depending on human needs, but it is horses' ability to carry a human individual that has had perhaps the greatest impact on their relationship with man. Despite our long association with the horse, there have been few studies on human-horse relationships. There is little historical evidence on individual relationships with horses but indications of strong human-horse relationships have been noted in mounted societies, such as North American Plains Indians. Riding a horse has traditionally been associated with power, and was reserved for the ruling elite in many areas. Demographic data suggest that human relationships with horses may have changed in recent times. Although the lack of land and the relatively high cost of horse care may reduce the possibility of ownership for many people, the availability of riding establishments and increases in leisure time mean that riding is no longer restricted to the upper classes. There is a wide range in type and intensity of potential interactions with horses, indicating that human-horse relationships are likely to vary considerably. Some people appear to sacrifice a great deal in order to own a horse. However, the motivation behind these activities and the process by which an individual assesses personal costs of ownership versus their perceived benefits remains to be studied. Future research should focus on characterising the human-horse relationship, and the degree of individual and cultural variation. A greater understanding of horse owner perceptions of 'costs' versus 'benefits' may also increase our understanding of the relationship and the economic importance of horses in society. |
| Address |
WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Freeby Lane, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leics LE14 4RT, UK |
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| Notes |
PMID:11314234 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4361 |
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| Author |
Linklater, W.L.; Henderson, K.M.; Cameron, E.Z.; Stafford, K.J.; Minot, E.O. |
| Title |
The robustness of faecal steroid determination for pregnancy testing Kaimanawa feral mares under field conditions |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2000 |
Publication |
New Zealand veterinary journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
N Z Vet J |
| Volume |
48 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
93-98 |
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| Abstract |
AIMS: To investigate the utility of faecal oestrone sulphate (OS) concentrations for detecting pregnancy in mares during behavioural studies of feral horses, in which the collection and preservation of samples is not immediate. METHODS: Oestrone sulphate concentrations were measured in fresh dung samples collected from 153 free-roaming Kaimanawa mares throughout the year. In addition, multiple samples were taken from the same pile to investigate the reliability of diagnosis from a single sample, as well as the influence of time until preservation on OS concentrations. Samples were also taken before and after a 10mm simulated rainfall event to test for dilution of OS concentrations by rain. Oestrone sulphate concentrations in all samples were measured using an enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: From approximately 150 to 250 days of gestation, OS concentrations were consistently >80 ng/g in mares which subsequently foaled. Mares which did not foal and had low faecal OS concentrations in multiple samples throughout the year had faecal OS concentrations of 31+/-13 ng/g (mean+/-s.d.) with an upper 95% confidence limit of 57 ng/g. Mares sampled from 1 week before to 1 month after behavioural oestrus, and that did not foal in the previous and subsequent seasons, had OS concentrations of 37+/-32 ng/g (mean+/-s.d.) with an upper 95% confidence limit of 100 ng/g. The standard error of oestrone sulphate concentrations in multiple samples from the same dung pile ranged from 1 to 37% of the mean. This large within-pile variation, however, did not result in incorrect diagnoses from single samples unless mares were within 18 days of parturition. Keeping samples at ambient temperatures for up to 16 hours did not affect OS concentrations. Simulated rainfall caused a 17% mean reduction in OS concentrations, but did not change pregnancy diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Faecal OS concentrations >100 ng/g were indicative of pregnancy in Kaimanawa mares. For mares more than 150 days post-mating, OS concentrations <57 ng/g were indicative of non-pregnancy, while concentrations between 57 and 100 ng/g provided an inconclusive diagnosis. A single sample from each dung pile collected within 16 hours of defecation was sufficient to accurately diagnose pregnancy in mares 150-250 days post conception. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Measurement of OS concentrations in dung samples was a reliable and robust indicator of pregnancy status in feral mares 150-250 days post mating. This corresponds approximately to the period from May to August, given the seasonal breeding pattern in this population. This method of determining pregnancy status is suitable for field use in behavioural and demographic studies of wild horse populations. |
| Address |
Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. wlinklater@hotmail.com |
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0048-0169 |
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| Notes |
PMID:16032132 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
411 |
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| Author |
Linklater, W.L.; Cameron, E.Z.; Stafford, K.J.; Austin, T. |
| Title |
Chemical immobilisation and temporary confinement of two Kaimanawa feral stallions |
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| Year |
1998 |
Publication |
New Zealand veterinary journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
N Z Vet J |
| Volume |
46 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
