Search Results (65)

Equestrian sports play a significant economic role in the horse industry. In recent years, numerous equine viruses have emerged, among which are equine Pegiviruses and the re-emerging Equine coronavirus (ECoV). These viruses are distributed globally and primarily cause subclinical infections with unknown morbidity, even if ECoV can occasionally induce febrile and diarrheic episodes. To broaden the data on the Italian equine population, a study was conducted to assess their prevalence in two distinct horse populations belonging to the Carabinieri Corps (CC) and the Italian Army (IA) of the Italian Armed Forces (IAF). Samples consisted of blood serum and rectal swabs of 436 horses collected within the national surveillance program for equine infectious anemia and gastrointestinal parasite monitoring and analyzed for Pegivirus (caballi and equi) and ECoV by Real-Time RT PCR. The prevalence detected were 6.56% and 3.53%, respectively, for Pegivirus caballi and equi for the IA, while for the CC, they were 10.13% and 0.84%. Only one sample tested positive for ECoV belonging to a horse of the CC. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out on the PCR-positive samples that were sequenced using Sanger protocols. Understanding the epidemiology of these viruses is essential for evaluating the implementation of effective prevention strategies. Full article

Ecdysterone controls moulting and reproduction in insects, crustaceans, and helminths. It is also produced by many plants, probably as an insect deterrent. The steroid is not made by vertebrates but has anabolic effects in mammals and could be useful for treating sarcopenia in aged horses. However, ecdysterone is banned in horseracing and equestrian sports, and with no limit of reporting, the risk of unintended exposure to this naturally occurring prohibited substance is a concern. To explore this risk, pasture plants and hay samples were analysed for ecdysterone content, as well as samples of blood, faeces, and intestinal mucosa from horses (euthanized for non-research purposes) with varying degrees of endo-parasite infestation. The variability in serum ecdysterone concentrations between different horses after administering a fixed dose was also examined. Ecdysterone was detected in 24 hay samples (0.09 to 3.74 µg/g) and several weeds, with particularly high concentrations in Chenopodium album (244 µg/g) and Solanum nigrum (233 µg/g). There was a positive correlation between faecal ecdysterone and faecal egg counts, but no effect of anthelmintic treatment and no relation to the number of encysted cyathostome larvae in the large intestine mucosa. Certain horses maintained an unusually high serum ecdysterone concentration over several weeks and/or displayed an abnormally large response to oral ecdysterone administration. Thus, the risk of environmental exposure to ecdysterone is apparent, and several factors must be considered when determining an appropriate dosage for clinical studies or setting a reporting threshold for equine sports. Full article

This commentary evaluates contemporary equestrian sport governance through the lens of equine welfare science. Drawing on evidence from the FEI Sport Forum 2025 debates, the IFHA Racing Integrity Handbook, media coverage of horse sport, recent scientific presentations, regulatory texts, and published research, we identify systemic shortcomings in how horse welfare is assessed, prioritised, and protected. Key issues include reliance on performance as a proxy for welfare, inadequate “fit-to-compete” protocols, neglect of horses’ mental states, coercive tack and equipment practices (e.g., double bridles, tight nosebands, ear hoods), pharmacological and surgical interventions that mask pain, euphemistic regulatory language (e.g., whip “encouragement”), and inconsistent implementation of welfare rules. Through a series of case studies, from dressage and show jumping forums to racing integrity handbooks, we illustrate euphemistic language, defensive group dynamics, dismissive rhetoric towards evidence-based criticism, and a troubling “stable blindness” that sidelines the horse’s perspective. We conclude that meaningful reform requires (1) embedding validated behavioural and physical welfare indicators into all competition and pre-competition protocols, (2) transparent, evidence-inclusive rule-making under a precautionary principle, (3) genuine engagement with independent equine welfare experts, and (4) establishment of empowered, impartial oversight bodies to ensure that stated codes of conduct translate into consistent, enforceable practice. Only by catering to the horse’s subjective experiences and applying modern ethological and bioethical standards can equestrian sport retain its social licence and ensure integrity in all areas of competition management. Full article

