111 Relationship among gullet size, body weight, and body condition score in stabled geldings

Abstract

Saddle fit is likely influenced by body weight, body condition score, exercise routine and nutrition. Current recommendations are to adjust saddle fit at least twice a year. The objective of this study was to determine the amount of change in gullet size (GS), body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) at 2 riding stables with moderate-heavy working hunter/jumper horses. The data were collected from 12 geldings in the fall of 2021 and 2022 and spring of 2022. Demographic information, including age, breed, sex, exercise routine, and housing, were recorded. Estimates of BW were calculated using length and heart girth measurements. Two observers independently evaluated BCS by averaging 6 body regions. Gullet size was measured using a gullet gauge protractor (Easy-Change Gullet System, Saddlery Brands International, AUS) according to manufacturer's instructions. Gullet sizes were categorized as narrow (0), medium-narrow (1), medium (2), medium-wide (3), and wide (4). Results were tabulated in excel and analyzed using GraphPad Prism Software LLC. vs. 9.3.1.A 2-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of season and horse on GS, BW and BCS, with the means separated using Tukey Multiple Comparison tests. Body weight and BCS did not differ (P > 0.05) among seasons, but BW and BCS did differ among horses (P < 0.001). Gullet size decreased by 1 size from spring of 2022 to fall of 2022 (P < 0.001) and tended to be lower by approximately 1/2 size from fall of 2021 to fall of 2022 (P = 0.06). However, no difference in GS was evident from fall of 2021 to spring of 2022 (P = 0.23). Differences in BW and BCS were too minimal to observe a seasonal effect in this group of horses. However, a decline in GS across seasons is evident and still likely attributed to these factors. For these reasons, the relationship among BW, BCS, and GS for horses at well-managed equestrian facilities warrants further investigation.