Zsoldos, Rebeka
- Institutionen för biosystem och teknologi, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
- University of Queensland
Sammanfattning
The off-the-track Thoroughbred's (OTTTB's) suitability for equestrian retraining and rehoming should always be subject to behavioral considerations. Certain attributes may be advantageous to a horse's racing performance but unfavorable to their prospects off the track. It is important to gain a non-biased understanding of how Thoroughbreds (TBs) in equestrian disciplines compare with other horses behaviorally, to minimize risks of poor welfare and safety outcomes. The current study used owner-reported information (n = 1633) from the Equine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ) global database to compare the behaviors of OTTTBs with those of other ridden horses. Boldness, compliance, rideability, trainability, and responsiveness to acceleration and deceleration signals were evaluated in the context of 27 E-BARQ items, as determined by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). In this study, OTTTBs demonstrated more boldness (t = 3.793; p < 0.001) and lower compliance and responsiveness to deceleration signals (t = 3.448; p < 0.001) than non-OTTTBs. Trainability, rideability, and responsiveness to acceleration signals did not differ significantly between OTTTBs and non-OTTTBs. These findings provide direction for future research into causal factors and improvement opportunities regarding the training and management of Thoroughbreds, on- and off-the-track.
Nyckelord
equine behavior; equestrian disciplines; racehorse welfare; racehorseretraining; racehorse rehoming; retired racehorse
Publicerad i
Animals
2025, volym: 15, nummer: 14, artikelnummer: 2046
Utgivare: MDPI
SLU författare
UKÄ forskningsämne
Husdjursvetenskap
Publikationens identifierare
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15142046
Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/143265