Breed bias exists within many of the top disciplines of equestrian sport. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of breed on performance at the CCI5*-L level of eventing. To do so, the results of all CCI5*-L events from 2014 to 2024 were assessed. Initially, Thoroughbreds were compared to all non-Thoroughbreds, and this was followed by assessing the ten primary breeds. Data included penalties accrued in dressage, cross country, show jumping, and overall. Additionally, the likelihood of completing each phase was assessed. It was found that Thoroughbreds accrued more dressage penalties than non-Thoroughbreds (p < 0.001). When comparing primary breeds, Thoroughbreds were found to accumulate more dressage penalties than Hannoverian, Irish Sport Horse, Dutch Warmblood, Oldenburg, and Selle Francais (p < 0.03). When assessing cross-country, Thoroughbreds were more likely to finish without fault when compared to non-Thoroughbreds (p < 0.001). Non-Thoroughbreds were more likely to show jump without fault (p < 0.001), while Thoroughbred were found to have higher overall show jumping penalties in comparison to Anglo-European Studbook, Holsteiner, Irish Sport Horse, Dutch Warmblood, Oldenburg, and Selle Francais (p = 0.01). When evaluating overall penalties accumulated throughout the event, there was no effect of breed (p = 0.42). Overall, there was no advantage in competing a non-Thoroughbred in comparison to a Thoroughbred when considering total penalties accrued, indicating a level playing field within competition. Therefore, breed bias against TBs should be negated when selecting for CCI5*-L eventing prospects. Full article

Sport horses are frequently exposed to situations that were identified as stressors, indicated by an increased cortisol release, which might impair animal welfare. However, while many studies deal with the impact of exercise, transport, and competition on stress in horses, little is known about the early phase of a horse’s sports career and studies investigating the stress level of young horses during breaking-in are limited. To compare stress levels in unridden horses, horses during breaking-in, and horses in training we collected fecal samples of young, unridden horses (n = 28) and of horses in different training stages (n = 13) and measured fecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) concentrations. Our preliminary results showed that FCM concentrations of unridden horses were significantly lower than those of horses in training (Mann–Whitney rank sum test, p < 0.001). Particularly in the first year under the saddle FCMs were significantly higher than in unridden horses (one way ANOVA + post hoc Holm–Sidak test, p < 0.05), with a tendency for FCM levels to decrease with time in training. Furthermore, we observed that within the group of ridden horses there was a larger range of variability in FCM levels, suggesting individual variations regarding their ability to deal with (training-induced) stress. These results indicate that breaking-in is a stressful time for young horses, underlining the importance of carrying out the initial training as carefully as possible. Full article

Equine skin mycoses are a significant concern in Kazakhstan’s livestock industry due to the country’s historical livestock farming practices, the development of equestrian sports, and food traditions. Skin infections are among the most common fungal infections in horses. Emerging pathogens of equine dermatophytosis include keratinophilic Chrysosporium spp., which can degrade and metabolize keratin found in superficial tissues. This, combined with their thermotolerance, contributes to their pathogenicity. In this study, we investigated the biological properties and pathogenicity of two Chrysosporium strains isolated from equine skin lesions in northern and central Kazakhstan. Our findings showed that the Chrysosporium isolates caused a variety of clinically expressed skin lesions and exhibited cultural and morphological similarities to Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Genetic identification using ribosomal gene sequencing revealed 98.9% identity with Chrysosporium kreiselii and Chrysosporium zonatum sequences in both cases. The C. kreiselii strain caused pronounced skin lesions typical of classic dermatomycoses, demonstrated both keratinophilic and keratinolytic properties, and showed resistance to antifungal drugs. In contrast, the C. zonatum strain, which caused atypical lesions such as dandruff and seborrhea, was more sensitive to antifungal agents and exhibited keratinophilic properties. Our results highlight the emergence of new pathogenic Chrysosporium strains responsible for skin pathology in horses in Kazakhstan. We recommend that the identification of Chrysosporium skin infections in horses in Kazakhstan be followed by a comprehensive retrospective analysis of newly identified pathogens, including a full characterization of their pathogenicity. Full article

Information describing forces applied to the horse are needed to inform regulatory decisions regarding equine health and wellbeing. This study compares forces exerted beneath the noseband and headpiece of a snaffle bridle (SB) and a double bridle (DB). Horses were fitted with the same type of SB and DB. Forces were measured by pressure mats under the noseband (nasal/mandibular) and headpiece (occipital) of the bridle and by force sensors inserted bilaterally between the bit(s) and reins. The noseband was adjusted to 2 finger-equivalents using a tightness gauge. Data were recorded for eleven high-level dressage horses ridden in SB and DB in random order at collected walk, trot (sitting), and canter. The noseband pressures were similar between bridle types. Minimal, maximal, and mean occipital force and pressure were significantly higher for DB at walk, trot, and canter (all p ≤ 0.01), except minimal force for collected canter (p = 0.04). The rein tension for the bridoon bit alone and for the combined bridoon and curb bits was significantly lower than for the snaffle bit. Similar forces occur when ridden in SB and DB except that occipital force and pressure are higher due to the greater weight of the DB, and rein tension is lower for the DB. Full article

