Međusobni utjecaj reproduktivnog statusa, dobi i osobnosti konja na ostvarivanje punog atletskog potencijala u natjecanjima u preponskom jahanju

Abstract

The study analysed the results of showjumping competitions of 41 warmblood horses of varying reproductive status, age and personality. In total, 8 stallions, 18 mares, and 15 geldings were included. Horses were divided in the following age groups: young horses 4-7 years old (n=15), mature horses 8-13 years old (n=13) and older horses 14-20 years old (n=13). Horses were also divided according to dominant personality component, obtained by questionnaires: excitability (n=4), protection (n=7), sociability (n=15), curiosity (n=9), horses without a dominant personality component (n=6). Horses in this study were compared to the results of showjumping competitions of the Croatian Equestrian Federation in the past two consecutive years, considering data from 80 classes, 44 tournaments and 3280 starts. The Winter Cup (1.10-1.3) was considered the time of absence of cyclicity in mares while the Summer Cup (1.3-1.10) was considered the full season of reproductive cyclicity of mares. The aim of the study was to determine correlations between the dominant personality component, reproductive status and age of the horse in obtaining optimal results in showjumping competitions. Based on the results, the dominant personality component positively influences the horse’s success in showjumping(ranking, penalties). Excitable horses had the poorest results, especially during the reproductive season (P<0.05). Protective horses had the best results regardless of season. It is likely that determination of the dominantpersonality component could help in better selection of showjumping horses. Geldings had the least seasonal variations, while mares had significantly better results out of season (P<0.05). Stallions also had better results out of season, though the difference was not statistically significant. Recommendations include introducing methods of cycle blockage in mares to improve focus and results in all categories. Contrary to expectations, older horses (14-20 years old) obtained better results than mature horses (8-13 years old). Further research of all observed parameters on a significantly higher sample of showjumpers is required to determine whether the findings here could be applied to the complete population of warmblood horses used in showjumping competitions in Croatia and abroad.