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Animal Science Journal (2015) 86, 721–728
doi: 10.1111/asj.12343
ORIGINAL ARTICLE Correlations between the behavior of recreational horses, the physiological parameters and summer atmospheric conditions Iwona JANCZAREK, Izabela WILK, Edyta ZALEWSKA and Krzysztof BOCIAN Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Biology and Breeding, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
ABSTRACT 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 July until 1 September on 16 Anglo-Arabian 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.
Key words: atmospheric condition, behaviour, horse, physiological parameter.
INTRODUCTION The reaction of the horse’s body to changes in atmospheric phenomena is determined by numerous constant factors, namely age, gender, breed, current health, mental status and physical exercise (Bianca 1979). Individual sensitive reactions to changes in weather conditions must also be taken into account. Muscle and joint pain, emotional instability and weakness are the most common signs of such sensitive reactions. This phenomenon has been more extensively investigated in humans than in animals (Sato 2003; von Mackensen et al. 2005; Yackerson et al. 2012). It has been proven that a reaction to weather conditions is associated with the intensity of physiological reactions in the body, changes in behavior and a need to meet basic physiological needs (Newburgh 1949; Höppe 1999; Denissen et al. 2008). Improvement in the mood and memory capacity, and motivation for work are associated with an increase in air temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, excessively high temperature may provoke a feeling of discomfort and an elevated level of aggression (Cohen © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science
2011). In high humidity, the organism is sluggish (Howarth & Hoffman 1984). Horses kept in an environment close to their natural habitat display seasonal changes in physiological and biochemical parameters. An increase in air temperature has a positive impact on the heart rate and body core temperature (Arnold et al. 2006; Brinkmann et al. 2012) as well as on the changes in the level of metabolic processes (Arnold et al. 2006). According to Brinkmann et al. (2012), the average heart rate increases in summer by 45% in relation to the value recorded in winter months. It is during winter when signs of hypo-metabolism are observed. Low temperatures combined with rainfall, and especially with high-speed winds, are the factors that
Correspondence: Iwona Janczarek, Department of Horse Breeding and Use, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland. (Email: [email protected]) Received 15 November 2013; accepted for publication 11 September 2014.
722 I. JANCZAREK et al.
stimulate increased motor activity, anxiety, impatience and frustration in horses (Jørgensen & Bøe 2007). The lowest threshold of tolerance is seen during windy and rainy weather (Myers 2005). When it is very hot, sleepiness and decreased activity are observed (Berger et al. 1999; Lamoot & Hoffmann 2004; Jørgensen & Bøe 2007). Similar reactions are also provoked during very cloudy conditions and when there is an increase in relative humidity (Autio 2008). Heat combined with high air humidity induces heat stress in horses, causing a disruption of homeostasis and a learning and memory impairment (Freeman 2012). A lack of protection from stress-inducing atmospheric phenomena also results in stereotypic behaviors (Houpt & McDonnell 1993). The behavioral and physiological features of racing and sport horses have been correlated with atmospheric factors, and have been proven by many authors (Clanton et al. 1991; Kohn et al. 1999; Baban et al. 2009) In our work, we attempted to assess such correlations in recreational horses. These correlations have not been previously tested in this way. A hypothesis has been put forward that increased excitability, bad mood, other negative features of horse behavior as well as changes in physiological parameters, may not only negatively influence the safety of humans and equestrian service standards, but may also reduce the welfare of the animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to select such atmospheric factors and their values, which may disrupt correct behavior as well as the physiological condition of horses.
MATERIALS AND METHODS Animals The studies were carried out from 1 July until 1 September on 16 clinically healthy Anglo-Arabian geldings, aged 10–12 years. During the observations, all of the horses were kept in the same stable boxes. The boxes were covered with straw as litter and equipped with a manger, a hay basket, and an automatic drinker. Feeding was provided three times a day at 06.00, 14.00 and 20.00 hours. The daily ration was uniform and composed of 5 kg of oat with vitamin and mineral additives, 6 kg of grass hay, and 10 kg of wheat straw. Each feeding consisted of three equal portions. Each day the horses were cleaned, saddled and bridled in the stable and then ridden from 09.00 to 10.00 hours. Each horse worked in a snaffle with a combined noseband, and under a generalpurpose saddle with a cotton shabrack underneath. After riding, the back, neck and legs were washed with warm water. The animals were then released on a partially insulated paddock on which they stayed until 13.30 hours. At 15.30 hours the horses were again brought to the paddock and returned to the stable at 19.00 hours. This routine was repeated on each day of the experiment.
to the paddock where they stayed for a total of 4 h. During the experiment, the horses were used recreationally by a group of 16 female persons who were 14–16 years old with a comparable level of equestrian capabilities. The horses knew the riders. The degree to which the horses had been broken in and their training levels were comparable. The assignment of the riders to the horses was not changed. Recreational riding took place on a fenced 20 m × 60 m riding-hall. The hall was situated behind the stable in the shade and had an even sand floor. The riding arrangement was: 10 min of walking, 10 min of trotting, 5 min of walking, 10 min of trotting, 3 min of cantering (speed of approx. 300 m/min), 1 min of trotting, 3 min of walking, 3 min of cantering (the speed of approx. 300 m/min) and 15 min of walking. Two days of the week, during the trotting and cantering period, the horses jumped over individually placed obstacles such as a rail and an oxer. The maximum height and width of the obstacles did not exceed 80 cm.
Behavioral assessments of horses and physiological parameters The measurements of heart rate (HR), body temperature and respiratory rate were taken in the stable at 08.00 (resting measurement) and at 10.05 hours (post-exercise measurement). Heart rate in b.p.m. was measured with a Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland (model 810). The time of the measurement at 5 s intervals lasted 5 min. The data was averaged with PolarProTrainer 5.0 software. At the same time, body temperature was measured to an accuracy of 0.1°C, with an electronic thermometer. The temperatures were taken per rectum. The respiratory rate was recorded for 1 min based on the observation of abdominal movements. The riders and the authors gave a behavioral assessment for each horse. The behavioral assessment analyzed each horse’s mood and willingness to work. The riders did an independent evaluation of the horse that was assigned to them for riding. A five-point scale was used according to the criteria specified in Table 1. A quantitative assessment of behavioral traits was also carried out. The assessment was called ‘incorrect behavior of the horse while riding’ (IBHR). The description of the features includes the following forms of horse behavior: willful stopping; changes in direction or rate of movement without the will of the rider; lack of reaction to the use of reins and the rider’s legs; scaring off, and trying to throw off the rider. For the study, it was assumed that the feature had been observed when even one of the above forms of behavior was
Table 1 Assessment scale for horse mood and willingness to work
No. of points
Characteristics
1
Lethargic or overexcited, does not follow the rider’s orders Excited, unwillingly follows the rider’s orders, tries to revolt Follows the rider’s orders, is insufficiently engaged and attentive Willingly follows the rider’s orders, submissive to the influence of a rider Very willing to cooperate, reacts keenly yet calmly to the surrounding environment
2 3 4
Arrangement of the experiment Ten days before the experiment, the horses were not used in any way. In the mornings and evenings, they were brought © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science
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exhibited by a horse. The percentage time of the feature duration in relation to the duration of the whole ride (percentage of features) and the number of features which took place while riding (frequency of features) were calculated.
