| Records |
| Author |
Kampmann, S.: A., Hampson, B.A.; Pollitt, C.C. |
| Title |
Population dynamics of Australian feral horses in a semiarid environment |
Type |
Conference Article |
| Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume |
in press |
Issue |
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Pages |
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| Abstract |
Introduction: The feral horse population of Australia is the largest in the world and, in average seasons, increases at a rate of approximately 20% per annum. Recent record rainfall in much of semi-arid Central Australia has led to a population increase in excess of normal rates and this project aimed to document the increase. Uncontrolled feral horse numbers have habitat degradation and horse welfare implications and were the reasons for performing the study. Materials and Methods: The study area was an unmanaged 4,000km2 semi-arid area in Central Australia (Lat 24.50, Long 132.10). The population of feral horses within the study area is estimated to be in excess of 10,000. During an 8 week period at the end of the winter season of 2011, horses were identified by ground searches, movement sensored cameras and from hides positioned at key water holes. The area surveyed represented only a small percentage of the overall habitat. Horses were identified by descriptive features and markings. Where possible, sex and age category were documented. Population growth rate was estimated from the observed sample and was expressed as the number of foals born in the current year, divided by the number of horses older than one year. Results: A total of 1,486 horses were identified and categorised, of which 335 were foals born within the current foaling season. Only 129 juveniles, presumably born in the preceding year, were identified. Of the adult horses, 54% were male and 46% were female. Seventy-four percent of mares (n=452) had a foal at foot and the population growth rate was 29%. Conclusion: With a sustained population growth rate of 29%, this population of feral horses will more than double within 3 years. The high rate of increase is concerning because it will negatively impact on the native fauna and flora and fragile semi-arid ecosystems of Central Australia. In addition the feral horses of the study area have experienced an unusual period of high rainfall and plentiful grazing but a return to normal drought conditions is imminent. Starvation, thirst and death from diminished resources will then be a serious welfare concern for horses. KW - |
| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
Kampmann, S. |
Thesis |
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Publisher  |
Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
Editor |
Krueger, K. |
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| ISSN |
978-3-9808134-26 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5531 |
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| Author |
Ödberg, F. |
| Title |
History of schooling and its relation with conditioning laws and welfare |
Type |
Conference Article |
| Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume |
in press |
Issue |
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Pages |
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| Abstract |
While writings from the Hittite Kikkuli and the Greek hippiatrica concerned stamina training and mainly veterinary aspects, the first explicit writings left about schooling are from the hand of Xenophon. He showed already a plight to understand the horse’s behaviour and apply an animal-friendly schooling. What happened in Roman times and early middle ages is unclear through a lack of documents. Literature increased in late middle ages (a few Iberic authors and the Italian Rusius) but remained scarce. One presumes knights were brutal because of the strength of bits and spurs, but iconography shows also horses ridden without coercion. Linear progress in schooling cannot be found before the transition between the renaissance and baroque periods. Writings from renaissance masters such as Grisone, Fiaschi, Pignatelli and de la Broue, show a generally violent way of schooling (excepted Conte and Pavari) strangely contrasting with appeals for kindness. One then observes from the 17th century authors to the 18th century baroque masters a gradual improvement concerning important aspects: evolving 1/ from anthropomorphism to understanding horse behaviour, and 2/ from coercion to obtaining gradually suppleness and applying the laws of physics concerning weight distribution. Many baroque and early 19th century masters had understood intuitively conditioning laws discovered scientifically in the 20th century by the Pavlovians and behaviourists. The essence of schooling was settled in the baroque period. It subsided unfortunately in the 19th (with better survival in Germany, Austria and Iberic countries) because of a/ more interest for racing and hunting, b/ the French revolution that closed academies and c/ mass army training. Pressure of competition in the 20th nearly eradicated academic tradition. In the second part we translate some fundamental riding principles into scientific terminology. “Independence of aids” is based on discrimination of stimuli and overshadowing. “Discretion of aids” on generalization and second-order conditioning. “Descente de mains et de jambes” on avoidance of habituation, of confusion, and of the impossibility to apply negative reward. “Legs without hands, hands without legs” on avoidance of experimental neurosis due to contradictory stimuli. Time permitting, processes such as positive social modelling and occasion setting will be explained. The above mentioned principles are rarely applied nowadays. The FEI holds a large responsibility in the acceptance, even institutionalizing, of a probably animal-unfriendly riding. It is also shameful that some schools, that for years, or even centuries, were the guardians of old principles, are relinquishing them under commercial pressure. All too often, modern riding is obviously animal-unfriendly for the intuitive rider. Scientists however seek facts. Frequency of conflict behaviours is an indicator at ethological level. However, some horses could be in learned helplessness. There is no litmus test for that (except complicated avoidance learning procedures). There is a need for physiological stress parameters according to breed, age, sex. Horses schooled according to different philosophies are often from different breeds making matched-pairs studies difficult. The important role of pre- and postnatal experience complicates precise scientific evaluation in everyday equine practice. One cannot standardize ontogeny in horses as in laboratory animals. Keywords: academic riding principles, history, learning theory, welfare KW - |
| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
Odberg, F. |
Thesis |
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| Publisher |
Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
Editor |
Krueger, K. |
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Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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ISBN |
978-3-9808134-26 |
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no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5532 |
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| Author |
Ramnath, D.; Ralston, S.; Anderson, H. |
| Title |
Trainability and reactivity of Mustang Horses (Equus Equus) fed Forage-Based Total Mixed (TMR) rations with or without added grain |
Type |
Conference Article |
| Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume |
in press |
Issue |
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Pages |
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| Abstract |
The relationship between ration and behavior in horses has not been extensively studied, though it is widely thought that the type of feed fed can influence how a horse behaves. For example rations high in sugar and starch have been documented to increase young horses' reactivity to novel stimuli. Since the temperament of a horse has been linked to the ease with which it can be trained, documenting if a horse’s behavior can be altered by its ration would be of interest to the equine industry. We hypothesized that increasing the starch intake of young mustangs by addition of corn or oats to a forage-based total mixed ration (TMR) would alter their reactivity to stimuli and responsiveness to learned commands. To test this hypothesis 8 recently tamed mustangs (4 geldings and 4 fillies, one and two years of age) were used. The mustangs were divided into two groups based on age, sex and temperament. In a series of three experiments they were fed TMR cubes with or without 10% added corn free choice (Exp. 1, Fall, 2010), or a basal ration of TMR cubes free choice with morning meals of 1kg TMR cubes versus an equicaloric amount of corn (exp. 2, Spring, 2011) or oats (Exp. 3, Spring 2011) in a simple crossover design with 2 to 2.5 week adaptation periods for each trial. The horses’ trainability and reactivity to stimuli were evaluated before the treatments were initiated and after each adaptation period 60 to 90 minutes after the morning meals were fed. In the tests the horses were asked to perform a standardized series of commands (ie: walk on, turn, stop and stand still, back up), and were then confronted with a novel stimulus, which varied with each trial. A single handler (SLR) led each horse through the tests, which was then repeated on the next day using a student handler instead. Treatments were then switched and the horses were re-tested, so that each horse was tested on each feed type in all 3 experiments. Each horse’s performance was scored by 2 judges, who were both professional trainers who had been assigned 4 horses to train throughout the study. These judges scored the horses' performances as the tests were done. Each test was videotaped for further evaluation by a third judge (D. Ramnath) who was not familiar with the horses and who was blind to the ration being fed. The performances were scored using a numerical scale of 0-5, with 0=total noncompliance and 5=perfect execution of the tasks asked of the horse. There were no differences (p>0.1) in responses to commands or reactivity to stimuli between rations in any of the trials or with respect to which trainer had trained the horse. There were, however, differences (P<0.05) among horses, handlers and judges with respect to the scores. It appears that addition of a moderate amount of starchy feed to a horse's ration has less influence on the horse's trainability and reactivity than the animal's natural temperament and handler ability. KW - |
| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
Ralston, S. |
Thesis |
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| Publisher |
Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
Editor |
Krueger, K. |
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978-3-9808134-26 |
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Approved |
no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5533 |
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| Author |
Wulf, M.; Aurich, C.; Nees, M.; Aurich, J. |
| Title |
Identification of horses – hot iron branding versus microchip transponders |
Type |
Conference Article |
| Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume |
in press |
Issue |
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Pages |
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| Abstract |