117-118 |
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0048-0169 |
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| Notes |
PMID:16032032 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
412 |
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| Author |
Hoskin, S.O.; Gee, E.K. |
| Title |
Feeding value of pastures for horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
New Zealand Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
N Z Vet J |
| Volume |
52 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
332-341 |
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| Abstract |
The feeding value of fresh pasture grazed in situ is determined by animal performance or productivity and could be relatively easily established for growing and lactating horses. Despite this, there is a lack of published information on the relative feeding value of different pastures and forages grazed by horses in New Zealand and the world. In addition, for adult breeding or non-breeding and young or adult sport or performance horses, the definition of feeding value and its determination remain problematic. Limited information suggests that the feeding value of perennial ryegrass-based pasture in New Zealand for young growing horses is high, and growth rates for Thoroughbred horses fed solely on pasture in New Zealand are similar to those reported from the Northern Hemisphere where grain-based supplements are fed in addition to pasture or other forages. Attempts to assess the ability of fresh pastures to meet the nutrient requirements of horses are hampered by problems associated with determination of feed intake by grazing horses and lack of knowledge of the digestibility and utilisation of digested nutrients, including the relative bioavailability of macro- and micro-minerals in pasture. A further challenge for future research is to determine the effect of herbage allowance and grazing behaviour, including pasture species preferences, on voluntary feed intake by grazing horses. Grazing pasture has benefits for equine health and well-being including reduced risk of some nutrition-related disorders and reduced prevalence of stereotypic behaviour. Pastured horses have greater freedom for expression of natural behaviours including social interaction and exercise. However, grazing pasture is also associated with animal health problems, particularly parasitism and diseases related to pasture-associated toxins. |
| Address |
Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand |
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0048-0169 |
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| Notes |
PMID:15768133 |
Approved |
no |
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Serial |
1893 |
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Rogers, C.W.; Davies, A.S.; Pfeiffer, D.U.; Davie, P.S. |
| Title |
Linear and temporal stride characteristics of 3-day event horses at a CCI*** 3-day event horse inspection |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
1999 |
Publication |
New Zealand Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
N Z Vet J |
| Volume |
47 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
193-197 |
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| Abstract |
AIMS: To quantify the linear and temporal characteristics of the trot of 3-day event horses during the preliminary horse inspection of an advanced grade CCI* 3-day event. METHODS: A cross sectional study was made of the kinematics of 24 3-day-event horses during the first horse inspection at a CCI* level S-day event. Video footage was digitised and linear and temporal measurements were made. RESULTS: The horses trotted for an average of 10.44+/-1.55 strides. Spatial measurements were made on an average of 5.66+/-0.92 consecutive strides when the horses were within the calibration zone. The horses increased and then obtained a constant velocity within the calibration zone. Trotting on the asphalt track did not alter the relationships between stride length, stride duration and velocity when compared with previously published values. Horse-specific differences in stance and retraction percentages were identified. CONCLUSION: Horse specific differences were identified that may contribute to each horse's unique gait or kinematic fingerprint. It is proposed that the initiation of, and completion of, stance by the hind limb first may represent engagement of the hind quarters and be a response to dressage training. |
| Address |
Equine Research, New Zealand |
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English |
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0048-0169 |
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| Notes |
PMID:16032102 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3714 |
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| Author |
Rutherford, D.J.; Bladon, B.; Rogers, C.W. |
| Title |
Outcome of lag-screw treatment of incomplete fractures of the frontal plane of the radial facet of the third carpal bone in horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2007 |
Publication |
New Zealand Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
N Z Vet J |
| Volume |
55 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
94-99 |
| Keywords |
Animals; Bone Screws/*veterinary; Carpus, Animal/radiography/*surgery; Case-Control Studies; Female; Fracture Healing; Horses/*injuries/surgery; Male; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Records/veterinary; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome |
| Abstract |
