Equestrian Events Research Articles

Social Media, Mental Health, and Equestrian Events

Many studies have investigated the benefits and drawbacks of social media, but the impact it has on amateur sports participants who use it as part of their practice has been largely overlooked. This study addresses this gap, investigating the impacts of social media on the mental health of women participating in amateur sport activities–specifically, equestrian events through a mixed methods survey of 221 female amateur equestrians in the UK. Themes included the pressure to present a “perfect” image to an external audience, the stress of comparison to others, and constant judgment around the performance of a participant. We also found issues of distorted reality and false representation. We conclude by highlighting a need for better assistance for athletes both while they are competing at events and at other times, particularly pre/postevent.

Evaluation of Non-Invasive Sampling Techniques for the Molecular Surveillance of Equid Herpesviruses in Yearling Horses.

Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is a highly contagious respiratory tract pathogen of horses, and infection may be followed by myeloencephalopathy or abortion. Surveillance and early detection have focused on PCR assays using less tolerated nasal swabs. Here, we assess non-invasive non-contact sampling techniques as surveillance tools in naturally equid gammaherpesvirus 2-shedding horses as surrogates for EHV-1. Horses were individually housed for 10 h periods on 2 consecutive days. Sampling included nasal swabs, nostril wipes, environmental swabs, droplet-catching devices, and air sampling. The latter was completed via two strategies: a combined air sample collected while going from horse to horse and a collective air sample collected at a stationary central point for 6 h. Samples were screened through quantitative PCR and digital PCR. Nine horses on day 1 and 11 horses on day 2 were positive for EHV-1; overall, 90.9% of the nostril wipes, 81.8% of the environmental surfaces, and 90.9% of the droplet-catching devices were found to be positive. Quantitative analysis showed that the mean DNA copies detection per cm2 of nostril wipe sampled concentration (4.3 × 105 per day) was significantly (p < 0.05) comparable to that of nasal swabs (3.6 × 105 per day) followed by environmental swabs (4.3 × 105 per day) and droplet catchers (3.5 × 103 per day), respectively. Overall, 100% of the air samples collected were positive on both qPCR and dPCR. In individual air samples, a mean concentration of 1.0 × 104 copies of DNA were detected in per m3 air sampled per day, while in the collective air samples, the mean concentration was 1.1 × 103. Environmental samples look promising in replacing direct contact sampling. Environmental and air sampling could become efficient surveillance tools at equestrian events; however, it needs threshold calculations for minimum detection levels.

Diagnostic performance of a rapid immunochromatographic test for the simultaneous detection of antibodies to Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in horses and donkeys

BackgroundEquine piroplasmosis is caused by two tick-borne protozoan parasites, Theileria equi and Babesia caballi,, which are clinically relevant in susceptible horses, donkeys, and mules. Moreover, equine piroplasmosis significantly constrains international trading and equestrian events. Rapidly diagnosing both parasites in carrier animals is essential for implementing effective control measures. Here, a rapid immunochromatographic test for the simultaneous detection of antibodies to T. equi and B. caballi was evaluated using samples from horses and donkeys collected in Greece, Israel, and Italy. The results were compared with an improved competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for detecting antibodies to both parasites using the same panel of samples.MethodsBlood samples were collected from 255 horses and donkeys. The panel consisted of 129 horses sampled at four locations in northern Greece, 105 donkeys sampled at four locations in Sicily, and 21 horses sampled at two locations in Israel. The rapid test and the cELISA were performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and the results were subjected to a statistical analysis to determine the sensitivity and specificity of both tests and their association.ResultsThe immunochromatographic test provided a result within 15 min and can be performed in the field, detecting both pathogens simultaneously. The overall coincidence rate between the rapid test and the cELISA for detecting antibodies against T. equi was 93% and 92.9% for B. caballi. The rapid test’s sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for T. equi were above 91.5%. Sixteen samples were positive for both parasites in the rapid test and eight in the cELISA. Either test had no significant association between T. equi and B. caballi detection. The detection rates of both parasites were significantly higher in Italy than in Greece or Israel and in donkeys than in horses. The agreement for T. equi between the results of both tests was high in Greece (93.8%) and Italy (95.2%) and moderate in Israel (76.2%). For B. caballi, the specificity and NPV of the rapid test were high (94.2% and 98.3%, respectively), although the sensitivity and PPV were moderate (69.2% and 39.1%, respectively) due to the small sample size. However, for B. caballi, the sensitivity was higher with the rapid test.ConclusionsThe rapid test detected T. equi and B. caballi simultaneously in the field, potentially replacing laborious cELISA testing and is recommended for import/export purposes. The test can also be helpful for the differential diagnosis of clinical cases, since seropositivity may rule out equine piroplasmosis since it does not indicate current or active infection.Graphical