Identification of horses with hot iron branding is one of the most controversial issues in German horse breeding and also discussed in other countries. Traditionally horses have been identified by hot iron branding with breed-specific symbols and additional numbers. Since 2009, European Union legislation requires that all horses born after that year must have a microchip implanted for identification, although some exceptions are possible. So far it has not been tested using scientific criteria to what extent branding and microchips reliably allow identification of individual horses. In this study, the readability of branding symbols and numbers was analyzed by 3 independent investigators in 248 horses participating in an equestrian competition. Microchip transponders implanted into the neck were read in another 182 horses on different breeding farms. Microchip readings were made on both sides of the neck and 3 different commercially available ISO 11785/11785 scanners were compared (A: Minimax II, B: I-MaxPlus, C: Isomax V, all by Virbac, Germany). Correct reading of the branding breed symbol in horses at an equestrian championship by the individual investigators was close to 90% and differed only marginally between the investigators. Correct identification of the breed-specific symbol by all 3 investigators occurred in 84% of cases. The double-digit number branded together with the breed symbol was identified correctly by all 3 investigators in 39% of cases with correct readings by individual investigators ranging from 47 to 54%. Correct identification of the branding signs did not differ significantly between horses of different coat color and age group. Readability of microchips differed between scanners. Best results were obtained with scanner C which allowed microchip reading on the implantation side in 100% and on the contralateral side of the neck in 95% of 182 horses. Time for location of the microchip on the implanted side ranged from 1 to 4 sec (1.1±0.4). Scanner A identified 92 and 25% of microchips on the implanted and contralateral side, respectively while corresponding values for scanner B were 86 and 20%. Readability of microchip transponders on the side contralateral to implantation was influenced by size and thus caliber of the horse. In conclusion, hot iron branding does not allow unique identification of horses and individual branding numbers can be read in less than 40% of the horses. Readability of microchip transponders is more reliable compared to hot iron branding but depends on the type of scanner used. Scanner C allowed identification of all horses tested and gave good results also when used on the contralateral side of the horses` neck. KW - |
| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
Wulf, M. |
Thesis |
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| Publisher |
Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
Editor |
Krueger, K. |
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978-3-9808134-26 |
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Approved |
no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5534 |
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| Author |
Sigurjonsdottir, H. |
| Title |
How does group stability and composition affect interactions in horse groups? |
Type |
Conference Article |
| Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume |
in press |
Issue |
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Pages |
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| Abstract |
Results from studies on the social behaviour of the Icelandic horse kept in different types of groups will be presented. Most groups were studied for more than 75 hours. The groups vary in composition and in stability. Some groups include stallions (6 groups) while others breeding mares and foals (1), geldings, mares, sub-adults and foals (3), geldings, sub-adults and mares (2), geldings and mares (4), one-sex 1year olds (3) and sub-adults (1). In some of the groups the residency of individual horses was similar (stable groups) while in others the composition changed frequently or unfamiliar horses were all put together at the same time. The results show that both negative and positive interactions are more frequent in unstable groups. Also, interesting differences emerged when different group types were compared. The results are important for management and will be discussed in that context. KW - |
| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
Sigurjonsdottir, H. |
Thesis |
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| Publisher |
Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
Editor |
Krueger, K. |
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Summary Language |
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978-3-9808134-26 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5535 |
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| Author |
Theodoropoulou, P.; Youlatos, D. |
| Title |
Prevalence of stereotypies amongst Thoroughbred race horses (Equus caballus) in Greece |
Type |
Conference Article |
| Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume |
in press |
Issue |
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Pages |
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| Keywords |
Thoroughbred, race horse, stereotypy, Greece |
| Abstract |
Thoroughbred horses are keen to develop stereotypies in higher rates compared to other breeds. In Greece, race horses are exclusively thoroughbreds, which are intensively kept under strict environments. Our study, the first of its kind in Greece, explores the prevalence of stereotypic behaviour in these horses and its interrelation to intrinsic and management factors. For these purposes, we recorded intrinsic (age, gender, indoors and outdoors temperament, playfulness, etc.) and management parameters (time spent out, number of horses per groom, etc.) in association with established stereotypic behaviours (box walking, weaving, head nodding, wind sucking, bed eating) in 209 horses in the Markopoulo Race Track, Attica, Greece. Our analysis showed an overall prevalence of 46.6 %, which is way too high compared to those reported for other race horses worldwide. Furthermore, box walking was strongly associated with indoors temperament (p=0.012), playfulness (p=0.03), and horses per groom (p<0.001). Bed eating with gender (p=0.009), outdoors temperament (p=0.018) and playfulness (p=0.004), while head nodding with indoors and outdoors temperament (p=0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). These results corroborate with previous investigations in other race horses, and indicate the importance of intrinsic factors in developing stereotypies in Thoroughbreds. |