Atmospheric conditions The measurements of air temperature (°C), relative air humidity (%), wind speed (m/s) and atmospheric pressure (hPa) were taken twice a day. The first measurement was taken at 08.00 hours. At this time, the air temperature and humidity in the stable and wind speed and atmospheric pressure in the riding-hall were recorded. The second measurement was taken at 10.00 hours. The second measurements were taken in the riding-hall. Temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric pressure were measured with a Thermohygrobarometer LB-716 (3 in 1) and a Barometer LB-716 (LabE1 Inc., Reguły, Poland). Wind speed was recorded with a Silva Windwatch device (Silva, Stockholm, Sweden). The results were analyzed with Statistica v.10 software (StataSoft, Tulsa, OK, USA). The values of the atmospheric factors were divided into three intervals: average (the values within the mean ± standard deviation), low (the values below the mean minus standard deviation), and high (the values above the mean + standard deviation). The physiological parameters and behavioral assessments were divided according to those atmospheric intervals and formed respective groups. The number of observations in the subsequent intervals of atmospheric factors is presented in Table 2. The next step was to perform a multi-way analysis of variance (ANOVA GLM) with random effect of the horse and fixed effect of the level of the atmospheric factor, the value of the physiological parameter, a behavioral assessment related to the level of a given atmospheric factor, and a subsequent measurement (examination) of physiological parameters and
Table 2
the interaction between the factors. The significance of differences between the means was determined with the T-Tukey’s test. The correlations between the traits and the atmospheric factors were calculated with Pearson’s coefficients. The resting physiological parameters were correlated with the values of the atmospheric factors recorded in the first measurement. The post-exercise physiological parameters were correlated with the values of the atmospheric factors from the second measurement.
RESULTS The differences between the means at the subsequent levels of atmospheric factors were significant each time they were measured (Table 3). Significant differences between the first and second measurements were only recorded for air temperature that was higher outside the building than inside. The highest standard deviation was recorded for atmospheric pressure and air humidity. The significant differences in the assessments given by the authors and the riders for the mood and willingness to work in the examined horses, most often did not differ significantly between the groups of values associated with the subsequent levels of atmospheric factors or between the assessments made by the authors and the riders (Table 4). The exception was the average assessment given by the riders in the group of values associated with high wind speed. This assessment was found to be significantly lower than the values recorded in the other groups and was significantly lower than the category given by the authors.
Number of observations at the subsequent intervals of atmospheric factors
Resting measurement Air temperature
Air humidity
Wind speed
Low interval of atmospheric factors 252 192 304 Average interval of atmospheric factors 552 578 594 High interval of atmospheric factors 188 222 94 Table 3
723
Post-exercise measurement Atmospheric pressure
Air temperature
Air humidity
Wind speed
Atmospheric pressure
164
192
200
298
166
654
674
572
588
652
174
126
220
106
174
Means values of atmospheric factors in particular intervals Resting measurement
Air temperature (°C)
Air humidity (%)
Wind speed (m/s)
Low interval of atmospheric factors 14.53ax ± 0.89 70.00ax ± 2.99 1.26ax ± 0.85 Average interval of atmospheric factors 17.94bx ± 1.68 83.79bx ± 4.14 3.38bx ± 0.49 High interval of atmospheric factors 21.83cx ± 1.18 97.10cx ± 2.61 5.25cx ± 0.44
Post-exercise measurement Atmospheric pressure (hPa)
Air temperature (°C)
Air humidity (%)
Wind speed (m/s)
Atmospheric pressure (hPa)
995.49ax ± 4.91
18.37ay ± 0.89
68.35ax ± 3.04
1.16ax ± 0.91
993.44ax ± 5.33
1001.31abx ± 4.82
21.44aby ± 1.02
84.22bx ± 5.01
3.64bx ± 0.54
1001.54bx ± 5.04
1012.83bx ± 3.95
26.56by ± 0.37
95.32cx ± 3.67
5.87cx ± 0.67
1013.24cx ± 4.12
The means denoted with different letters (a, b, c: the comparison of the average values for the same atmospheric factor at three intervals; x, y: the comparison of the average values for the same atmospheric factor in two subsequent measurements) differed statistically at P ≤ 0.05.
Animal Science Journal (2015) 86, 721–728
© 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science
724 I. JANCZAREK et al.
Table 4 Qualitative assessments of horse mood and willingness to work with regard to atmospheric factors divided into intervals
Author’s assessment Air temperature
Air humidity
Wind speed
Rider’s assessment Atmospheric pressure
Air temperature
Air humidity
Wind speed
Group of mood and willingness to work values noted at low interval of atmospheric factors 3.74ax ± 0.84 3.45ax ± 0.78 3.73ax ± 0.85 3.68ax ± 0.72 3.64ax ± 0.76 3.57ax ± 0.76 3.74ax ± 0.78 Group of mood and willingness to work values noted at average interval of atmospheric factors 3.67ax ± 0.78 3.75ax ± 0.79 3.69ax ± 0.75 3.76ax ± 0.78 3.71ax ± 0.79 3.77ax ± 0.75 3.72ax ± 0.80 Group of mood and willingness to work values noted at high interval l of atmospheric factors 3.87ax ± 0.73 3.81ax ± 0.74 3.98ax ± 0.83 3.53ax ± 0.85 3.90ax ± 0.71 3.72ax ± 0.84 2.66by ± 0.61
Atmospheric pressure 3.82ax ± 0.83 3.70ax ± 0.76 3.70ax ± 0.79
The means denoted with different letters (a, b, c: the comparison of the average assessments in three groups of values; x, y: the comparison of the author’s assessment with the assessment made by the rider’s in the same group of values) differ statistically at P ≤ 0.05.
Table 5 Quantitative assessment of behavioral features ‘incorrect behavior of the horse while riding’ (IBHR)
Percentage of features Air temperature
Air humidity
Wind speed
Frequency of features Atmospheric pressure
Air temperature
Group of behavioural values noted at low interval of atmospheric factors 6.98a ± 1.35 8.33a ± 1.76 8.87a ± 1.72 10.65a ± 2.54 3.81a ± 0.87 Group of behavioural values noted at average interval of atmospheric factors 8.06ac ± 1.87 8.17a ± 1.78 7.97a ± 1.62 9.05a ± 2.34 4.12ac ± 1.23 Group behavioural of values noted at high interval of atmospheric factors 9.76bc ± 2.04 8.09a ± 1.81 12.87b ± 2.28 10.12a ± 1.98 5.16bc ± 1.11
Air humidity
Wind speed
Atmospheric pressure
4.38a ± 0.93
2.71a ± 0.76
5.12a ± 1.09
3.45a ± 0.92
4.92ac ± 1.36
3.63a ± 0.89
4.75a ± 1.07
6.73bc ± 1.98
4.11a ± 1.76
The means denoted with different letters (a, b, c: the comparison of the average assessments in three groups of values) differ statistically at P ≤ 0.05.