AIM: To describe outcomes for horses diagnosed with incomplete, non-displaced fractures of the frontal plane of the radial facet (INFR) of the third carpal bone (C3) treated by placement of a lag screw across the fracture under arthroscopic guidance. METHODS: Horses (n=13) diagnosed with INFR and treated between December 1999 and January 2005 using a lag screw placed over the fracture were studied. For each case, five horses matched for sire, age and sex which were not known to have INFR were sought for comparison. Racing performance data were collected from a commercial online database. The racing performance of cases pre- and post-operatively, and of cases and matched horses in the post-operative period was compared. RESULTS: Sixteen INFR were found in the 13 horses. Radiographic evidence of healed fracture lines 2-4 months after surgery was seen in 11/16 (69%) fractures; 11/13 (85%) cases raced again after a median recovery period of 292 (range 149-681) days. Treatment was considered successful in 9/13 (69%) cases, which were still in training or had been retired for reasons other than lameness localised to the middle carpal joint at the end of the study period. Just 6/13 (46%) cases had raced prior to injury. The racing ability pre- and post-operatively of five cases was compared, three (60%) of which performed better post-operatively than they had before. There was no significant difference in racing longevity or ability post-operatively between patients and matched (control) horses. CONCLUSIONS: Post-operatively, there was little difference in the racing performance between horses diagnosed with INFR which had a lag screw placed across the fracture line and horses matched for sire, age and sex which were not known to have INFR. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Horses which were diagnosed with INFR of C3 and had a lag screw placed across the fracture had a good prognosis for future racing performance. |
| Address |
Massey Equine, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. d.j.rutherford@massey.ac.nz |
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English |
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0048-0169 |
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| Notes |
PMID:17410217 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4001 |
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Bell, R.J.W.; Kingston, J.K.; Mogg, T.D.; Perkins, N.R. |
| Title |
The prevalence of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2007 |
Publication |
New Zealand Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
N Z Vet J |
| Volume |
55 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
13-18 |
| Keywords |
Age Factors; *Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry/methods; Animals; Female; Horse Diseases/*epidemiology/pathology/prevention & control; Horses; Male; New Zealand/epidemiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*adverse effects/physiology; Poaceae; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors; Stomach Ulcer/epidemiology/pathology/prevention & control/*veterinary; Time Factors |
| Abstract |
AIM: To establish the prevalence and factors influencing the prevalence and severity of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand. METHODS: Horses (n=171) in active training for racing by trainers (n=24) located throughout New Zealand were examined using gastroscopy during 2003 and 2004. Images of the examination were recorded and reviewed, and an ordinal grade based on the severity of gastric ulceration present was assigned, using the grading system proposed by the Equine Gastric Ulcer Council (EGUC). Information about the horses such as age, breed, sex, stabling, time at pasture, pasture quality, and presence of clinical signs consistent with equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) was recorded. RESULTS: Of the 171 horses in the study, 133 (78%) were Thoroughbreds and 38 (22%) were Standardbreds. Evidence of gastric ulceration was present in 151 (88.3%) of these. Prevalence of ulceration was higher at the lesser curvature (LC) and greater curvature (GC) of the stomach than at the saccus caecus (SC; p<0.01), and ulceration was more severe at the LC than at either the GC (p=0.02) or the SC (p<0.001). The prevalence of ulceration did not differ between the two breeds (p=0.51) or between horses of differing ages (p=0.56). Gastric ulceration was evident in 125/141 (89%) horses kept at pasture for at least 4 h/day, in all 13 (100%) horses kept at pasture full time, and in 16/17 (94%) horses stabled full time. Prevalence and severity of ulceration did not differ between horses stabled full time, kept at pasture for part of the day or kept at pasture full time (p=0.33 and 0.13, respectively), and for horses grazed on pasture severity of ulceration did not vary significantly with the quality of the pasture (p=0.12). Neither prevalence (p=0.26) nor severity (p=0.49) of gastric ulceration varied significantly with duration of training. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of gastric ulceration in racehorses in New Zealand is similar to that reported elsewhere for horses in active training for racing. Access to pasture for some or all of the day did not appear to be protective. |
| Address |
Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. robinjw@gmail.com |
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0048-0169 |
ISBN |
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| Notes |
PMID:17339911 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4020 |
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| Author |
Perkins, N.R.; Reid, S.W.J.; Morris, R.S. |
| Title |
Effect of training location and time period on racehorse performance in New Zealand. 2. Multivariable analysis |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
New Zealand Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
N Z Vet J |
| Volume |
52 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
243-249 |
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| Abstract |
