Signs of Pain and Discomfort in Riding School Horses
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63437/Keywords:
horses, pain syndrome, discomfort, behavior, ethogram, movie rental, riding school, horse clubsAbstract
This study focuses on identifying signs of pain and discomfort in riding horses during saddle work, as well as assessing the ability of potential riding school clients to recognize them. The relevance of this research is driven by the growing public concern for the welfare of ridden horses, particularly those used for recreation. It is well known that even among sport horses, pain syndromes are common but often go unrecognized by trainers and owners. Horses used in riding clubs are at an even higher risk of experiencing pain, as they frequently interact with inexperienced riders. This issue raises not only ethical concerns but also practical safety challenges, as a horse experiencing pain may exhibit behaviors that pose risks to both itself and the humans interacting with it.
In this study we conducted observations of riding school horses during saddle work to identify behavioral signs of pain and discomfort. Additionally, we administered a survey to potential riding clubs’ clients to assess their ability to recognize facial expressions associated with pain and discomfort in horses.
The findings indicate that riding school horses exhibit a broad range of pain and discomfort signs during work, most of which go unnoticed by riding club visitors. The survey results revealed that accuracy of recognizing pain- related signs in horses is influenced by gender and prior experience with horses. However, individuals who had attended riding lessons a few times but had not yet learned to ride demonstrated poorer recognition of equine discomfort compared to those who had never attempted horseback riding.
The results highlight the necessity of increasing public awareness among riding center visitors regarding equine pain and discomfort indicators, as well as the need to implement ethical standards in this sector.
Downloads
References
Використані літературні джерела
1. Анамнез болю пацієнта. Асоціація анестезіологів Вінницької області. – URL: https://anest.vn.ua/file/06_21_13.pdf.
2. Конярство: підручник / Б. М. Гопка, М. П. Хоменко, М. П. Павленко. – Київ : Вища освіта, 2004. – 320 с.
3. Губарєва Л. Конярство: електронний посібник / Л. Губарєва. – URL: https://vukladach.pp.ua/MyWeb/manual/twarunnuztvo/koniarstvo/Ycladachi/Ycladachi.htm.
4. Біль як міждисциплінарна проблема / Т. И. Негрич, Н. Л. Боженко, О. С. Фітькало, А. В. Паєнок, Л. Є. Лаповець. – 2022. – URL: www.umj.com.ua/uk/publikatsia-235551-bil-yak-mizhdistsiplinarna-problema.
5. 1822: 3 George 4 c.71: Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act. – URL: http://statutes.org.uk/site/the-statutes/nineteenth-century/1822-3-george-4-c-71-cruel-treatment-of-cattle-act/.
6. Amici F. The ability to recognize dog emotions depends on the cultural milieu in which we grow up. Scientific Report / F. Amici, J. Waterman, C. M. Kellermann. – 2019. – Vol. 9. – Art.16414. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52938-4
7. Auer U., Kelemen Z., Vogl C. et al. Development, refinement, and validation of an equine musculoskeletal pain scale / U. Auer, Z. Kelemen, C. Vogl, S. von Ritgen, R. Haddad, L. Borda Torres, C. Gabmaier, J. Breteler, & F. Jenner // Frontiers in pain research. – 2023. – Vol. 4. – Art. 1292299. DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1292299
8. Bell C. Improving the recognition of equine affective states / C. Bell, S. Rogers, J. Taylor, S. Busby // Animals. – 2019. – Vol. 9. – Art. 1124.
9. Braun M. N., Müller-Klein A., Sopp M. R. et al. The human ability to interpret affective states in horses’ body language: The role of emotion recognition ability and previous experience with horses / M. N. Braun, A. Müller-Klein, M. R. Sopp, T. Michael, U. Link-Dorner, J. Lass-Hennemann // Applied Animal Behaviour Science. – 2024. – Vol. 271. DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106171.
10. Byström A., Clayton H.M., Hernlund E. et al. Equestrian and biomechanical perspectives on laterality in the horse / A. Byström, H. M. Clayton, E. Hernlund, M. Rhodin, & A. Egenvall // Comparative Exercise Physiology. – 2020. – Vol. 16. – No. 1. – Р. 35–46. DOI: 10.3920/CEP190022.