The significant differences between the values of the feature IBHR were noted for air temperature and wind speed (Table 5). In the group of values related to the high intervals of these two atmospheric factors, the significantly higher percentage and frequency of analyzed features were reported than air humidity and atmospheric pressure. The resting physiological parameters in the analyzed groups of values noted at the subsequent intervals of atmospheric factors most often did not differ significantly (Table 6). The tendency was different for the post-exercise parameters. Each of the parameters in the group of values noted at the low interval of atmospheric factors, was significantly lower than the value recorded in the other groups. The differences between the examinations at rest and post-exercise, were related to each of the physiological parameters in the group of values noted at the average and high intervals of atmospheric factors. In the group noted at a low interval of the factors, significant differences were only seen for the heart rate. The assessments by the authors and riders concerning the horse mood and willingness to work were to a minor degree associated with the analyzed atmospheric factors (Table 7). Significant positive correlations were found for the low interval of atmospheric pressure and rider assessment. Negative correlations were noted with the high interval of air temperature and both assessments, and the high interval of wind © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science
speed and both assessments. The significant correlations between the atmospheric factors and percentage and frequency of the IBHR feature were found for average and high interval of temperature and high interval of wind speed (Table 8). All of the correlations were positive. The significant correlations between the atmospheric factors and physiological parameters most often characterized the results recorded during the postexercise examination (Table 9). In the case of heart rate, significant correlations were the positive relations with the high interval of air temperature, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure. The body temperature was positively correlated with a high interval of air temperature, yet negatively correlated with a high windspeed interval. Within the average interval of factors, the significant positive coefficients were related to the heart rate: wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and to the body temperature: air temperature. The atmospheric factors at a low interval were not associated with any of the analyzed physiological parameters. The resting parameters were correlated to a lesser extent, with the atmospheric factors. Heart rate and the average and high intervals of wind speed, and a high interval of atmospheric pressure all showed significant positive correlations. There were also positive correlations between body temperature and a high interval of air temperature. The atmospheric factors at a low interval were not related to the resting Animal Science Journal (2015) 86, 721–728
17.21by ± 2.11 17.78by ± 2.55 17.34by ± 2.31 18.03by ± 2.22 39.50by ± 0.33 39.60by ± 0.46 39.23by ± 0.49
Animal Science Journal (2015) 86, 721–728
The means denoted with different letters (a, b, c: the comparison of the means for the same parameter in three groups of values; x, y: the comparison of resting and post-exercise values of the same parameter in the same group of values noted at the intervals of atmospheric factors) differed significantly at P ≤ 0.05.
17.50by ± 2.41 17.46by ± 2.37 17.67by ± 2.41 39.37by ± 2.11 39.53by ± 1.89
39.52by ± 1.96
17.39by ± 2.33
14.04ax ± 2.53 15.64ax ± 2.37 14.35ax ± 2.30 37.60ax ± 0.46 37.49ax ± 0.47
37.14ax ± 0.56
15.72ax ± 2.63
13.54ax ± 1.82 13.97ax ± 1.89 13.58ax ± 1.90 37.39ax ± 0.26 37.41ax ± 0.24
37.39ax ± 0.24
13.65ax ± 1.87
13.72ax ± 1.84 13.68ax ± 1.84 13.87ax ± 1.79 37.38ax ± 0.25 37.38ax ± 0.28
37.39ax ± 0.26
13.64ax ± 1.88
14.11ax ± 1.85 13.85ax ± 1.85 13.59ax ± 1.93 37.41ax ± 0.28
Resting measurement Group of physiological values noted at low interval of atmospheric factors 34.22ax ± 2.33 34.11ax ± 2.48 33.86ax ± 2.26 34.09ax ± 2.26 37.39ax ± 0.24 Group of physiological values noted at average interval of atmospheric factors 34.12ax ± 2.63 34.15ax ± 2.25 34.18ax ± 2.28 34.14ax ± 2.23 37.33ax ± 0.22 Group of physiological values noted at high interval of atmospheric factors 33.88ax ± 2.06 33.97ax ± 2.21 34.59ax ± 2.39 34.00ax ± 2.52 37.41ax ± 0.29 Post-exercise measurement Group of physiological values noted at low interval of atmospheric factors 46.60ay ± 3.37 47.44ay ± 3.18 48.68ay ± 3.23 46.21ay ± 3.33 37.54ax ± 0.37 Group of physiological values noted at average interval of atmospheric factors 54.32by ± 3.25 54.42by ± 3.19 54.19by ± 3.16 54.43by ± 3.15 39.40by ± 2.03 Group of physiological values noted at high interval of atmospheric factors 54.75by ± 2.63 54.45by ± 3.26 55.53by ± 3.22 54.64by ± 3.28 39.49by ± 0.47
37.39ax ± 0.23
37.39ax ± 0.28
14.05ax ± 1.73
Atmospheric pressure Wind speed
Respiratory rate (number/min)
Atmospheric pressure Wind speed
Body temperature (°C)
Air humidity Air temperature Atmospheric pressure Wind speed
Heart rate (b.p.m.)
Air humidity Air temperature
Table 6
Physiological parameters in the groups of values noted at the intervals of the atmospheric factors
Air temperature
Air humidity
WEATHER AND RECREATIONAL HORSES CONDITION
725
physiological parameters in the horses. When the atmospheric factors were analyzed without dividing them into subsequent intervals, significant positive correlations were found for the resting and postexercise heart rate and wind speed as well as for the post-exercise heart rate and wind speed and atmospheric pressure.
DISCUSSION It was found that horses do not modify their behavior in response to visible changes in atmospheric conditions, or these modifications are so subtle that they cannot be adequately interpreted or evaluated by humans. The results indicate some problems in using qualitative assessments, which is evidenced by the low number of significant differences between the means. The riders gave significantly lower assessments of the mood and willingness to work on those days with high wind speed, in comparison with those days of mean or low wind speed. The riders’ impressions were inconsistent with the observers. The assessments of the observers were most often higher than the riders’ assessments. High wind speed seems to be the atmospheric factor that has the most significant impact on horse behavior, according to the riders. The results obtained by quantitative assessment of the behavior turned out to be more accurate. Both total duration and frequency of IBHR revealed a higher intensity not only during windy weather, but also in high air temperature. The results of the correlation between atmospheric conditions and qualitative and quantitative assessments of horse behavior have also showed some significant relationships between these traits. Assessment proved to be lower when air temperature and wind speed were high. A similar situation occurred within the quantitative assessment of IBHR features. Both the total time and the frequency of the IBHR increased with the increase in air temperature and wind speed. It is also worth pointing out that there was a significant correlation between the values of the riders’ assessment with the values of atmospheric pressure when this was approximately less than 993 hPa. It seems that this may be due more to the bad moods of the riders than to the bad behavior of the horses. To sum up the results of the behavioral assessment, we suggest that high air temperature in this study (above 26.5°C) and wind speed (above 5.5 m/s) may potentiate the occurrence of negative changes in the behavior of a horse when being ridden. Other atmospheric conditions may be considered insignificant. The present results are largely convergent with those noted by other authors (Myers 2005; Hitchens et al. 2010; Freeman 2012). The negative influence of high wind speed, which sometimes results in cancelling rides and eliminating more sensitive horses, has been reported © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science
726 I. JANCZAREK et al.
Table 7 Correlations between the atmospheric factors and the assessments of their mood and willingness to work
Air temperature Author’s assessment
Rider’s assessment
Air humidity Author’s assessment
Low interval of atmospheric factors −0.035 0.027 0.033 Average interval of atmospheric factors 0.032 −0.014 −0.026 High interval of atmospheric factors −0.221* −0.204* 0.016 Total 0.036 0.044 0.025
Rider’s assessment
Wind speed Author’s assessment
Atmospheric pressure
Rider’s assessment
Author’s assessment
Rider’s assessment
0.042
0.052
−0.108
0.121
0.143*
−0.044
0.035
−0.003
0.071
0.063
−0.023
−0.203*
−0.304**
0.011
0.076
−0.012
0.011
−0.027
0.017
0.034
*Significant correlation at P ≤ 0.05, **Significant correlation at P ≤ 0.01.