Preventing the spread of infectious diseases in horses requires breaking the chain of infection through appropriate prophylaxis. In Poland, where the horse population reached 273,006 in 2023, vaccinations are voluntary and primarily the responsibility of horse owners, with mandatory influenza vaccinations limited to sport horses. This study aimed to evaluate the vaccination status of Polish horses against infectious diseases through a survey of 980 horse owners and an analysis of 123 horse passports from slaughterhouses. Survey participants represented all provinces, predominantly owning warmblood horses (86%), but also 10% coldblood and 4% ponies or unidentified. Nearly half engaged in equestrian competitions. While over 90% of sport and pleasure horses were vaccinated against key diseases such as equine influenza and tetanus, only 2.4% of slaughter horses had similar prophylaxis. Cold-blooded horses were underrepresented in the survey (10.4%) but made up 68.3% of the analyzed slaughterhouse sample. The findings highlight a significant disparity in vaccination practices, primarily influenced by the horse’s intended use, with sport and leisure horses receiving better preventive care than slaughter horses. These results underscore the need for targeted educational efforts and policy interventions to improve the epizootiological status of Poland’s horse population and ensure a more uniform approach to disease prevention. A limitation of this study is the accuracy of vaccination records in horse passports, as some owners may not have them during vaccination, leading to discrepancies. Full article

Inappropriate, excessive, or overly strenuous training of sport horses can result in long-term injury, including the premature cessation of a horse’s sporting career. As a countermeasure, this study demonstrates the easy implementation of a biomechanical load monitoring system consisting of five commercial, multi-purpose inertial sensor units non-invasively attached to the horse’s distal limbs and trunk. From the data obtained, specific parameters for evaluating gait and limb loads are derived, providing the basis for objective exercise load management and successful injury prevention. Applied under routine in-the-field training conditions, our pilot study results show that tri-axial peak impact limb load increases progressively from walk to trot to canter, in analogy to stride frequency. While stance and swing phases shorten systematically with increasing riding speed across subjects, longitudinal and lateral load asymmetry are affected by gait at an individual level, revealing considerable variability between and within individual horses. This individualized, everyday approach facilitates gaining valuable insights into specific training effects and responses to changing environmental factors in competitive sport horses. It promises to be of great value in optimizing exercise management in equestrian sports to benefit animal welfare and long-term health in the future. Full article

This systematic review aimed to determine the prevalence of lower back pain (LBP) in equestrian athletes (EAs) and identify associated risk factors. Following the PRISMA guidelines, observational studies published between 2004 and 2024 in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and German were included. The review identified relevant studies through the Web of Science, EBSCO, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS (last search performed on 30 October 2024), yielding 14 studies with a total of 4527 participants. The question format for the included studies specified the population as equestrian athletes, the exposure as equestrian sports, and the outcome as lower back pain. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Observation Study Quality Evaluation tool, and six studies were deemed high-quality. LBP prevalence in EAs was higher than in the general and athlete population, with point prevalence ranging from 27.9% to 87.9%. Sport-specific factors, including workload and stable duties, were significant risk factors. Methodological inconsistencies, such as varying definitions of LBP and a lack of standardized exposure assessment, and the overall low quality of studies limited the comparability of findings. This review underscores the need for more high-quality research and tailored interventions addressing both riding and off-horse activities in EAs. Full article

This study investigated the visual search behavior of equestrian dressage judges at different expertise levels during the assessment of Grand Prix horse-rider combinations. Twenty judges (11 foundational level, 9 advanced level) participated in the study, with their eye movements recorded using Tobii Fusion Eyetracker as they evaluated video recordings of dressage tests. Fixation metrics, namely Total Duration of Fixation (TDF), Average Duration of Fixation (ADF), and Total Number of Fixations (TNF), were analyzed across four Areas of Interest (AOIs): front, back, rider, and horse’s feet. Statistical analysis utilized linear mixed-effects models. Results demonstrated that judges consistently focused more on the front of the horse, with additional differences in fixation duration and frequency based on judge experience and specific movements. Advanced judges focused more on the horses’ feet, suggesting they draw meaning from specific areas indicative of performance quality. Conversely, foundational level judges focused more on the rider, reflecting different evaluative priorities at lower levels of the sport. These findings suggest that judges focus on a limited number of highly relevant areas, differing across movements and expertise levels. The study underscores the necessity of understanding both gaze behavior and subsequent interpretations of visual information to increase judging transparency, fairness, and equine welfare. Full article

