Gender differences in equine visuo–spatial ability

Abstract

Visuo–spatial ability has been defined as the mechanism that allows individuals to keep track of their changing spatial relationships as they move through their environment (Farrell and Robertson, 2000). In many species, moderate to large differences in visuo–spatial ability have been reported between genders, with superior visuo–spatial ability being reported in males of all species investigated to date (Masters and Sanders, 1993). There is an acknowledged preference among trainers and owners toward male horses in several disciplines of equitation. While this preference for male horses may be partially explained by physical differences, visuo–spatial ability is important in many aspects of equitation. The objective of this study was to determine if visuo–spatial ability differed between male and female horses.Visuo–spatial ability was investigated in a sample of 62 horses (males* = 34 and females = 28) at two equestrian centres using a novel test and test apparatus. The apparatus and test procedures required the horses to use elements of spatial awareness and the ability to differentiate elements of distance and depth perception to complete a series of six tests.