Conversations in Equine Science

Psychological Factors Affecting Equine Performance

Research References:
McBride, Sebastian D & Mills, Daniel S, 2012. Psychological factors affecting equine performance. BMC veterinary research, 8(1), p.180.
For optimal performance of our equine partners we need peak physical fitness and a correct psychological state. Within that psychological state there are 3 components; Temperament, Mood and Emotional Reactions.
Stereotypical Behaviors and Persistence Article:
Hemmings A, McBride SD, Hale CE: Perseverative responding and the aetiology of equine oral stereotypy. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2007, 104(1–2):143–150.

What Makes an Elite Equestrian Rider

Research Reference:
Lamperd, W., Clarke, D., Wolframm, I., Williams, J.(2016). What makes an elite equestrian rider? Comparative Exercise Physiology, 12(3), pp.105–118.
Wolframm, I., Williams, J., Marlin, D. (2015). The role of personality in equestrian sport: an investigation. Comparative Exercise Physiology 11: 133-144.
Books Recommended:
"Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell and "How Good Riders Get Good" by Denny Emerson

Episode 14: The Influence of Music on Stabled Horses.

A Preliminary Study Investigating the Influence of Auditory Stimulation on the Occurrence of Nocturnal Equine Sleep-Related
Behavior in Stabled Horses. (2019)
Naomi Hartman , Linda Margaret Greening *
Equine Science Department, Hartpury University, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, UK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxPcnhcWzjY (Beethoven's 9th Symphony used in the above referenced research paper).

Interview with Kate Fenner of Kandoo Equine

Kate Fenner is an Equine Scientist (BEqSc (Hons), Charles Sturt University), PhD candidate (Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney), equestrian coach (Equestrian Australia and British Horse Society), horse trainer (John and Josh Lyons Certified Trainer). Kate has ridden, trained and competed in Dressage, Jumping, Western and polo in Australia, Europe, USA and Asia.
After years of experience starting horses for clients, Kate feels strongly that owners are best served by learning to train their own horses. As a result, she founded Kandoo Equine and has developed a series of ethical, easy to follow, step-by-step guides that are suitable for horses and riders of all levels.
She is currently completing her PhD on the development of the Equine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ).
Contact Information: kate@kandooequine.com.au

Episode 12: The Equine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ)

Kate and Nancy discuss the benefits of the E-BARQ standardized tool for assessing horse behavior.. This application collects data on horse behavior, management and training. Horse behavior is a reflection of each horses' management and training. The platform is hosted by the University of Sydney.
We encourage every horse enthusiast, researcher, professional and practitioner to participate in E-BARQ!
Link: www.e-barq.com
Next week Kate and Nancy will be interviewing Kate Fenner who has worked on E-BARQ as her PhD project. She also owns Kandoo Equine. Check out her website or email us with questions you want us to ask her. www.kandooequine.com
Thanks everyone!

Episode 11: Interview with Keith Austin, Thoroughbred Trainer

Keith grew up 20 minutes from Louisiana Downs where Thoroughbred racing was the center piece for his family. He is a multiple stakes placed jockey with $2.4 million in earnings. As an actor he played Sham's jockey in the movie Secretariat. He was an Assistant Trainer for D.Wayne Lukas and Tom Amoss. He also spent time as an exercise rider for Mark Casse. This spring Keith became the Head Trainer for Man of Steel Enterprises, LLC. He currently has 4 starts, 3 wins and 1 third place finish.
Keith can be contacted via his FaceBook Messenger at Keith Andrew Austin.

Episode 10: Equine Coronavirus-a decade long journey to investigate an emerging enteric virus of adult horses.

Kate and Nancy discuss Equine Coronavirus as an emerging viral disease in adult horses and the parallels, it seems to exhibit, with our current human pandemic. (There is no evidence to indicate that horses could contract SARS-CoV-2 or that horses may be involved in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to other animals or humans.)
*Out of 132/600 (2 to 4 years old) race horses that were exposed to equine coronavirus 22% were positive with symptoms (10% of these horses were reported to have GI symptoms).
Referenced research:
Pusterla, N., (2020). Science‐in‐brief: Equine coronavirus – a decade long journey to investigate an emerging enteric virus of adult horses. Equine veterinary journal, 52(5), pp.651–653.

Episode 9: Are there evidence based behavioural differences between geldings and mares?

Research Reference:
Aune, Anna et al., 2020. Reported Behavioural Differences between Geldings and Mares Challenge Sex-Driven Stereotypes in Ridden Equine Behaviour. Animals (Basel), 10(3), p.414.

Episode 8: (Part 2) A look at coercive riding technique (Rollkür).

Research Thesis (Phd): Uta Ulrike Von Borstel (2007). Fear In Horses and How It Is Effected By The Rider, Training and Genetics.
This study provides evidence that horses unaccustomed to being ridden in Rollkür prefer regular poll flexion rather than Rollkür. Horses were also more likely to exhibit behavior patterns indicative of discomfort or frustration when ridden in Rollkür than when ridden in normal poll flexion. This is supported with increased heart rates that reveal higher emotional arousal during Rollkür. Fear reactions were also stronger after being ridden in Rollkür versus normal poll flexion. These results suggest that Rollkür may compromise the horses welfare and impact rider safety.

Episode 7: (Part 1) Fear In Horses and How It Is Effected By The Rider, Training and Genetics.

Research Thesis (Phd): Uta Ulrike Von Borstel (2007). Fear In Horses and How It Is Effected By The Rider, Training and Genetics.