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| Corporate Author |
Theodoropoulou, P. |
Thesis |
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| Publisher |
Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
Editor |
Krueger, K. |
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Summary Language |
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978-3-9808134-26 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5536 |
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| Author |
Gabor, V.; Gerken, M. |
| Title |
Cognitive testing in Shetland ponies (Equus caballus) using a computer based learning device |
Type |
Conference Article |
| Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume |
in press |
Issue |
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Pages |
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| Keywords |
Shetland ponies, Cognitive abilities, Concept learning, Concept of sameness |
| Abstract |
Complex housing environments such as group housing with automatic feeding or the close contact to humans in sports make high demands on the learning ability of the horse. These learning processes include not only habituation, sensitization and simpler forms of operant conditioning, but also stimulus generalization and possibly some type of concept learning. Studies concerning cognitive abilities in the horse increased in the last decades, but for optimizing housing conditions and horse training, deeper insight into the learning behaviour of this species is necessary. In the present study we used the advantages of a computer based learning device to train 7 Shetland ponies to solve a matching to sample task. With this more complex type of a discrimination task, animals are trained to recognize two out of three presented stimuli as identical. In a first step animals learned to operate the learning device and in further learning steps to recognize and assign geometric symbols (dot, cross, square, and triangle) presented on a LCD screen that were ‘equal’. Four of the 7 ponies could solve the given task by performing over 80% correct responses in two consecutive sessions (p < 0.001). In the subsequent transfer test with new symbols, we found that the ponies were able to transfer the learned rule. In further experiments it should be clarified whether the good learning performance of the ponies in the present study is indeed based on their capability to form an abstract concept of sameness. The present results indicate that ponies possibly posses higher cognitive abilities than so far known. |
| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
Gabor, V. |
Thesis |
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| Publisher |
Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
Editor |
Krueger, K. |
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978-3-9808134-26 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5537 |
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| Author |
Westermann, K. |
| Title |
The contribution of horses (Equus caballus) to human health Requirements, stresses and strains, selection, training, compensation and rectification |
Type |
Conference Article |
| Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume |
in press |
Issue |
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Pages |
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| Keywords |
Therapiepferd, Anforderungen, Belastungsmomente, Auswahl, Training |
| Abstract |
For a longer time, I occupy myself in my profession as a veterinarian, with the requirements and strains of horses (Equus caballus) used to contribute human health. For the first time complex and interdisciplinary scientific investigations are made to draw conclusions from determined requirements and strains of so-called therapy horses in regard to an adequate selection and training as well as compensation of physical and psychic strains and rectification of these horses. Focusing the physical and psychic resources of horses as well, it becomes obvious, that a horse which received conventional training, compensation and rectification is neither adequately prepared for its task as a therapy horse, nor adequately escorted through its employment. Therefore it is time now for hippologists and veterinarians to promote a justifiable use of horses for therapy purposes by suitable means having in mind not only the efficiency of the intervention, but also the safety of clients, therapists and horses as well as our responsibility towards the horse and animal welfare in general. For a concept profitable for all participants, different, each other complementing modules are worked out. Based on an interdisciplinary exchange of know-how and interdisciplinary cooperation, the decisive elements of a comprehensive, targeted, requirement-oriented and horse-friendly training, compensation of the horse’s strains and rectification are outlined. |
| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
Westermann, W. |
Thesis |
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| Publisher |
Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
Editor |
Krueger, K. |
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Summary Language |
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978-3-9808134-26 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5538 |
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| Author |
Windschnurer, I.; Zeitlinger, S.; Troxler, J.; Waiblinger, S. |
| Title |
Human and horse behaviour during veterinary treatments |
Type |
Conference Article |
| Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume |
in press |
Issue |
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Pages |
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| Abstract |
