Behavior Observation During Conformation Evaluation at a Field Test for Danish Warmblood Horses and Associations with Rideability and Performance Traits

Abstract

Reactivity in horses, defined as a state of high arousal, has an impact on the daily handling and welfare of horses and can have an impact on the risk of causing human injuries. Behavior tests have been developed to assess reactivity, but these tests are difficult to apply in practice. The objectives of this study were to investigate how reactivity measured in a practical situation associates with rideability and performance and to explore the association between the measured reactivity and reactivity assessed by the horse's owner. A total of 234 Danish Warmblood females, 3 years of age, were videotaped and scored for reactivity during the evaluation of their conformation, and a questionnaire was completed by the owners. Associations between reactivity and performance traits were investigated by computing partial correlations (Pearson, rp). A low negative correlation was found between rideability and reactivity (rp = −0.16, P = .02) and between reactivity and free jumping (rp = −0.14, P = .03). These results suggest that highly reactive horses received lower grades in rideability and free jumping. However, no association with performance traits in dressage was found. Likewise, low but significant association was found between reactivity and ratings from owners (rp = 0.15, P = .02), indicating that horses considered to be nervous by their owners also were scored as reactive. In conclusion, it appears possible to measure reactivity in a practical situation. This study also concluded low negative associations between reactivity and the two performance traits rideability and free jumping.