Mitigation of effects of heat and humidity at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games equestrian events

Abstract The physiological challenge of Tokyo 2020, the XXXII Olympic Summer Games held in July-August 2021, was adaptation to training and competing in the subtropical summer weather conditions. Dressage, Eventing, and Jumping horses (n = 248) arrived at 05:00-06:30 h on six European and two Australian overnight chartered flights 8-to-10 days prior to beginning competition. All horses were housed at Japan Racing Association Equestrian Park in Bagi Koen. Eventing Cross Country was held an hour’s drive away at Sea Forest. All stables and conveyances were air-conditioned. Cooling stations were available at both venues and consisted of tall arched tents with large containers of water chilled to ≤15 °C, cooling/misting fans, and rubberised flooring for traction safety. Training hours began at 06:00 h daily with a mandatory mid-day break between 11:00 and 15:00-16:00 h when arenas were re-opened until 22:00. Daytime temperatures ranged 28.8-36.8 °C and peak humidity remained high throughout the Games (58-97%). There were no heat-related illnesses in horses observed by clinic veterinarians who were present at all training and competition rings whenever horses were exercising. Individual horses received elective intravenous fluids (10 litre minimum) on arrival in Japan, after cross country, and/or before departure. Reported ailments included post-transport pneumonia, exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage, orthopaedic injury, laceration, impaction colic, acute piroplasmosis, and laminitis. A persistent brisk westerly wind began nightly around 17:00 h, making evening competition sessions cooler than daytime training sessions. It was concluded that safe competitions were held despite persistently elevated subtropical ambient heat and humidity conditions.

Legitimizing and Transforming Gender Relations Within the Contemporary Equestrian Sport of Charrería in Mexico

The equestrian sport of Charrería is the national sport of Mexico. This ethnographic study illustrates ways in which Charrería helps legitimize unequal gender relations, and in some circumstances, provides opportunity to challenge and rework the wider gender order. Hegemonic masculinities are performed and reified through the gendered performances of male charros and the complementary, opposite, yet unequal, gendered performances of female escaramuzas. Yet hegemony requires constant renewal and consent, and Charrería illustrates the potential for equestrian sports events to also contribute to challenging and reworking the wider gender order and reconfiguring relations between men and women, masculinities and femininities, to be less hierarchical and oppressive.

Estimating rectal temperature in exercising horses in a competition environment using infrared thermal imaging

Abstract Short-term intense and or prolonged medium intensity exercise in conditions of moderate-high environmental temperature or temperature and humidity can result in moderate to marked hyperthermia. This in turn may result in decreased exercise capacity, earlier onset of fatigue and increased risk of falls or injury. Early identification of moderate-severe hyperthermia is important to allow appropriate intervention, either before, during or after exercise. Infra-red thermal imaging (IRT) allows measurement of horse surface temperature non-invasively, however it is generally considered to be unreliable in outdoor environments. Collection of pilot data suggested that this modality warranted further investigation. IRT Images were obtained from horses during training and competition at the 2019 Ready Steady Tokyo Olympic equestrian test event (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature [WBGT] &gt; 28 °C), during and after the cross-country at the 2019 Burghley Horse Trials CCI 5* (WBGT 12-15 °C), the 2019 Adelaide International Horse Trials CCI 4* (WBGT ∼ 20 °C) and during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games (held in 2021; WBGT &gt; 28 °C). A total of 87 paired hindquarter IRT images and rectal temperature measurements were obtained. When all data from all 4 events were pooled the bias and limits of agreement were −0.3 ± 1.1 °C (n = 87), i.e. IRT underestimated rectal temperature. When the data from Ready Steady Tokyo 2019 and Tokyo 2020 were combined as both events took place in similar thermal environmental conditions) the bias and limits of agreement were −0.1 ± 0.8 °C (n = 45). For 29 paired hindquarter thermal images, where a second image was obtained within 15 s, there was no significant difference between the mean of the first and second images (Image 1: 38.9 ± 0.9 °C versus Image 2: 38.7 ± 0.8 °C; ; n = 29). In conclusion, IRT imaging in environmental conditions of high temperature or high temperature and humidity may be useful in identifying horses with moderate to severe hyperthermia.