Veterinary treatments are often aversive or painful, resulting in stress, avoidance, or aggressive behaviour. This preliminary study investigated which behaviours horses and humans display during veterinary examinations or treatments and if specific behaviours are shown more often during particular situations . Moreover, possible links between human and equine behaviour were investigated. Behaviours of horses, veterinarians, and assisting people were recorded at 5 clinics during 49 routine treatments that were divided into 111 situations (assigned to 7 categories: giving injections, waiting, leading horses, inspections with light body contact, invasive inspections, leg inspections, spraying/shaving). Behaviours of humans present during a situation were summarised. Behaviours (frequencies/minute) were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis tests and Spearman rank correlations. Horses showed insecurity (stopping, baulking, defecation) with different frequencies in the different categories (Chi2=23.38, df=6, P=0.001), e.g., often during leading. In humans, activating behaviour (e.g., arm waving, whistling, tongue clicking) was displayed with different frequencies (Chi2=20.42, df=6, P=0.002), e.g., frequently during leading. Restlessness in horses (e.g., stepping, head movements) tended to occur with different frequencies (Chi2=12.37, df=6, P=0.054), e.g., often during invasive inspections. Humans applied restraining techniques considered to be painful (e.g., ear twisting) with different frequencies (Chi2=26.20, df=6, P<0.001), e.g., mostly during invasive inspections. Restlessness in horses correlated with negative human interactions (e.g., hitting, talking impatiently, shouting: rs=0.28, P=0.002, n=111) and neutral human interactions (e.g., slight hits, talking dominantly: rs=0.45, P<0.001, n=111) as well as with the use of painful restraint techniques (rs=0.46, P<0.001, n=111). Moreover, avoidance behaviour of the horses (turning and stepping away) correlated with negative human interactions (rs=0.30, P=0.002, n=111). Thus, humans and horses showed certain behaviours in different situations with differing frequencies. Moreover, links between human and animal behaviour were found. Future studies should analyse causal connections, i.e., if the observed animal behaviour is the result of/or the reason for human interactions by sequence analysis. KW - |
| Address |
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| Corporate Author |
Waiblinger, S. |
Thesis |
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| Publisher |
Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
Editor |
Krueger, K. |
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Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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978-3-9808134-26 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5540 |
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| Author |
Erber, R.; Wulf, M.; Aurich, J.; Becker-Birck, M.; Rose-Meierhöfer, S.; Möstl, E.; Hoffmann, G.; Aurich, C. |
| Title |
Physiological stress parameters in sport horse mares transferred from group housing to individual stabling |
Type |
Conference Article |
| Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume |
in press |
Issue |
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Pages |
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| Keywords |
horse, isolation, cortisol, heart rate, locomotion |
| Abstract |
Initial equestrian training and especially first mounting of a rider are stressful challenges for young horses (1). Most young horses are raised in groups but, in association with equestrian training, they are commonly transferred to individual stabling in loose boxes. Although, in most stables, visual contact with horses in adjacent boxes is possible, separation from the herd might be an additional stressor. We have studied physiological stress parameters, in 3-year-old sport horse mares (n=8), transferred from a group stable with access to a paddock to individual boxes without paddock. Once stabled in the individual boxes, mares underwent a standard training for young horses. Horses had been accustomed to lunging and tolerating a rider on their back several weeks before the study. Mares were studied from 5 days before to 5 days after changing the stable. Cortisol concentration in saliva, locomotion activity (ALT pedometers), heart rate (HR) and HR variability (RMSSD: root mean square of successive beat-to-beat intervals) were determined. We hypothesized that the change of the stable increases cortisol release and is associated with changes in HR and RMSSD and reduced locomotion. Before mares were moved to individual boxes, cortisol concentration showed a pronounced diurnal rhythm with values around 0.6 ng/ ml in the morning and a continuous decrease throughout the day. When the mares were moved to individual boxes, cortisol concentration increased to 1.8±0.2 ng/ml and did not return to baseline values within 6 h (p<0.05 over time). On subsequent days, a diurnal rhythm was re-established but shifted to a higher level than before. Locomotion activity determined by ALT pedometers was increased for some minutes only after mares has been placed in individual boxes but was only slightly higher than during the time mares spent with the group in a paddock. On days 2-5 in individual boxes, locomotion activity was reduced compared to the group stable. HR increased and the HRV variable RMSSD decreased when mares were separated. In conclusion, separating horses during initial training from their group is an additional stressor, although the stress is less pronounced than induced by other social challenges, e.g. weaning of foals (2). When stabled in individual boxes, mares move less than when kept as a group. Horses kept in a group thus appear to exercise themselves freely, such an effect is absent when the animals are kept individually. |
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| Corporate Author |
Erber, R. |
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| Publisher |
Xenophon Publishing |
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Wald |
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Krueger, K. |
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978-3-9808134-26 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5542 |
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