Abstract

In the present study, a web-based questionnaire was used with the aim to investigate perceived relevance of 14 behavioural traits in horses regarding quality of match between horse and rider. The responses of approximately 2800 participants indicate a high interest in the topic. All traits were considered relevant by at least 50% of the respondents. 'Easy to bring to new environments' was the trait indicated as relevant by the highest proportion (85%) of respondents, followed by 'spirited and forward' (84%) and 'tolerant towards humans' (80%). Respondents' age as well as preferred equitation discipline was shown to have a profound influence on perception of relevance (P < 0.05). The results suggest a need for methods to objectively evaluate individual differences in behavioural traits to enable selection of horses to optimize horse-rider match.

Keywords

Horse temperament, horse-rider match, personality, questionnaire, equitation discipline

Published in

Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A - Animal Science
2015, Volume: 65, number: 1, pages: 23-32
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS AS

SLU Authors

• Axel-Nilsson, Malin

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Blokhuis, Harry

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Animal and Dairy Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09064702.2015.1047791

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/76012