Table 8 Correlations between the atmospheric factors and quantitative assessment of behavioral features ‘incorrect behavior of the horse while riding’ (IBHR)
Air temperature Percentage of features
Frequency of features
Air humidity Percentage of features
Average interval of atmospheric factors −0.074 −0.025 −0.007 Average interval of atmospheric factors 0.226* −0.046 −0.014 High interval of atmospheric factors 0.179* 0.178* −0.009 Total 0.108* 0.019 −0.008
Wind speed
Frequency of features
Atmospheric pressure
Percentage of features
Frequency of features
Percentage of features
Frequency of features
0.017
−0.032
−0.079
0.047
0.039
−0.031
−0.053
0.084
0.006
0.022
0.206*
0.021
0.018
0.032
0.027
0.012
0.312**
0.014
−0.055
−0.047
*Significant correlation at P ≤ 0.05, **Significant correlation at P ≤ 0.01.
by Myers (2005). Windy weather is characterized by an elevation of sound levels, which limits a horse’s capacity to detect potential danger. Similarly, air temperature which is too high impairs bodily functions, leading to the horse gradually becoming overheated. According to Hitchens et al. (2010), changes in atmospheric conditions are one of the main causes of an increase in the number of accidents (falls of jockeys). The assessment methods must be adapted so as to generate reliable results (Young et al. 2012). These authors conclude that there is no ideal behavioralassessment method which would eliminate the necessity to verify the results based on changes in physiological parameters. Each of the post-exercise parameters in the group of values noted at the low interval of atmospheric factors, was significantly lower than the parameters recorded in the other two groups. The results show how the reaction of a horse’s body to weather conditions changed when the horse was subjected to physical exercise. A significant increase in the physiological parameters that are measured post-exercise in recreational horses may be expected already in the average intervals of atmospheric pressure when: the air temperature is approximately higher than 21.5°C, air humidity exceeds 80%, wind speed exceeds 3 m/s and atmospheric pressure rises above 993 hPa. Therefore, © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science
the physiological changes in the body’s response to the atmospheric condition are more sensitive than a behavioral reaction. It may be assumed that the monitoring of physiological parameters may be helpful in predicting changes in the behavior of horses caused by the weather. The direct comparison of our results with those obtained by other authors is impossible, because the other studies did not relate to recreational horses. However, similar results were noted in sport (Myers 2005) and racing horses (Schurink et al. 2009). The recorded correlations indicate that a distinct physiological reaction of the body to weather conditions should be expected after physical exercise. These relations are seen in recreational horses in which physical exercise is much lower than in sporting or racing horses. It should be emphasized that these correlations with weather factors during the summer season occurred only at the average and high air temperature, wind speed and atmospheric pressure values. Air humidity does not have any significant correlations with post-exercise physiological parameters. The importance of this atmospheric factor has been discussed by Hargreaves et al. (1999) who indicated the impact of air humidity on such parameters as heart rate and body temperature. Heart rate seems to be a particularly sensitive parameter because it reacts to many atmospheric factors. In this case, significant positive Animal Science Journal (2015) 86, 721–728
WEATHER AND RECREATIONAL HORSES CONDITION
Table 9
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Correlations between the physiological parameters and the values of atmospheric factors
Physiological parameters
Resting measurement Heart rate (b.p.m.)
Low interval of atmospheric factors Air temperature (°C) 0.097 Air humidity (%) −0.111 Wind speed (m/s) 0.019 Atmospheric pressure (hPa) 0.084 Average interval of atmospheric factors Air temperature (°C) 0.072 Air humidity (%) 0.080 Wind speed (m/s) 0.103* Atmospheric pressure (hPa) 0.081 High interval of atmospheric factors Air temperature (°C) 0.009 Air humidity (%) 0.112 Wind speed (m/s) 0.222* Atmospheric pressure (hPa) 0.188** Total Air temperature (°C) 0.069 Air humidity (%) 0.049 Wind speed (m/s) 0.062* Atmospheric pressure (hPa) 0.059
Post-exercise measurement
Body temperature (°C)
Respiratory rate (number/min)
Heart rate (b.p.m.)
Body temperature (°C)
Respiratory rate (number/min)
0.107 0.061 −0.011 0.031
−0.008 0.055 0.102 −0.033
0.013 −0.013 0.086 0.119
0.009 0.011 −0.076 −0.012
0.016 −0.007 0.089 0.112
0.071 0.066 0.024 −0.013
−0.056 0.008 0.065 0.072
0.063 0.063 0.089* 0.101*
0.101* 0.024 −0.083 0.044
−0.007 −0.024 0.004 0.055
0.142* 0.111 0.183 0.037
−0.021 0.031 0.007 0.004
0.142* 0.133 0.304** 0.192**
0.094* 0.133 −0.204* 0.121
0.007 −0.011 0.173 0.122
0.041 0.016 0.045 0.009
−0.003 0.022 0.017 0.021
0.037 0.018 0.071* 0.073*
0.070* 0.021 −0.052 0.020
0.003 −0.019 0.037 0.041
*Significant correlation at P ≤ 0.05, **Significant correlation at P ≤ 0.01.
correlations were seen with average and high values of wind speed (approx. above 3.5 m/s) and low atmospheric pressure (approx. below 993 hPa) and with high air temperature (approx. above 26.5°C). Body temperature is a parameter less sensitive to atmospheric factors. An increase in body temperature should be expected after exercise at temperatures higher than 21.5°C while a decrease should be expected at wind speeds approximately over 5.5 m/s. In our experiment, we did not observe any correlations with the respiratory rate measured for 1 min. This lack of correlation can most probably be explained by low variability or difficulties with precise measurements.
Conclusions 1 Negative changes in the behavior and mood of recreational horses can result from high air temperature and high wind speeds. 2 A distinct physiological horse response to changes in atmospheric factors is best illustrated by the heart rate and body temperature during post-exercise measurements. 3 Physiological parameters seem to be a more sensitive indicator of the recreational horse’s reaction to the weather than the horse’s behavioral reactions.