11. Carvalho J. R. G., Trindade P. H. E., Conde G. et al. Facial expressions of horses using weighted multivariate statistics for assessment of subtle local pain induced by polylactide-based polymers implanted subcutaneously / J. R. G. Carvalho, P. H. E. Trindade, G. Conde, M. L. Antonioli, M. I. G. Funnicelli, P. P. Dias, P. A. Canola, M. A. Chinelatto, G. C. Ferraz // Animals. – 2022. – Vol. 12. – No. 18. DOI: 10.3390/ani12182400.
12. Casey V. A preliminary report on estimating the pressures exerted by a crank noseband in the horse / V. Casey, P. McGreevy, E. O’Muiris, O. Doherty // Journal of Veterinary Behavior. – 2013. – Vol. 8. – P. 479–484
13. Cavieres A. Relationship Between Gender and Performance on Emotion Perception Tasks in a Latino Population / A. Cavieres, R. Maldonado, A. Bland, & R. Elliott // International journal of psychological research. – 2021. – Vol. 14. – No. 1. – Р. 106–114. DOI: 10.21500/20112084.5032
14. Dalla Costa E. Development of the Horse Grimace Scale (HGS) as a pain assessment tool in horses undergoing routine castration / E. Dalla Costa, M. Minero, Lebelt D. // PLoS ONE. – 2014. – Vol. 9. – Art. 92281. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092281.
15. Dyson S. Development of an ethogram for a pain scoring system in ridden horses and its application to determine the presence of musculoskeletal pain / S. Dyson, J. Berger, A. D. Ellis, J. Mullard // Journal of Veterinary Behavior. – 2018. – Vol. 23. – P. 47–57. DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2017.10.008.
16. Dyson S. The influence of rider skill on ridden horse behaviour, assessed using the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram, and gait quality / S. Dyson, C. Martin, A. Bondi, A. D. Ellis // Equine Vet Education. – 2022. – Vol. 34. – Art. e308-e317. DOI: 10.1111/eve.13434.
17. Dyson S. Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to Elite Dressage Horses Competing in World Cup Grand Prix Competitions / S. Dyson, D. Pollard // Animals. – 2021. – Vol. 11. – No. 5. DOI: 10.3390/ani11051187.
18. Dyson S. Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to 150 horses with musculoskeletal pain before and after diagnostic anaesthesia / S. Dyson, D. Pollard // Animals. – 2023. – Vol. 13. – Art. 1940.
19. Dyson S. Determination of Equine Behaviour in Subjectively Non-Lame Ridden Sports Horses and Comparison with Lame Sports Horses Evaluated at Competitions / S. Dyson, D. Pollard // Animals. – 2024. – Vol. 14. No. 12. DOI: 10.3390/ani14121831
20. Egenvall A., Byström A., Pökelmann M. et al. Rein tension in harness trotters during on-track exercise / A. Egenvall, A. Byström, M. Pökelmann, M. Connysson, K. Kienapfel-Henseleit, M. Karlsteen, P. McGreevy, & E. Hartmann // Frontiers in veterinary science. – 2022. – Vol. 9. – Art. 987852. DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.987852
21. Egenvall A. Orthopaedic health status of horses from 8 riding schools - a pilot study / A. Egenvall, C. Lönnell, C. Johnston // Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. – 2010. – Vol. 52. – No. 50. DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-52-50.
22. Eldridge J. J. Gender differences in attitudes toward animal research / J. J. Eldridge, J. P. Gluck // Ethics & Behavior. – 1996. – Vol. 6, – No. 3. – Р. 239–256.
23. Engelke, E., Gasse, H. An anatomical study of the rostral part of the equine oral cavity with respect to position and size of a snaffle bit / E. Engelke, H. Gasse // Equine Veterinaty Education. – 2003. – Vol. 15. – P. 158–163.
24. Fraser J. A. Some observations on behaviour of horses in pain / J. A. Fraser // British Veterinarian Journal. – 1969. – Vol. 125. – P. 150–151.
25. Gleerup K. B. An equine pain face / K. B. Gleerup, B. Forkman, C. Lindegaard, P. H. Andersen // Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia. – 2015. – Vol. 42. – No. 1. – Р. 103–114. DOI:10.1111/vaa.12212.
26. Górecka-Bruzda A. Conflict behavior in elite show jumping and dressage horses / A. Górecka-Bruzda, I. Kosińska, Z. Jaworski, T. Jezierski, J. Murphy // Journal of Veterinary Behavior. – 2015. – Vol. 10. – No. 2. – P. 137–146.
