Dually investigated: the effect of a pressure headcollar on the behaviour, discomfort and stress of trained horses

The Dually™ is a control headcollar designed to improve equine behaviour during handling challenges by applying greater pressure than a standard headcollar. Previous research indicated it did not improve compliance in naïve horses but did result in higher Horse Grimace Scale scores (HGS) indicative of discomfort. However, subjects had not been trained to step forward to release the pressure applied by the headcollar. The current study aimed to determine the effect of training on behaviour and physiology of horses wearing the Dually™ headcollar during handling challenges. To this end, subjects received three training sessions prior to completing two handling tests in which they crossed distinct novel obstacles, one wearing a Dually™ with a line attached to the pressure mechanism and one attached to the standard ring as a control. Behaviour was coded by hypothesis blind researchers: time to cross the obstacle and proactive refusal (moving away from the obstacle) were recorded as indicators of compliance and the Horse Grimace Scale was used to measure discomfort caused by each configuration of the device. Infrared thermography of ocular temperature, heart rate variability (RMSSD and low/high frequency ratios (LF/HF)) and salivary cortisol were measured as indicators of arousal. Data from the previous study on Naïve horses was also included to compare responses to the Dually in Naïve and Trained horses. Training resulted in a decrease in RMSSD (p = 0.002) and an increase in LF/HF (p=0.012), compared to rest, indicating arousal. As per the original study, horses did not complete the tests more quickly in the Dually, compared to control (p=0.698). Trained horses from this study tended to be more proactive in the Dually compared to Controls (p=0.066) and significantly more so than Naïve horses from the previous study (p=0.002) suggesting that behaviour becomes less desirable during early Dually training. Yet, stress and HGS indicators were not higher in the Dually compared to Control during testing. Results suggest the Dually has a negative effect on behaviour but not on stress or discomfort during short handling challenges. Further research is warranted to determine the long-term effect of Dually experience on behaviour and welfare

Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) eventing: fence‐level risk factors for falls during the cross‐country phase (2008‐2018)

Background: The equestrian discipline of eventing tests athletes’ and horses’ skill over three phases: dressage, jumping, and cross-country. Falls during cross-country can be particularly serious and result in serious or fatal injury for both horse and athlete. Cross-country course and fence design are crucial contributory factors to safety. Objectives: To provide descriptive statistics and identify fence-level risk factors for horses competing in Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) events worldwide. Study design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Data were collected for every horse start worldwide in all international (CI), championship (CH), Olympics (OG), and World Equestrian Games (WEG) eventing competitions between January 2008 and December 2018 and univariable logistic regression, followed by multivariable logistic regression were applied. The final model was built in a stepwise bi-directional process, with each step assessed by the Akaike information criterion. Results: Risk factors were identified at fence level covering aspects of fence design and course design. Ten fence types were at increased odds of a fall occurring compared to square spread fences, and seven types were at reduced odds. Fences with an approach downhill (odds ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.19-1.52), with landing into water (OR 1.82, CI 1.62-2.01), frangible devices (OR 1.28, CI 1.15-1.41), and later elements of combined obstacles (OR 1.33 CI 1.25-1.42 for the second element, OR 1.21 CI 1.10-1.32 for later elements) were associated with increased risk of falls occurring. Main limitations: Although the data set covers every international competition worldwide, it does not include national-level competitions. Conclusions: It is recommended that the most challenging fences are placed near the beginning of the course, and not in downhill or water settings. The complexity of individual elements in combined fences should be reduced. Adopting evidence-based course design is a crucial intervention for reducing the incidence of horse falls and associated serious and fatal injuries to horse and human athletes

Towards a safer sport: Risk factors for cross‐country horse falls at British Eventing competition

Background Equestrian eventing is a dangerous Olympic sport, with 16 rider and 69 horse fatalities at competition in the last 10 years. Despite this, there is limited research that aims to improve safety within the sport. Objectives The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for horse falls, which are the leading cause of rider fatality within the sport. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Methods Competition data between January 2005 and December 2015 were analysed. Descriptive statistics followed by univariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for inclusion in a multivariable logistic regression model were conducted. Models were constructed stepwise using a bi-directional process and assessed using the Akaike Information Criterion. A total of 749 534 cross-country starts were analysed for association with the risk of horse falls. Results Sixteen risk factors were identified including: higher event levels, higher dressage penalties and higher number of days since horses' last start. For example, horse and rider combinations competing at BE100 (OR 1.64, CI 1.37–1.96, p < 0.001), Novice (OR 3.58, CI 3.03–4.24, p < 0.001), Intermediate (OR 8.00, CI 6.54–9.78, p < 0.001), Advanced (OR 12.49, CI 9.42–16.57, p < 0.001) and International (OR 4.63, CI 3.50–6.12, p < 0.001) all had a higher risk of having a horse fall in comparison to combinations competing at BE90 level. Furthermore, for every additional 10 dressage penalties awarded to a horse and rider combination, there was a higher risk of a horse fall (OR 1.20, CI 1.12–1.28, p < 0.001). Main limitations The study is not geographically comprehensive (UK only) and does not include any information on training activity of horses and riders. Conclusions This is the largest-scale study ever conducted on horse falls during eventing competition. Study results can be utilised by sport governing bodies to inform policy which has the potential to reduce the risk of injury and fatality to sport participants