The influence of rider bodyweight on salivary cortisol concentrations and spontaneous blink rate for horses performing a standardised exercise test
Roberts, Alice and Hemmings, Andrew (2018) The influence of rider bodyweight on salivary cortisol concentrations and spontaneous blink rate for horses performing a standardised exercise test. Equine Veterinary Journal, 50 (S52). pp. 16-17. ISSN 2042-3306
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Abstract
Background: Judgements concerning optimal rider weight for horse size are rarely informed by objective science, despite the potential welfare ramifications of a heavy rider on a mismatched horse. Objectives: To measure the equine stress response to riders of differing weight. Study design: Prospective, cross-over, randomised trial. Methods: Six horses in regular work, 500–600 kg bodyweight, were ridden by four riders (rider bodyweight: horse body weight ratio 10–12% [L = Light], >12 ≤ 15% [M = Moderate], >15<18% [H = Heavy] and >20% [VH = Very Heavy]), in a standardised dressage test lasting 30 min. The test was abandoned for ≥grade 3 lameness or demonstration of ≥10 behavioural markers [1]. Salivary cortisol analyses (SalimetricsTM ELISA kits) were performed on mouth swabs collected at 06.00 h, directly before exercise and 30 min after exercise. Spontaneous Blink Rate (SBR), an indicator of the stress neurotransmitter dopamine, was recorded immediately before and after exercise, for 15 min. Results: All 13 H and VH rider tests were abandoned (lameness, n = 12; behaviour, n = 1), as was one of 12 M rider tests (lameness). Post-exercise SBR was elevated compared with pre-exercise values for rider H (P<0.05, Wilcoxon's matched pairs test). There were no differences in cortisol concentrations. Main limitations: The short duration of the abandoned tests may have influenced the results for riders H and VH (mean 8.3 and 16.6 min respectively). Conclusions: Increased SBR for the H rider and the high termination rate for H and VH tests are both possible indicators of a stress response to heavier riders. Further work is required
| Item Type: | Article |
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| Divisions: | Agriculture, Science and Practice |
| Depositing User: | Doctor Andrew Hemmings |
| Date Deposited: | 31 Oct 2024 14:15 |
| Last Modified: | 31 Oct 2024 14:15 |
| URI: | https://rau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/16831 |
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