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horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) II. Energy expenditure. The Journal of Experimental Biology 209, 4566–4573. Autio E. 2008. Loose housing of horses in a cold climate. PhD theses. Department of Biosciences, University of Kuopio, Finland. Baban M, Sakacˇ M, Mijic´ P, Antunovic´ B, Cˇacˇic´ M, Korabi N, Ivankovic´ A. 2009. The application of the FEI rules for the welfare of the horse in driving sport in Croatia. Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry 25 (5–6), 349–358. Berger A, Scheibe K, Eichhorn K, Scheibe A. 1999. Diurnal and ultradian rhythms of behaviour in a mare group of Przewalski horse (Equus ferus przewalskii), measured through one year under semi-reserve conditions. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 64, 1–17. Bianca W. 1979. The signifiance of meteorology in animal production. International Journal of Biometeorology 20, 139– 156. Brinkmann L, Gerken M, Riek A. 2012. Adaptation strategies to seasonal changes in environmental conditions of a domesticated horse breed, the Shetland pony (Equus ferus caballus). The Journal of Experimental Biology 215, 1061–1068. Clanton C, Kobluk C, Robinson RA, Gordon B. 1991. Monitoring surface conditions of a Thoroughbred racetrack. Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association 198, 613–620. Cohen AH. 2011. Climate, weather, and political behavior. PhD theses. University of Iowa, USA. Denissen JJ, Butalid L, Penke L, van Aken MG. 2008. The effects of weather on daily mood: a multilevel approach. Emotion 8, 662–667. Freeman DW. 2012. Water, Feeding Practices and Heat Stress in Horses. OSU Department of Animal Science: Extension Equine Specialist, Stillwater, OK. Hargreaves BJ, Kronfeld DS, Naylor JR. 1999. Ambient temperature and relative humidity influenced packed cell © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science
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volume, total plasma protein and other variables in horses during an incremental submaximal field exercise test. Equine Veterinary Journal 31, 314–318. Hitchens P, Blizzard HL, Jones G. 2010. Predictors of raceday jockey falls in flat racing in Australia. Occupational Environmental Medicine 67, 693–698. Höppe P. 1999. The physiological equivalent temperature – a universal index for the biometeorological assessment of the thermal environment. International Journal of Biometeorology 43, 71–75. Houpt KA, McDonnell SM. 1993. Equine stereotypies. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practising Veterinarian 15, 1265–1271. Howarth E, Hoffman MS. 1984. A multidimensional approach to the relationship between mood and weather. British Journal of Psychology 75, 15–23. Jørgensen GHM, Bøe KE. 2007. A note on the effect of daily exercise and paddock size on the behaviour of domestic horses (Equus caballus). Applied Animal Behaviour Science 107, 166–173. Kohn C, Hinchcliff K, Mckeever K. 1999. Effect of ambient temperature and humidity on pulmonary artery temperature of exercising Horsens. Equine Veteterinary Journal 31, 404–411.
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Animal Science Journal (2015) 86, 721–728
Animal Science Journal (2015) 86, 721–728
doi: 10.1111/asj.12343
ORIGINAL ARTICLE Correlations between the behavior of recreational horses, the physiological parameters and summer atmospheric conditions Iwona JANCZAREK, Izabela WILK, Edyta ZALEWSKA and Krzysztof BOCIAN Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Biology and Breeding, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
ABSTRACT 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 July until 1 September on 16 Anglo-Arabian 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.
Key words: atmospheric condition, behaviour, horse, physiological parameter.
INTRODUCTION The reaction of the horse’s body to changes in atmospheric phenomena is determined by numerous constant factors, namely age, gender, breed, current health, mental status and physical exercise (Bianca 1979). Individual sensitive reactions to changes in weather conditions must also be taken into account. Muscle and joint pain, emotional instability and weakness are the most common signs of such sensitive reactions. This phenomenon has been more extensively investigated in humans than in animals (Sato 2003; von Mackensen et al. 2005; Yackerson et al. 2012). It has been proven that a reaction to weather conditions is associated with the intensity of physiological reactions in the body, changes in behavior and a need to meet basic physiological needs (Newburgh 1949; Höppe 1999; Denissen et al. 2008). Improvement in the mood and memory capacity, and motivation for work are associated with an increase in air temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, excessively high temperature may provoke a feeling of discomfort and an elevated level of aggression (Cohen © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science
2011). In high humidity, the organism is sluggish (Howarth & Hoffman 1984). Horses kept in an environment close to their natural habitat display seasonal changes in physiological and biochemical parameters. An increase in air temperature has a positive impact on the heart rate and body core temperature (Arnold et al. 2006; Brinkmann et al. 2012) as well as on the changes in the level of metabolic processes (Arnold et al. 2006). According to Brinkmann et al. (2012), the average heart rate increases in summer by 45% in relation to the value recorded in winter months. It is during winter when signs of hypo-metabolism are observed. Low temperatures combined with rainfall, and especially with high-speed winds, are the factors that
Correspondence: Iwona Janczarek, Department of Horse Breeding and Use, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland. (Email: [email protected]) Received 15 November 2013; accepted for publication 11 September 2014.
722 I. JANCZAREK et al.
stimulate increased motor activity, anxiety, impatience and frustration in horses (Jørgensen & Bøe 2007). The lowest threshold of tolerance is seen during windy and rainy weather (Myers 2005). When it is very hot, sleepiness and decreased activity are observed (Berger et al. 1999; Lamoot & Hoffmann 2004; Jørgensen & Bøe 2007). Similar reactions are also provoked during very cloudy conditions and when there is an increase in relative humidity (Autio 2008). Heat combined with high air humidity induces heat stress in horses, causing a disruption of homeostasis and a learning and memory impairment (Freeman 2012). A lack of protection from stress-inducing atmospheric phenomena also results in stereotypic behaviors (Houpt & McDonnell 1993). The behavioral and physiological features of racing and sport horses have been correlated with atmospheric factors, and have been proven by many authors (Clanton et al. 1991; Kohn et al. 1999; Baban et al. 2009) In our work, we attempted to assess such correlations in recreational horses. These correlations have not been previously tested in this way. A hypothesis has been put forward that increased excitability, bad mood, other negative features of horse behavior as well as changes in physiological parameters, may not only negatively influence the safety of humans and equestrian service standards, but may also reduce the welfare of the animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to select such atmospheric factors and their values, which may disrupt correct behavior as well as the physiological condition of horses.
MATERIALS AND METHODS Animals The studies were carried out from 1 July until 1 September on 16 clinically healthy Anglo-Arabian geldings, aged 10–12 years. During the observations, all of the horses were kept in the same stable boxes. The boxes were covered with straw as litter and equipped with a manger, a hay basket, and an automatic drinker. Feeding was provided three times a day at 06.00, 14.00 and 20.00 hours. The daily ration was uniform and composed of 5 kg of oat with vitamin and mineral additives, 6 kg of grass hay, and 10 kg of wheat straw. Each feeding consisted of three equal portions. Each day the horses were cleaned, saddled and bridled in the stable and then ridden from 09.00 to 10.00 hours. Each horse worked in a snaffle with a combined noseband, and under a generalpurpose saddle with a cotton shabrack underneath. After riding, the back, neck and legs were washed with warm water. The animals were then released on a partially insulated paddock on which they stayed until 13.30 hours. At 15.30 hours the horses were again brought to the paddock and returned to the stable at 19.00 hours. This routine was repeated on each day of the experiment.
to the paddock where they stayed for a total of 4 h. During the experiment, the horses were used recreationally by a group of 16 female persons who were 14–16 years old with a comparable level of equestrian capabilities. The horses knew the riders. The degree to which the horses had been broken in and their training levels were comparable. The assignment of the riders to the horses was not changed. Recreational riding took place on a fenced 20 m × 60 m riding-hall. The hall was situated behind the stable in the shade and had an even sand floor. The riding arrangement was: 10 min of walking, 10 min of trotting, 5 min of walking, 10 min of trotting, 3 min of cantering (speed of approx. 300 m/min), 1 min of trotting, 3 min of walking, 3 min of cantering (the speed of approx. 300 m/min) and 15 min of walking. Two days of the week, during the trotting and cantering period, the horses jumped over individually placed obstacles such as a rail and an oxer. The maximum height and width of the obstacles did not exceed 80 cm.