Equestrian sports require precise animal welfare and health evaluations. To test the hypothesis that horses maintain their welfare when subjected to two three-barrel (3TB) races with 2 min intervals, an experiment was designed to evaluate their surface temperature using infrared thermography (IRT) in regions of interest (barrel, flank, neck, jaw, corner of the mouth, and ocular caruncle) and also measure blood biomarkers (hemogram, total plasma protein, fibrinogen, urea, creatinine, GGT, CK, cortisol, IL-6, and IL-1β). Ten Quarter Horses were monitored through thermography (pre-race, +1, +4, and +24 h post-race) and blood sampling (pre-race, +1, +4, and +24 h post-race). ANOVA and Tukey test at 5% were used. IRT in six regions of interest (Left/Right—barrel, flank, neck muscles) increased at +, with no differences between values recorded at +1 and +4 when compared to those measured pre-race (p > 0.05). Plasma protein, RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, WBC count, neutrophils, and lymphocytes (p < 0.05) increased immediately after the races, with recovery at +1 h. Other biomarkers did not change, including cortisol, IL-6, and IL-1β (p > 0.05). Results indicate that well-conditioned 3TB horses subjected to two races at short intervals do not show changes that could be related to impaired health or welfare. Full article

To optimise the performance and welfare of horses during equestrian competitions in hot climates, it is advised to acclimate them to the heat. The effects of training in a heated indoor arena were studied. Four Olympic horses (13.3 ± 2.2 years; three eventers, one para-dressage horse) were trained for 14 consecutive days in a heated indoor arena (32 ± 1 °C; 50–60% humidity) following their normal training schedule in preparation for the Tokyo Olympic games. Standardised exercise tests (SETs) were performed on Day 1 and Day 14, measuring heart rate (HR; bpm), plasma lactate concentration (LA; mmol/L), deep rectal temperature (T_rec; °C), sweat loss (SL; L), and sweat composition (K⁺, Cl⁻ and Na⁺ concentration). The data were analysed using linear mixed models. The T_rec and HR were significantly decreased after acclimation (estimate: −0.106, 95% CI −0.134, −0.078; estimate: −4.067, 95% CI −7.535, −0.598, respectively). Furthermore, for all the horses, the time taken to reach their peak T_rec and heat storage increased, while their LA concentrations decreased. The SL, Cl⁻, and Na⁺ concentrations decreased in three out of the four horses. Conclusions: Fourteen days of normal training in a heated indoor arena resulted in a reduction in cardiovascular and thermal strain. This is advantageous because it shows that elite sport horses can be acclimated while training as usual for a championship. Full article

Movements of the horse and rider in equestrian sports are governed by the laws of physics. An understanding of these physical principles is a prerequisite to designing and interpreting biomechanical studies of equestrian sports. This article explains and explores the biomechanical effects between riders and horses, including gravitational and inertial forces, turning effects, and characteristics of rider technique that foster synchronous movement with the horse. Rider symmetry, posture, and balance are discussed in the context of their relationship to rider skill level and their effects on the horse. Evidence is presented to support the feasibility of improving equestrian performance by off-horse testing followed by unmounted therapy and exercises to target the identified deficiencies. The elusive quality of harmony, which is key to a true partnership between riders and horses, is explored and described in biomechanical terms. Full article

Equestrian sport is under-researched within the sport science literature, creating a possible knowledge vacuum for athletes and support personnel wishing to train and perform in an evidence-based manner. This review aims to synthesise available evidence from equitation, sport, and veterinary sciences to describe the pertinent rider physiology of equestrian disciplines. Estimates of energy expenditure and the contribution of underpinning energy systems to equestrian performance are used to provide nutrition and hydration recommendations for competition and training in equestrian disciplines. Relative energy deficiency and disordered eating are also considered. The practical challenges of the equestrian environment, including competitive, personal, and professional factors, injury and concussion, and female participation, are discussed to better highlight novelty within equestrian disciplines compared to more commonly studied sports. The evidence and recommendations are supported by example scenarios, and future research directions are outlined. Full article