A tale of two scandals: scale shift and the inefficacy of crisis communication management in Olympic scandals

IntroductionMega sporting events, such as the Olympic Games, provide niche sports with unique opportunities to attract public attention. However, scandals during these events can pose serious threats to these sports. In particular, if a sport scandal enables hostile stakeholders to achieve a scale shift, it becomes almost impossible for a niche sport organization to manage the scandal.MethodsThe article employs a comparative research design that examines the trajectory of two scandals related to the German Olympic team that differ with regard to the occurrence of a scale shift. The first scandal involved a racist slur made by a German official during a cycling event; the second scandal was a case of animal cruelty during the modern pentathlon's equestrian event. Research relies on a mix of qualitative document analyses and quantitative analyses of the German Twitter discourse on both scandals. The analyses focus on the vulnerability to scandals, the potential for contentious politics, the scandal triggering events, the crisis communication, the reception, and the outcomes of both scandals.Results and discussionOur results show the detrimental impact of a scale shift on niche sports. The animal cruelty scandal put the future of the modern pentathlon at the Olympics at risk and triggered far-reaching reforms. The case supports the idea that a scale shift becomes more likely if there exists an effective collective action frame. In contrast, the German sports organizations effectively ended the racist slur scandal by imposing a limited sanction on the offender.

Factors associated with safe completion of Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing cross-country (2008-2018).

Equestrian eventing involves competing in three phases: dressage, jumping, and cross-country. Competitors are ranked by number of penalties accrued-with those who have fewer penalties ranked higher. Completing the cross-country phase with zero obstacle penalties is commonly referred to as 'running clear'. Understanding factors associated with running clear can help athletes plan strategically for success, while also helping governing bodies to refine qualification criteria for elite levels. This study was carried out to identify factors associated with running clear in the cross-country phase of Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) eventing. Retrospective cohort study of 107 348 horse starts worldwide in all FEI competitions between January 2008 and December 2018. Multivariable logistic regression models constructed stepwise using a bi-directional process. Two study cohorts were assessed: a complete cohort that met all inclusion requirements and separately, a cohort that included only horses starting at the level above their previous start. Sixteen factors were associated with running clear. Factors associated with increased likelihood of doing so included lower event level, lower dressage score earlier in the event, fewer recent FEI event starts, and more clear runs in their previous three FEI events. For horses that had stepped up an event level, 14 of these factors were still associated with running clear. Data available covered only FEI events, no national federation competitions were available for inclusion in horse histories. No prior veterinary information or data on training were available. This study provides a framework that allows stakeholders to potentially better understand the appropriate level of competition for any particular horse/rider combination, given the combination's recent history. This could provide an additional direct benefit in terms of safety by reducing the likelihood of a combination falling during cross-country.

The Development of a Standardized Protocol for Quantifying Equestrian Eventing Cross-Country Ground

The ground has long been cited as a key contributing factor for injury risk in the cross-country phase of eventing. The current study aimed to develop a practically useful standardized protocol for measuring eventing cross country ground. Data collection was split into three phases: Phase 1 (Validation), Phase 2 (Expansion of data set), and Phase 3 (Threshold establishment). During Phase 1, data from nine event courses were collected using an Orono Biomechanical Surface Tester (OBST), Vienna Surface Tester (VST), Lang Penetrometer, Going Stick, and moisture meter. Using linear regression, 80% of the variability in cushioning measured with the OBST was predicted from moisture and VST measurements (p &lt; 0.001). In Phase 2, objective data from 81 event courses and subjective assessments from 180 event riders were collected. In Phase 3, k-means cluster analysis was used to classify the courses into ten clusters based on average course measurements of moisture, cushioning, firmness, stiffness, depth, and coefficient of restitution. Based on cluster membership, course average subjective data (16 courses) were compared using a General Linear Model. Significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in subjective impact firmness (p = 0.038) and subjective cushioning (p = 0.010) were found between clusters. These data and cluster thresholds provide an event course baseline for future comparisons.