Behavioral assessments of horses and physiological parameters The measurements of heart rate (HR), body temperature and respiratory rate were taken in the stable at 08.00 (resting measurement) and at 10.05 hours (post-exercise measurement). Heart rate in b.p.m. was measured with a Polar Electro Oy, Kempele, Finland (model 810). The time of the measurement at 5 s intervals lasted 5 min. The data was averaged with PolarProTrainer 5.0 software. At the same time, body temperature was measured to an accuracy of 0.1°C, with an electronic thermometer. The temperatures were taken per rectum. The respiratory rate was recorded for 1 min based on the observation of abdominal movements. The riders and the authors gave a behavioral assessment for each horse. The behavioral assessment analyzed each horse’s mood and willingness to work. The riders did an independent evaluation of the horse that was assigned to them for riding. A five-point scale was used according to the criteria specified in Table 1. A quantitative assessment of behavioral traits was also carried out. The assessment was called ‘incorrect behavior of the horse while riding’ (IBHR). The description of the features includes the following forms of horse behavior: willful stopping; changes in direction or rate of movement without the will of the rider; lack of reaction to the use of reins and the rider’s legs; scaring off, and trying to throw off the rider. For the study, it was assumed that the feature had been observed when even one of the above forms of behavior was
Table 1 Assessment scale for horse mood and willingness to work
No. of points
Characteristics
1
Lethargic or overexcited, does not follow the rider’s orders Excited, unwillingly follows the rider’s orders, tries to revolt Follows the rider’s orders, is insufficiently engaged and attentive Willingly follows the rider’s orders, submissive to the influence of a rider Very willing to cooperate, reacts keenly yet calmly to the surrounding environment
2 3 4
Arrangement of the experiment Ten days before the experiment, the horses were not used in any way. In the mornings and evenings, they were brought © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science
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exhibited by a horse. The percentage time of the feature duration in relation to the duration of the whole ride (percentage of features) and the number of features which took place while riding (frequency of features) were calculated.
Atmospheric conditions The measurements of air temperature (°C), relative air humidity (%), wind speed (m/s) and atmospheric pressure (hPa) were taken twice a day. The first measurement was taken at 08.00 hours. At this time, the air temperature and humidity in the stable and wind speed and atmospheric pressure in the riding-hall were recorded. The second measurement was taken at 10.00 hours. The second measurements were taken in the riding-hall. Temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric pressure were measured with a Thermohygrobarometer LB-716 (3 in 1) and a Barometer LB-716 (LabE1 Inc., Reguły, Poland). Wind speed was recorded with a Silva Windwatch device (Silva, Stockholm, Sweden). The results were analyzed with Statistica v.10 software (StataSoft, Tulsa, OK, USA). The values of the atmospheric factors were divided into three intervals: average (the values within the mean ± standard deviation), low (the values below the mean minus standard deviation), and high (the values above the mean + standard deviation). The physiological parameters and behavioral assessments were divided according to those atmospheric intervals and formed respective groups. The number of observations in the subsequent intervals of atmospheric factors is presented in Table 2. The next step was to perform a multi-way analysis of variance (ANOVA GLM) with random effect of the horse and fixed effect of the level of the atmospheric factor, the value of the physiological parameter, a behavioral assessment related to the level of a given atmospheric factor, and a subsequent measurement (examination) of physiological parameters and
Table 2
the interaction between the factors. The significance of differences between the means was determined with the T-Tukey’s test. The correlations between the traits and the atmospheric factors were calculated with Pearson’s coefficients. The resting physiological parameters were correlated with the values of the atmospheric factors recorded in the first measurement. The post-exercise physiological parameters were correlated with the values of the atmospheric factors from the second measurement.
RESULTS The differences between the means at the subsequent levels of atmospheric factors were significant each time they were measured (Table 3). Significant differences between the first and second measurements were only recorded for air temperature that was higher outside the building than inside. The highest standard deviation was recorded for atmospheric pressure and air humidity. The significant differences in the assessments given by the authors and the riders for the mood and willingness to work in the examined horses, most often did not differ significantly between the groups of values associated with the subsequent levels of atmospheric factors or between the assessments made by the authors and the riders (Table 4). The exception was the average assessment given by the riders in the group of values associated with high wind speed. This assessment was found to be significantly lower than the values recorded in the other groups and was significantly lower than the category given by the authors.
Number of observations at the subsequent intervals of atmospheric factors
Resting measurement Air temperature
Air humidity
Wind speed
Low interval of atmospheric factors 252 192 304 Average interval of atmospheric factors 552 578 594 High interval of atmospheric factors 188 222 94 Table 3
723
Post-exercise measurement Atmospheric pressure
Air temperature
Air humidity
Wind speed
Atmospheric pressure
164
192
200
298
166
654
674
572
588
652
174
126
220
106
174
Means values of atmospheric factors in particular intervals Resting measurement
Air temperature (°C)
Air humidity (%)
Wind speed (m/s)
Low interval of atmospheric factors 14.53ax ± 0.89 70.00ax ± 2.99 1.26ax ± 0.85 Average interval of atmospheric factors 17.94bx ± 1.68 83.79bx ± 4.14 3.38bx ± 0.49 High interval of atmospheric factors 21.83cx ± 1.18 97.10cx ± 2.61 5.25cx ± 0.44
Post-exercise measurement Atmospheric pressure (hPa)
Air temperature (°C)
Air humidity (%)
Wind speed (m/s)
Atmospheric pressure (hPa)
995.49ax ± 4.91
18.37ay ± 0.89
68.35ax ± 3.04
1.16ax ± 0.91
993.44ax ± 5.33
1001.31abx ± 4.82
21.44aby ± 1.02
84.22bx ± 5.01
3.64bx ± 0.54
1001.54bx ± 5.04
1012.83bx ± 3.95
26.56by ± 0.37
95.32cx ± 3.67
5.87cx ± 0.67
1013.24cx ± 4.12
The means denoted with different letters (a, b, c: the comparison of the average values for the same atmospheric factor at three intervals; x, y: the comparison of the average values for the same atmospheric factor in two subsequent measurements) differed statistically at P ≤ 0.05.
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724 I. JANCZAREK et al.
Table 4 Qualitative assessments of horse mood and willingness to work with regard to atmospheric factors divided into intervals
Author’s assessment Air temperature
Air humidity
Wind speed
Rider’s assessment Atmospheric pressure
Air temperature
Air humidity
Wind speed
Group of mood and willingness to work values noted at low interval of atmospheric factors 3.74ax ± 0.84 3.45ax ± 0.78 3.73ax ± 0.85 3.68ax ± 0.72 3.64ax ± 0.76 3.57ax ± 0.76 3.74ax ± 0.78 Group of mood and willingness to work values noted at average interval of atmospheric factors 3.67ax ± 0.78 3.75ax ± 0.79 3.69ax ± 0.75 3.76ax ± 0.78 3.71ax ± 0.79 3.77ax ± 0.75 3.72ax ± 0.80 Group of mood and willingness to work values noted at high interval l of atmospheric factors 3.87ax ± 0.73 3.81ax ± 0.74 3.98ax ± 0.83 3.53ax ± 0.85 3.90ax ± 0.71 3.72ax ± 0.84 2.66by ± 0.61
Atmospheric pressure 3.82ax ± 0.83 3.70ax ± 0.76 3.70ax ± 0.79
The means denoted with different letters (a, b, c: the comparison of the average assessments in three groups of values; x, y: the comparison of the author’s assessment with the assessment made by the rider’s in the same group of values) differ statistically at P ≤ 0.05.