27. Graça J. Why are women less likely to support animal exploitation than men? The mediating roles of social dominance orientation and empathy / J. Graça, M. M. Calheiros, A. Oliveira, & T. L. Milfont // Personality and Individual Differences. – 2018. – Vol. 129. – P. 66–69. DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.03.007
28. Greve L. Saddle slip and lameness / L. Greve, S. J. Dyson // Equine Veterinary Journal. – 2014. – Vol. 46. – P. 687–694. DOI: 10.1111/evj.12222.
29. Hall C. Living the good life? A systematic review of behavioural signs of affective state in the domestic horse (Equus caballus) and factors relating to quality of life / C. Hall, R. Kay // Part 2: Horse-human interactions. Animal welfare. – 2024. – Vol. 33. – Art. 41. DOI: 10.1017/awf.2024.41.
30. Hamilton K. L. Equine conflict behaviors in dressage and their relationship to performance evaluation / K. L. Hamilton, B. E. Lancaster, C. Hall // Journal of Veterinary Behavior. – 2022. – Vol. 56. – P. 48–57.
31. Hockenhull J. The use of equipment and training practices and the prevalence of owner-reported ridden behaviour problems in UK leisure horses / J. Hockenhull, E. Creighton // Equine Veterinary Journal. – 2013. – Vol. 45. – P. 15–19.
32. Jastrzębska E., Wolska A., Minero M. et al. Conflict behaviour in show jumping horses: a field study / E. Jastrzębska, A. Wolska, M. Minero, M. Ogłuszka, B. Earley, J. Wejer, A. Górecka-Bruzda // Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. – 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.07.009.
33. Lesimple C. Indicators of Horse Welfare: State-of-the-Art. / C. Lesimple // Animals. – 2020. – Vol. 10. – No. 2. – Art. 294. DOI: 10.3390/ani10020294.
34. Love E. Facial expression of pain in horses / Love E, Gillespie L, Colborne G. // Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists Spring 2011 Meeting.
35. Luke K. How equestrians conceptualise horse welfare: Does it facilitate or hinder change? / K. Luke, A. Rawluk, T., McAdie, B. Smith, A. Warren-Smith // Animal Welfare. – 2023. – Vol. 32. – Art. 59.
36. McGreevy P.D. Equine behavior: a guide for veterinarians and equine scientists Saunders (2nd ed.) / P.D. McGreevy // Elsevier. – 2012.
37. Pehkonen J. Behavioral signs associated with equine periapical infection in cheek teeth / J. Pehkonen, L. Karma, M. Raekallio // Jourmal of Equine Veterinaty Science. – 2019. – Vol. 77. – Art. 144e150.
38. Price J. Preliminary evaluation of a behaviour-based system for assessment of post-operative pain in horses following arthroscopic surgery / J. Price, S. Catriona, E. M. Welsh // Veterinary Anaesthisology and Analgesia. –2003. – Art. 30. – P. 124–137. DOI: 10.1046/j.1467-2995.2003.00139.x.
39. Randle H. Equitation pedagogic practice: Use of a ridden horse ethogram to effect change / H. Randle // Journal of Veterinary Behavior. – 2016.
40. Seksel K. How Pain Affects Animals / K. Seksel. – 2007. URL: https://huisdiergedrag.be/docs/Seksel,%202007.pdf.
41. Stange I. Overview of the Current Situation in a Sample of Headshakers and Owner Assessment of Effective Therapeutic Measures Used in Germany / L. M. Stange, J. Krieter, I. Czycholl // Journal of equine veterinary science. – 2020. – Vol. 95. – Art.103270. DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103270.
42. Thompson K. A Critical Review of Horse-Related Risk: A Research Agenda for Safer Mounts, Riders and Equestrian Cultures/ K. Thompson, P. McGreevy, P. McManus // Animals. – 2015. – Vol. 5. – № 3. – P. 561–75. DOI: 10.3390/ani5030372.
43. Uldahl M. Lesions associated with the use of bits, nosebands, spurs and whips in Danish competition horses / M. Uldahl, H. M. Clayton // Equine Veterinary Journal. – 2019. – Vol. 51. – P. 154–162.
References
1. (2024). Anamnez boliu patsiienta [Patient pain history]. Retrieved from: https://anest.vn.ua/file/06_21_13.pdf. [in Ukrainian].
2. Hopka, B. M., Khomenko, M. P., & Pavlenko, M. P. (2004). Koniarstvo [Horse breeding]. Kyiv. 320 p. [in Ukrainian].
3. Hubarieva, L. (2024). Koniarstvo [Horse breeding]. Retrieved from: https://vukladach.pp.ua/MyWeb/manual/twarunnuztvo/koniarstvo/Ycladachi/Ycladachi.htm. [in Ukrainian].