Investigation of the Frequency of Detection of Common Respiratory Pathogens in Nasal Secretions and Environment of Healthy Sport Horses Attending a Multi-Week Show Event during the Summer Months.

Little information is presently available regarding the frequency of the silent shedders of respiratory viruses in healthy sport horses and their impact on environmental contamination. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the detection frequency of selected respiratory pathogens in nasal secretions and environmental stall samples of sport horses attending a multi-week equestrian event during the summer months. Six out of fifteen tents were randomly selected for the study with approximately 20 horse/stall pairs being sampled on a weekly basis. Following weekly collection for a total of 11 weeks, all samples were tested for the presence of common respiratory pathogens (EIV, EHV-1, EHV-4, ERAV, ERBV, and Streptococcus equi ss equi (S. equi)) using qPCR. A total of 19/682 nasal swabs (2.8%) and 28/1288 environmental stall sponges (2.2%) tested qPCR-positive for common respiratory pathogens. ERBV was the most common respiratory virus (17 nasal swabs, 28 stall sponges) detected, followed by EHV-4 (1 nasal swab) and S. equi (1 nasal swab). EIV, EHV-1, EHV-4 and ERAV were not detected in any of the study horses or stalls. Only one horse and one stall tested qPCR-positive for ERBV on two consecutive weeks. All the other qPCR-positive sample results were related to individual time points. Furthermore, only one horse/stall pair tested qPCR-positive for ERBV at a single time point. The study results showed that in a selected population of sport horses attending a multi-week equestrian event in the summer, the frequency of the shedding of respiratory viruses was low and primarily restricted to ERBV with little evidence of active transmission and environmental contamination.

Towards a safer sport: Risk factors for cross-country horse falls at British Eventing competition.

Equestrian eventing is a dangerous Olympic sport, with 16 rider and 69 horse fatalities at competition in the last 10 years. Despite this, there is limited research that aims to improve safety within the sport. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for horse falls, which are the leading cause of rider fatality within the sport. Retrospective cohort study. Competition data between January 2005 and December 2015 were analysed. Descriptive statistics followed by univariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for inclusion in a multivariable logistic regression model were conducted. Models were constructed stepwise using a bidirectional process and assessed using the Akaike information criterion. A total of 749 534 cross-country starts were analysed for association with the risk of horse falls. Sixteen risk factors were identified including: higher event levels, higher dressage penalties and higher number of days since horses' last start. For example, horse and rider combinations competing at BE100 (OR 1.64, confidence interval (CI) 1.37-1.96, p< 0.001), novice (OR 3.58, CI 3.03-4.24, p< 0.001), intermediate (OR 8.00, CI 6.54-9.78, p< 0.001), advanced (OR 12.49, CI 9.42-16.57, p< 0.001) and international (OR 4.63, CI 3.50-6.12, p< 0.001) all had a higher risk of having a horse fall in comparison to combinations competing at BE90 level. Furthermore, for every additional 10 dressage penalties awarded to a horse and rider combination, there was a higher risk of a horse fall (OR 1.20, CI 1.12-1.28, p< 0.001). The study is not geographically comprehensive (UK only) and does not include any information on training activity of horses and riders. This is the largest-scale study ever conducted on horse falls during eventing competition. Study results can be used by sport governing bodies to inform policy which has the potential to reduce the risk of injury and fatality to sport participants.