Table 5 Quantitative assessment of behavioral features ‘incorrect behavior of the horse while riding’ (IBHR)
Percentage of features Air temperature
Air humidity
Wind speed
Frequency of features Atmospheric pressure
Air temperature
Group of behavioural values noted at low interval of atmospheric factors 6.98a ± 1.35 8.33a ± 1.76 8.87a ± 1.72 10.65a ± 2.54 3.81a ± 0.87 Group of behavioural values noted at average interval of atmospheric factors 8.06ac ± 1.87 8.17a ± 1.78 7.97a ± 1.62 9.05a ± 2.34 4.12ac ± 1.23 Group behavioural of values noted at high interval of atmospheric factors 9.76bc ± 2.04 8.09a ± 1.81 12.87b ± 2.28 10.12a ± 1.98 5.16bc ± 1.11
Air humidity
Wind speed
Atmospheric pressure
4.38a ± 0.93
2.71a ± 0.76
5.12a ± 1.09
3.45a ± 0.92
4.92ac ± 1.36
3.63a ± 0.89
4.75a ± 1.07
6.73bc ± 1.98
4.11a ± 1.76
The means denoted with different letters (a, b, c: the comparison of the average assessments in three groups of values) differ statistically at P ≤ 0.05.
The significant differences between the values of the feature IBHR were noted for air temperature and wind speed (Table 5). In the group of values related to the high intervals of these two atmospheric factors, the significantly higher percentage and frequency of analyzed features were reported than air humidity and atmospheric pressure. The resting physiological parameters in the analyzed groups of values noted at the subsequent intervals of atmospheric factors most often did not differ significantly (Table 6). The tendency was different for the post-exercise parameters. Each of the parameters in the group of values noted at the low interval of atmospheric factors, was significantly lower than the value recorded in the other groups. The differences between the examinations at rest and post-exercise, were related to each of the physiological parameters in the group of values noted at the average and high intervals of atmospheric factors. In the group noted at a low interval of the factors, significant differences were only seen for the heart rate. The assessments by the authors and riders concerning the horse mood and willingness to work were to a minor degree associated with the analyzed atmospheric factors (Table 7). Significant positive correlations were found for the low interval of atmospheric pressure and rider assessment. Negative correlations were noted with the high interval of air temperature and both assessments, and the high interval of wind © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science
speed and both assessments. The significant correlations between the atmospheric factors and percentage and frequency of the IBHR feature were found for average and high interval of temperature and high interval of wind speed (Table 8). All of the correlations were positive. The significant correlations between the atmospheric factors and physiological parameters most often characterized the results recorded during the postexercise examination (Table 9). In the case of heart rate, significant correlations were the positive relations with the high interval of air temperature, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure. The body temperature was positively correlated with a high interval of air temperature, yet negatively correlated with a high windspeed interval. Within the average interval of factors, the significant positive coefficients were related to the heart rate: wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and to the body temperature: air temperature. The atmospheric factors at a low interval were not associated with any of the analyzed physiological parameters. The resting parameters were correlated to a lesser extent, with the atmospheric factors. Heart rate and the average and high intervals of wind speed, and a high interval of atmospheric pressure all showed significant positive correlations. There were also positive correlations between body temperature and a high interval of air temperature. The atmospheric factors at a low interval were not related to the resting Animal Science Journal (2015) 86, 721–728
17.21by ± 2.11 17.78by ± 2.55 17.34by ± 2.31 18.03by ± 2.22 39.50by ± 0.33 39.60by ± 0.46 39.23by ± 0.49
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The means denoted with different letters (a, b, c: the comparison of the means for the same parameter in three groups of values; x, y: the comparison of resting and post-exercise values of the same parameter in the same group of values noted at the intervals of atmospheric factors) differed significantly at P ≤ 0.05.
17.50by ± 2.41 17.46by ± 2.37 17.67by ± 2.41 39.37by ± 2.11 39.53by ± 1.89
39.52by ± 1.96
17.39by ± 2.33
14.04ax ± 2.53 15.64ax ± 2.37 14.35ax ± 2.30 37.60ax ± 0.46 37.49ax ± 0.47
37.14ax ± 0.56
15.72ax ± 2.63
13.54ax ± 1.82 13.97ax ± 1.89 13.58ax ± 1.90 37.39ax ± 0.26 37.41ax ± 0.24
37.39ax ± 0.24
13.65ax ± 1.87
13.72ax ± 1.84 13.68ax ± 1.84 13.87ax ± 1.79 37.38ax ± 0.25 37.38ax ± 0.28
37.39ax ± 0.26
13.64ax ± 1.88
14.11ax ± 1.85 13.85ax ± 1.85 13.59ax ± 1.93 37.41ax ± 0.28
Resting measurement Group of physiological values noted at low interval of atmospheric factors 34.22ax ± 2.33 34.11ax ± 2.48 33.86ax ± 2.26 34.09ax ± 2.26 37.39ax ± 0.24 Group of physiological values noted at average interval of atmospheric factors 34.12ax ± 2.63 34.15ax ± 2.25 34.18ax ± 2.28 34.14ax ± 2.23 37.33ax ± 0.22 Group of physiological values noted at high interval of atmospheric factors 33.88ax ± 2.06 33.97ax ± 2.21 34.59ax ± 2.39 34.00ax ± 2.52 37.41ax ± 0.29 Post-exercise measurement Group of physiological values noted at low interval of atmospheric factors 46.60ay ± 3.37 47.44ay ± 3.18 48.68ay ± 3.23 46.21ay ± 3.33 37.54ax ± 0.37 Group of physiological values noted at average interval of atmospheric factors 54.32by ± 3.25 54.42by ± 3.19 54.19by ± 3.16 54.43by ± 3.15 39.40by ± 2.03 Group of physiological values noted at high interval of atmospheric factors 54.75by ± 2.63 54.45by ± 3.26 55.53by ± 3.22 54.64by ± 3.28 39.49by ± 0.47
37.39ax ± 0.23
37.39ax ± 0.28
14.05ax ± 1.73
Atmospheric pressure Wind speed
Respiratory rate (number/min)
Atmospheric pressure Wind speed
Body temperature (°C)
Air humidity Air temperature Atmospheric pressure Wind speed
Heart rate (b.p.m.)
Air humidity Air temperature
Table 6
Physiological parameters in the groups of values noted at the intervals of the atmospheric factors
Air temperature
Air humidity
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725
physiological parameters in the horses. When the atmospheric factors were analyzed without dividing them into subsequent intervals, significant positive correlations were found for the resting and postexercise heart rate and wind speed as well as for the post-exercise heart rate and wind speed and atmospheric pressure.
DISCUSSION It was found that horses do not modify their behavior in response to visible changes in atmospheric conditions, or these modifications are so subtle that they cannot be adequately interpreted or evaluated by humans. The results indicate some problems in using qualitative assessments, which is evidenced by the low number of significant differences between the means. The riders gave significantly lower assessments of the mood and willingness to work on those days with high wind speed, in comparison with those days of mean or low wind speed. The riders’ impressions were inconsistent with the observers. The assessments of the observers were most often higher than the riders’ assessments. High wind speed seems to be the atmospheric factor that has the most significant impact on horse behavior, according to the riders. The results obtained by quantitative assessment of the behavior turned out to be more accurate. Both total duration and frequency of IBHR revealed a higher intensity not only during windy weather, but also in high air temperature. The results of the correlation between atmospheric conditions and qualitative and quantitative assessments of horse behavior have also showed some significant relationships between these traits. Assessment proved to be lower when air temperature and wind speed were high. A similar situation occurred within the quantitative assessment of IBHR features. Both the total time and the frequency of the IBHR increased with the increase in air temperature and wind speed. It is also worth pointing out that there was a significant correlation between the values of the riders’ assessment with the values of atmospheric pressure when this was approximately less than 993 hPa. It seems that this may be due more to the bad moods of the riders than to the bad behavior of the horses. To sum up the results of the behavioral assessment, we suggest that high air temperature in this study (above 26.5°C) and wind speed (above 5.5 m/s) may potentiate the occurrence of negative changes in the behavior of a horse when being ridden. Other atmospheric conditions may be considered insignificant. The present results are largely convergent with those noted by other authors (Myers 2005; Hitchens et al. 2010; Freeman 2012). The negative influence of high wind speed, which sometimes results in cancelling rides and eliminating more sensitive horses, has been reported © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science