4. Nehrych, T. I., Bozhenko, N. L., Fit’kalo, O. S., Pаиnok, A. V., & Lapovets, L. Ye. (2022). Bil yak mizhdytsyplinarna problema [Pain as an interdisciplinary problem]. Retrieved from: www.umj.com.ua/uk/publikatsia-235551-bil-yak-mizhdistsiplinarna-problema. [in Ukrainian].
5. 1822: 3 George 4 c.71: Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act. Retrieved from: http://statutes.org.uk/site/the-statutes/nineteenth-century/1822-3-george-4-c-71-cruel-treatment-of-cattle-act/.
6. Amici, F., Waterman, J., & Kellermann, C. M. (2019) The ability to recognize dog emotions depends on the cultural milieu in which we grow up. Scientific Report. 9, Article: 16414. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpain.2023.1292299.
7. Auer, U., Kelemen, Z., Vogl, C., von Ritgen, S., Haddad, R., Torres Borda, L., Gabmaier, C., Breteler, J., & Jenner, F. (2023) Development, refinement, and validation of an equine musculoskeletal pain scale. Frontiers in Pain Research. Vol. 4, Article: 1292299. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpain.2023.1292299.
8. Bell, C., Rogers, S., Taylor, J., & Busby, S. (2019). Improving the recognition of equine affective states. Animals. 9, Article: 1124.
9. Braun, M. N., Müller-Klein, A., Sopp, M. R., Michael, T., Link-Dorner, U., & Lass-Hennemann, J. (2024). The human ability to interpret affective states in horses’ body language: The role of emotion recognition ability and previous experience with horses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 271. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106171
10. Byström, A., Clayton, H. M., Hernlund, E., Rhodin, M., & Egenvall, A. (2020). Equestrian and biomechanical perspectives on laterality in the horse. Comparative Exercise Physiology. 16 (1), P. 35–46. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3920/CEP190022.
11. Carvalho, J. R. G., Trindade, P. H. E., Conde, G., Antonioli, M. L., Funnicelli, M. I. G., Dias, P. P., Canola, P. A., Chinelatto, M. A., & Ferraz, G. C. (2022). Facial expressions of horses using weighted multivariate statistics for assessment of subtle local pain induced by polylactide-based polymers implanted subcutaneously. Animals. 12 (18). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182400.
12. Casey, V., McGreevy, P., O’Muiris, E., & Doherty, O. A. (2013). Preliminary report on estimating the pressures exerted by a crank noseband in the horse. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 8. P. 479–484.
13. Cavieres, A., Maldonado, R., Bland, A., & Elliott, R. (2021). Relationship Between Gender and Performance on Emotion Perception Tasks in a Latino Population. International Journal of Psychological Research. 14 (1). P. 106–114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21500/20112084.5032.
14. Dalla Costa, E., Minero, M., & Lebelt, D. (2014). Development of the Horse Grimace Scale (HGS) as a pain assessment tool in horses undergoing routine castration. PLoS ONE. 9, Article: 92281. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0092281.
15. Dyson, S., Berger, J., Ellis, A. D., & Mullard, J. (2018). Development of an ethogram for a pain scoring system in ridden horses and its application to determine the presence of musculoskeletal pain. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 23. P. 47–57. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2017.10.008.
16. Dyson, S., Martin, C., Bondi, A., & Ellis, A. D. (2022). The influence of rider skill on ridden horse behaviour, assessed using the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram, and gait quality. Equine Vet Education. 34. Article: e308-e317. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.13434.
17. Dyson, S., & Pollard, D. (2021). Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to Elite Dressage Horses Competing in World Cup Grand Prix Competitions. Animals. 11 (5). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051187.
18. Dyson, S., & Pollard, D. (2023). Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to 150 horses with musculoskeletal pain before and after diagnostic anaesthesia. Animals. 13, Article: 1940.
19. Dyson, S., & Pollard, D. (2024). Determination of Equine Behaviour in Subjectively Non-Lame Ridden Sports Horses and Comparison with Lame Sports Horses Evaluated at Competitions. Animal. 14 (12). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14121831.
20. Egenvall, A., Byström, A., Pökelmann, M., Connysson, M., Kienapfel-Henseleit, K., Karlsteen, M., McGreevy, P., & Hartmann, E. (2022). Rein tension in harness trotters during on-track exercise. Frontiers in veterinary science. 9. Article: 987852. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.987852.