Task-related and task-unrelated thoughts in runners and equestrians: Measurement issues in evaluations of thought content

Much of the thought content and mind-wandering literature examines self-reported thought content's relationship with performance criteria in limited ways. Furthermore, retrospective reports about thought content may be influenced by the quality of one's performance. We explored these method issues in a cross-sectional study of individuals competing in a trail race and an equestrian event. Our results demonstrated that self-reports of thought content differed based on the performance context: whereas runners' task-related and task-unrelated thoughts were negatively correlated, equestrians' thought content showed no relationship. Moreover, equestrians in general reported fewer task-related and task-unrelated thoughts than runners. Finally, objective performance predicted task-unrelated thought (but not task-related thought) among runners, and an exploratory mediation test suggested the effect was partially mediated by performance awareness. We discuss the applied implications of this research for human performance practitioners.

Helping the equestrian community prevent and manage disease outbreaks.

Caterina Termine and Victoria Rydborn of the Fédération Equestre Internationale describe how the FEI HorseApp has become a crucial tool in helping to prevent and manage outbreaks of infectious diseases at equestrian events.

Cortisol Variations to Estimate the Physiological Stress Response in Horses at a Traditional Equestrian Event.

In many countries, horses remain involved in traditional equestrian events such as those celebrated in Menorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) every year since at least the 14th century. The present study aimed to evaluate the variations in salivary cortisol concentrations to estimate the physiological stress response in horses at the Menorca patronal festivals. Two different editions (years 2016 and 2018) of the festivals in honor of the Virgin of Grace in Maó (Menorca, Spain) were studied. Nineteen and seventeen Pure Breed Menorca stallions were included in the study, respectively. The stallions were aged between seven and twelve years. During celebrations, samples were collected before the start of the festivals between 8-9 a.m. and during the festivals at 8-9 p.m. On the second day of celebrations, the samples were collected at 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. Finally, on the day after the festivals, one sample was collected at 8-9 p.m. Additionally, a control group was sampled at 8-9 a.m., 3-4 p.m., and 8-9 p.m. Salivary cortisol concentrations were assessed by using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit specially validated to quantify salivary cortisol in horses. Salivary cortisol concentrations did not show significant differences between sampling hours in the control group (p > 0.05). All the samples collected during festivals were significantly higher than samples of the control group (p < 0.05). Within the twenty-four hours after the end of the celebrations, cortisol concentrations returned to baseline levels and did not differ significantly from the control group (p > 0.05). Hence, the present study describes that the participation of the horses in these particular acts generate an acute and transitory stress response. Overall, the current work provides a reasonable basis for future research on the stress physiology and well-being of horses participating in traditional celebrations or similar events.

체험 승마 관광 광고 메시지 유형에 따른 정서적 반응 비교 : 사회정서적 선택이론을 중심으로

This study is aimed at comparing emotional response of baby boomer and MZ generation to appealing type of experiential equestrian tourism participation advertisement message applying Socioemotional Selective Theory. For this purpose, experimental study and a questionnaire survey were conducted for the subject of 98 in older generation and 97 in youth group(total 195), and the following results have been derived. First, there were differences among groups in participation intention and message attitude to equestrian event, and older generation exposed to emotional based message showed the highest result. Second, there were differences among groups in search intention and sharing intention to equestrian event, and older generation exposed to emotional based message and youth group exposed to information based message showed the highest result.

Welfare assessment of horses ridden in the Costa Rica National Horse Parade

The National Horse Parade of Costa Rica (NHPCR) is an equestrian event held annually to celebrate the national day of the horse rider. Public concern regarding the welfare of horses and riders during the event has increased due to the removal of horses in poor body condition, spine injuries, and hoof problems. An Assessment of horse behavior and stress response during these events has never been conducted. The objective of this study was to evaluate the horse behavior, fecal glucocorticoid metabolites and body weight as indicators of welfare during the NHPCR. In the Experiment 1, body weight and fecal glucocorticoid metabolites were measured in 13 Costarricense de Paso horses participating in the NHPCR. All measures were recorded at the horses' home stable 48 hours before and 24 hours after the event. In Experiment 2, three stations (equally spaced along the 3-kilometer parade route) were used to randomly conduct a scan sampling of the behavior of 513 horses. Eye-wrinkle and eye-white presence were recorded on 48 horses using photographs taken during the event. Fecal glucocorticoid metabolites showed no significant differences (p>0.05) at the two time points in the horses evaluated, and there was a significant weight loss (-7.08 kg) 24 hours after the event (p=0.00034). The scan sampling provided evidence that traits such as sweating (60.74%), bit chewing (54.70%), and active gait (65%) were more common than head tossing (28.88%), neck above the withers (6.83%), hyperflexion (28.71%), and ears pinned backwards (31.19%). A strong eye wrinkle was detected on 70% of the horses, while only 16% had the presence of eye-white. Although our results for fecal glucocorticoid metabolites were not conclusive, other behavioral traits indicated that over fifty per cent of the horses attending the NHPCR experience some level of stress.

