Human-Animal Relationship: A Comparative Study in Working and Breeding Horses

Abstract

The importance of a good human-horse relationship in every equestrian discipline is recognized by the specialists all over the world. The aim of the study was to comparatively assess the behavioural response towards humans in different horse categories, in two seasons. The human-animal relationship was investigated during a year, in two different seasons in working horses (171 in the winter, 168 in the summer), stallions (62 in the winter, 66 in the summer) and broodmares and young horses (137 in the winter, 146 in the summer). Using specific methods, the general attitude of the horses was evaluated (apathetic or alert) and their reactions (aggressiveness, fear/avoidance, indifference, friendliness) to the: (1) assessors’ approach (2) walking besides and (3) the attempt of touching the animal. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. The value of minimal significance was considered at P < 0.05. The proportion of the apathetic horses recorded in this study varied from 0% to 3.23% depending on the assessed category and season, without statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). For the behavioural responses (aggressiveness, fear, indifference or friendly response), statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were found among the assessed horse categories. The season had no significant influence on the variability of responses in the behavioural tests in none of the horse categories. The results indicate an inadequate human-animal relationship in all the studied horse categories, with negative implications on the welfare of the animals. This problem has low remedial possibilities, because it needs human mentality change of those working with horses.