AIM: To investigate training location (horses trained in Matamata vs those trained at all other venues in New Zealand), and time period (1996-1997 and 1998-1999), while controlling for other horse- and race- or trial-related factors, as a means of assessing the possible impact of construction of a new training surface at the Matamata Racing Club on indirect measures of racehorse performance (number of starts, and failure to race within 6 months of any start). METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression and poisson analysis were used to analyse data derived using a retrospective cohort approach. Multivariable logistic regression was also used to analyse a case-control study. All data were derived from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), records of race and trial results for racehorses trained in Matamata and other venues in New Zealand, covering two 19-month time periods (1996- 1997 and 1998-1999). Outcome variables included whether a horse started again in the 6 months following any start that occurred in the first 13 months of either time period, and a count of the total starts for every horse. RESULTS: Factors associated with increased risk of a start being followed by a 6-month no-race period included training location other than Matamata in comparison to horses trained in Matamata in the 1996-1997 time period, increasing age, 1998- 1999 over 1996-1997, starting in a trial rather than a race, placing fourth or worse in a start, softer track conditions, summer vs autumn, increasing cumulative exercise intensity in the 60 days prior to a start, and increasing race distance. Factors associated with an increase in the total number of starts included horses trained at Matamata in 1996-1997 compared with other time period-location combinations, younger age of horses at the time of a start, longer race distance, and an increasing proportion of starts in stakes races. CONCLUSIONS: Official race and trial results data provided a valuable resource for epidemiological studies of factors influencing racehorse performance. Results of analyses performed here provided little evidence of any adverse impact of a new training surface at the Matamata Racing Club on indirect measures of racehorse performance. |
| Address |
Epicentre, Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. N.R.Perkins@massey.ac.nz |
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English |
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0048-0169 |
ISBN |
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| Notes |
PMID:15768119 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4038 |
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Perkins, N.R.; Reid, S.W.J.; Morris, R.S. |
| Title |
Effect of training location and time period on racehorse performance in New Zealand. 1. Descriptive analysis |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
New Zealand Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
N Z Vet J |
| Volume |
52 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
236-242 |
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| Abstract |
AIM: To describe characteristics of Thoroughbred training stables in Matamata and in all other locations in New Zealand combined, over two 19-month time periods in 1996-1997 and 1998-1999, representing equal length periods immediately prior to and after the construction of a new training surface at the Matamata Racing Club. METHODS: Retrospective records covering all horses training and racing in New Zealand during two 19-month time periods (1996-1997 and 1998-1999), covering 161 locations, were obtained from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR). Outcome variables included whether a horse was raced again in the 6 months following any start in the first 13 months of either time period, number of race starts for every horse, and finishing position. Summary measures with confidence intervals (CI) and unadjusted odds ratios (OR), measuring strength of associations for various factors, were computed. RESULTS: The datasets contained information on 45,446 horses, 11,336 races, 5,110 trials and a total of 110,643 race starts. Horses trained at Matamata represented 8% (3,715) of the total horse datasets, and accounted for 11,977 race starts (10.8%). They were more likely to start in a race or trial in either time period and were 1.4 and 1.3 times as likely to finish first, second or third compared with horses trained at other locations in 1996-1997 and 1998-1999, respectively. A 6-month no-race period occurred for 9,306/12,584 (74%) horses that started at least once in the first 13 months of either time period. Horses trained at Matamata were less likely to have a 6-month no-race period than horses trained at other locations in both time periods. There was no effect of time period within each location on the probability of either a horse having a 6-month no-race period or of a race start being followed by a 6-month no-race period, but there was an overall effect of time and more 6-month no-race periods were observed in 1998-1999 relative to 1996-1997. CONCLUSION: Summary statistics are presented for Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand over two 19-month time periods. Differences between the populations of horses trained in Matamata compared with those trained at other locations were attributed, in part, to the fact that many of the more successful racehorse trainers in the country have stables at Matamata. As a result, the population of horses in Matamata may not be representative of the racehorse population in New Zealand. Although more likely to win or place in both time periods, the magnitude of the advantage to horses in Matamata was reduced in 1998-1999 relative to 1996-1997, and this could be due, in part, to effects of the new track surface at Matamata. There was no evidence of a rise in risk of a 6-month no-race period following any race start in those horses trained in Matamata in 1998-1999 relative to either horses trained at other locations or to horses trained in Matamata during the earlier time period. |
| Address |
Epicentre, Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. N.R.Perkins@massey.ac.nz |
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English |
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0048-0169 |
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|
Medium |
|
| Area |
|
Expedition |
|
Conference |
|
| Notes |
PMID:15768118 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4039 |
| Permanent link to this record |
