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Correlations between the behavior of recreational horses, the physiological parameters and summer atmospheric conditions
Author(s) -
Janczarek Iwona,
Wilk Izabela,
Zalewska Edyta,
Bocian Krzysztof
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
animal science journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.606
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1740-0929
pISSN - 1344-3941
DOI - 10.1111/asj.12343
Subject(s) - heart rate , horse , relative humidity , environmental science , wind speed , respiratory rate , mood , recreation , air temperature , atmospheric pressure , zoology , atmospheric sciences , meteorology , medicine , blood pressure , ecology , biology , geography , physics , paleontology , psychiatry
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 J uly until 1 S eptember on 16 A nglo‐ A rabian 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.