726 I. JANCZAREK et al.
Table 7 Correlations between the atmospheric factors and the assessments of their mood and willingness to work
Air temperature Author’s assessment
Rider’s assessment
Air humidity Author’s assessment
Low interval of atmospheric factors −0.035 0.027 0.033 Average interval of atmospheric factors 0.032 −0.014 −0.026 High interval of atmospheric factors −0.221* −0.204* 0.016 Total 0.036 0.044 0.025
Rider’s assessment
Wind speed Author’s assessment
Atmospheric pressure
Rider’s assessment
Author’s assessment
Rider’s assessment
0.042
0.052
−0.108
0.121
0.143*
−0.044
0.035
−0.003
0.071
0.063
−0.023
−0.203*
−0.304**
0.011
0.076
−0.012
0.011
−0.027
0.017
0.034
*Significant correlation at P ≤ 0.05, **Significant correlation at P ≤ 0.01.
Table 8 Correlations between the atmospheric factors and quantitative assessment of behavioral features ‘incorrect behavior of the horse while riding’ (IBHR)
Air temperature Percentage of features
Frequency of features
Air humidity Percentage of features
Average interval of atmospheric factors −0.074 −0.025 −0.007 Average interval of atmospheric factors 0.226* −0.046 −0.014 High interval of atmospheric factors 0.179* 0.178* −0.009 Total 0.108* 0.019 −0.008
Wind speed
Frequency of features
Atmospheric pressure
Percentage of features
Frequency of features
Percentage of features
Frequency of features
0.017
−0.032
−0.079
0.047
0.039
−0.031
−0.053
0.084
0.006
0.022
0.206*
0.021
0.018
0.032
0.027
0.012
0.312**
0.014
−0.055
−0.047
*Significant correlation at P ≤ 0.05, **Significant correlation at P ≤ 0.01.
by Myers (2005). Windy weather is characterized by an elevation of sound levels, which limits a horse’s capacity to detect potential danger. Similarly, air temperature which is too high impairs bodily functions, leading to the horse gradually becoming overheated. According to Hitchens et al. (2010), changes in atmospheric conditions are one of the main causes of an increase in the number of accidents (falls of jockeys). The assessment methods must be adapted so as to generate reliable results (Young et al. 2012). These authors conclude that there is no ideal behavioralassessment method which would eliminate the necessity to verify the results based on changes in physiological parameters. Each of the post-exercise parameters in the group of values noted at the low interval of atmospheric factors, was significantly lower than the parameters recorded in the other two groups. The results show how the reaction of a horse’s body to weather conditions changed when the horse was subjected to physical exercise. A significant increase in the physiological parameters that are measured post-exercise in recreational horses may be expected already in the average intervals of atmospheric pressure when: the air temperature is approximately higher than 21.5°C, air humidity exceeds 80%, wind speed exceeds 3 m/s and atmospheric pressure rises above 993 hPa. Therefore, © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science
the physiological changes in the body’s response to the atmospheric condition are more sensitive than a behavioral reaction. It may be assumed that the monitoring of physiological parameters may be helpful in predicting changes in the behavior of horses caused by the weather. The direct comparison of our results with those obtained by other authors is impossible, because the other studies did not relate to recreational horses. However, similar results were noted in sport (Myers 2005) and racing horses (Schurink et al. 2009). The recorded correlations indicate that a distinct physiological reaction of the body to weather conditions should be expected after physical exercise. These relations are seen in recreational horses in which physical exercise is much lower than in sporting or racing horses. It should be emphasized that these correlations with weather factors during the summer season occurred only at the average and high air temperature, wind speed and atmospheric pressure values. Air humidity does not have any significant correlations with post-exercise physiological parameters. The importance of this atmospheric factor has been discussed by Hargreaves et al. (1999) who indicated the impact of air humidity on such parameters as heart rate and body temperature. Heart rate seems to be a particularly sensitive parameter because it reacts to many atmospheric factors. In this case, significant positive Animal Science Journal (2015) 86, 721–728
WEATHER AND RECREATIONAL HORSES CONDITION
Table 9
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Correlations between the physiological parameters and the values of atmospheric factors
Physiological parameters
Resting measurement Heart rate (b.p.m.)
Low interval of atmospheric factors Air temperature (°C) 0.097 Air humidity (%) −0.111 Wind speed (m/s) 0.019 Atmospheric pressure (hPa) 0.084 Average interval of atmospheric factors Air temperature (°C) 0.072 Air humidity (%) 0.080 Wind speed (m/s) 0.103* Atmospheric pressure (hPa) 0.081 High interval of atmospheric factors Air temperature (°C) 0.009 Air humidity (%) 0.112 Wind speed (m/s) 0.222* Atmospheric pressure (hPa) 0.188** Total Air temperature (°C) 0.069 Air humidity (%) 0.049 Wind speed (m/s) 0.062* Atmospheric pressure (hPa) 0.059
Post-exercise measurement
Body temperature (°C)
Respiratory rate (number/min)
Heart rate (b.p.m.)
Body temperature (°C)
Respiratory rate (number/min)
0.107 0.061 −0.011 0.031
−0.008 0.055 0.102 −0.033
0.013 −0.013 0.086 0.119
0.009 0.011 −0.076 −0.012
0.016 −0.007 0.089 0.112
0.071 0.066 0.024 −0.013
−0.056 0.008 0.065 0.072
0.063 0.063 0.089* 0.101*
0.101* 0.024 −0.083 0.044
−0.007 −0.024 0.004 0.055
0.142* 0.111 0.183 0.037
−0.021 0.031 0.007 0.004
0.142* 0.133 0.304** 0.192**
0.094* 0.133 −0.204* 0.121
0.007 −0.011 0.173 0.122
0.041 0.016 0.045 0.009
−0.003 0.022 0.017 0.021
0.037 0.018 0.071* 0.073*
0.070* 0.021 −0.052 0.020
0.003 −0.019 0.037 0.041
*Significant correlation at P ≤ 0.05, **Significant correlation at P ≤ 0.01.
correlations were seen with average and high values of wind speed (approx. above 3.5 m/s) and low atmospheric pressure (approx. below 993 hPa) and with high air temperature (approx. above 26.5°C). Body temperature is a parameter less sensitive to atmospheric factors. An increase in body temperature should be expected after exercise at temperatures higher than 21.5°C while a decrease should be expected at wind speeds approximately over 5.5 m/s. In our experiment, we did not observe any correlations with the respiratory rate measured for 1 min. This lack of correlation can most probably be explained by low variability or difficulties with precise measurements.
Conclusions 1 Negative changes in the behavior and mood of recreational horses can result from high air temperature and high wind speeds. 2 A distinct physiological horse response to changes in atmospheric factors is best illustrated by the heart rate and body temperature during post-exercise measurements. 3 Physiological parameters seem to be a more sensitive indicator of the recreational horse’s reaction to the weather than the horse’s behavioral reactions.
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