21. Egenvall, A., Lönnell, C., & Johnston, C. (2010). Orthopaedic health status of horses from 8 riding schools – a pilot study. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. 52 (50). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1751-0147-52-50.
22. Eldridge, J. J., & Gluck, J. P. (1996). Gender differences in attitudes toward animal research. Ethics & Behavior. 6 (3), P. 239–256.
23. Engelke, E., & Gasse, H. (2003). An anatomical study of the rostral part of the equine oral cavity with respect to position and size of a snaffle bit. Equine Veterinaty Education, 15. P. 158–163.
24. Fraser, J. A. (1969). Some observations on behaviour of horses in pain. British Veterinarian Journal. 125, P. 150–151.
25. Gleerup, K. B., Forkman, B., Lindegaard, C., & Andersen, P. H. (2015) An equine pain face. Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia. 42 (1). Р. 103–114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/vaa.12212
26. Górecka-Bruzda, A., Kosińska, I., Jaworski, Z., Jezierski, T., & Murphy, J. (2015) Conflict behavior in elite show jumping and dressage horses. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 10 (2), P. 137–146
27. Graça J., Calheiros M. M., Oliveira A., & Milfont T. L. (2018). Why are women less likely to support animal exploitation than men? The mediating roles of social dominance orientation and empathy. Personality and Individual Differences 129, P. 66–69. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2018.03.007.
28. Greve, L., Dyson, S.J. (2014) Saddle slip and lameness. Equine Veterinary Journal, 46. 687-694. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12222.
29. Hall, C., & Kay, R. (2024) Living the good life? A systematic review of behavioural signs of affective state in the domestic horse (Equus caballus) and factors relating to quality of life. Part 2: Horse-human interactions. Animal welfare, 33, Article 41. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2024.41.
30. Hamilton K. L., Lancaster B. E., & Hall C. (2022) Equine conflict behaviors in dressage and their relationship to performance evaluation. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 56, P. 48–57.
31. Hockenhull J., & Creighton E. (2013) The use of equipment and training practices and the prevalence of owner-reported ridden behaviour problems in UK leisure horses. Equine Veterinary Journal. 45, P. 15–19.
32. Jastrzębska E., Wolska A., Minero M., Ogłuszka M., Earley B., Wejer J., & Górecka-Bruzda A. (2017). Conflict behaviour in show jumping horses: a field study. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2017.07.009.
33. Lesimple, C. (2020). Indicators of Horse Welfare: State-of-the-Art. Animals. 10 (2). Article: 294. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020294.
34. Love, E, Gillespie, L, & Colborne G. (2011). Facial expression of pain in horses. In: Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists Spring Meeting.
35. Luke, K., Rawluk, A., McAdie, T., Smith, B., & Warren-Smith, A. (2023). How equestrians conceptualise horse welfare: Does it facilitate or hinder change? Animal Welfare, 32, Article: 59.
36. McGreevy, P. D. (2012). Equine behavior: a guide for veterinarians and equine scientists. Saunders (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
37. Pehkonen, J., Karma, L., & Raekallio, M. (2019). Behavioral signs associated with equine periapical infection in cheek teeth. Jourmal of Equine Veterinaty Science, 77, Article: 144e150.
38. Price, J., Catriona, S., & Welsh, E. M. (2003). Preliminary evaluation of a behaviour-based system for assessment of post-operative pain in horses following arthroscopic surgery. Veterinary Anaesthisology and Analgesia. Article: 30, 124–137. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1467-2995.2003.00139.x.
39. Randle H. (2016). Equitation pedagogic practice: Use of a ridden horse ethogram to effect change. Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
40. Seksel, K. (2007). How Pain Affects Animals. Retrieved from: https://huisdiergedrag.be/docs/Seksel,%202007.pdf.
41. Stange, L. M., Krieter, J., & Czycholl, I. (2020). Overview of the Current Situation in a Sample of Headshakers and Owner Assessment of Effective Therapeutic Measures Used in Germany. Journal of equine veterinary science. 95, Article: 103270. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103270.
42. Thompson, K., McGreevy P., & McManus, P. A. (2015). Critical Review of Horse-Related Risk: A Research Agenda for Safer Mounts, Riders and Equestrian Cultures. Animals. 5(3), P. 561–75. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani5030372.
43. Uldahl, M., & Clayton, H. M. (2019) Lesions associated with the use of bits, nosebands, spurs and whips in Danish competition horses. Equine Veterinary Journal, 51. P. 154–162.
