Abstract
Simple SummaryThe aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the maximum rein tension that horses voluntarily adopt when wearing side reins set in dressage frame without a rider, and to compare that to rein tension in dressage frame with a rider. Without a rider, all horses maintained a rein tension force of approximately 1 kg in all gaits. For the same horses with a rider, rein tension force was significantly higher at approximately 3 kg on each side to maintain the dressage frame. Understanding and lowering the peak forces acting on the mouth of the horse could enhance equine welfare in daily riding practice.Too much rein tension while riding may compromise the welfare of the horse. But who generates the tension on the reins—the horse or the rider? The primary aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the maximum rein tension that horses voluntarily maintain without a rider compared to rein tension with a rider. A secondary aim was to evaluate conflict behaviours in relation to rein tension. Thirteen horses were used, all fitted with customised “Animon” rein tension sensors (25 Hz, up to 600 N range), free-moving with side reins set in dressage competition frame with the noseline on the vertical. Rein tension was measured at the walk, trot, and canter in both directions in a round pen. The same horses were then ridden by their usual riders and completed the same task on a riding ground. Continuous video recordings were obtained to subsequently quantify the occurrence of conflict behaviours. The difference in mean maximum peak of rein tension with and without a rider for each gait was compared using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. Without a rider, rein tension was significantly lower (Wilcoxon T = 0, p < 0.01, 7.5 N ± 2.8 N) than with a rider (Wilcoxon T = 0, p < 0.01, 24.0 N ± 12.3 N). Regardless of the different rein tensions in the ridden exercise, all of the horses exhibited approximately the same amount of rein tension in the unridden exercise. The frequency of conflict behaviour was higher with a rider than without (11 ± 14 per minute vs. 2 ± 3 per minute; T = 4, p < 0.01).
Highlights
The influence of the rider on the horse’s mouth via the reins can represent an aversive stimulus, which can be used in negative reinforcement [1]
Very few published data (e.g., Egenvall et al.) are available to differentiate the rein tension that is contributed by the rider from that contributed by the horse [3]
Rein tension measurements were recorded with a rider in order to differentiate rein tension that may be contributed by the rider from that contributed by the horse
Summary
The influence of the rider on the horse’s mouth via the reins can represent an aversive stimulus, which can be used in negative reinforcement [1]. According to Eisersiö et al, the factors that are believed to influence rein tension are the gait, the rider’s position, the lesson ridden, the level of training of horse and rider, as well as the rider’s ability to follow the horse’s movements [2]. Preuschoft reported an oscillating pattern of rein tension corresponding with the natural nodding movement of the horse’s head, depending on the gait. This is a 4 cm to 5 cm vertical movement of the head, which is differently pronounced in walk, trot and canter [4]. Preuschoft and Gottstein observed that the oscillating pattern of rein tension in the different gaits occurred even in carriage horses without a rider [5]
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