Sequence-based detection and typing procedures for Burkholderia mallei: Assessment and prospects.

Although glanders has been eradicated in most of the developed world, the disease still persists in various countries such as Brazil, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Iran, Bahrain, UAE and Turkey. It is one of the notifiable diseases listed by the World Organization for Animal Health. Occurrence of glanders imposes restriction on equestrian events and restricts equine movement, thus causing economic losses to equine industry. The genetic diversity and global distribution of the causing agent, Burkholderia (B.) mallei, have not been assessed in detail and are complicated by the high clonality of this organism. Among the identification and typing methods, PCR-based methods for distinguishing B. mallei from its close relative B. pseudomallei as well as genotyping using tandem repeat regions (MLVA) are established. The advent and continuous advancement of the sequencing techniques and the reconstruction of closed genomes enable the development of genome guided epidemiological tools. For achieving a higher genomic resolution, genotyping methods based on whole genome sequencing data can be employed, like genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. One of the limitations in obtaining complete genomic sequences for further molecular characterization of B. mallei is its high GC content. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the widely used detection and typing methods for B. mallei and illustrate gaps that still require development. The genomic features of Burkholderia, their high homology and clonality will be first described from a comparative genomics perspective. Then, the commonly used molecular detection (PCR systems) and typing systems (e.g., multilocus sequence typing, variable number of tandem repeat analysis) will be presented and put in perspective with recently developed genomic methods. Also, the increasing availability of B. mallei genomic sequences and evolution of the sequencing methods offers exciting prospects for further refinement of B. mallei typing, that could overcome the difficulties presently encountered with this particular bacterium.

Noseband Fit: Measurements and Perceptions of Canadian Equestrians.

Simple SummaryThere is a concern for the welfare of competition horses and the issues presented by incorrect noseband fit. Nineteen volunteer Stewards used a noseband taper gauge to measure the noseband fit of 551 competition horses during the 2021 season at a variety of Canadian equestrian events. Over 70% of competition horse nosebands measured met the two-finger rule. Stewards agreed that a standardized measure was useful across disciplines although they did not agree that it should be mandatory. Surveys were collected from 27 Stewards and 1528 members of Equestrian Canada to gather perceptions and opinions on noseband use and fit. The most common type of noseband was a cavesson and respondents indicated they used a noseband mostly because it was expected or for safety and control reasons. Riders expressed a desire for the option to not wear a noseband in competition. Professional riders were more distrustful of using a taper gauge to measure noseband fit and did not feel overtightened nosebands were as much of an issue as amateur riders. To advance equestrian practice, more education is needed on the reasons for noseband measurements and appropriate fit.Recent concerns regarding horse welfare during competition has highlighted the occurrence of overtightened nosebands on competition horses. Current rules are often vague—e.g., “nosebands may never be so tightly fixed as to harm the horse.” To investigate the need and acceptance prior to any rule changes Equestrian Canada (EC) launched a pilot noseband measuring project. Nineteen officiating stewards measured noseband fit using the ISES taper gauge (TG) at 32 equestrian events of various disciplines in 2021. Additionally, stakeholder surveys collected data from 1528 EC members and 27 stewards regarding opinions and perceptions on noseband use, fit, measurement and rules. Descriptive and qualitative statistics along with Pearson chi-squared examined relationships between specific variables. Of the 551 horses tested with the TG, 71% passed the 1.5 cm (two-fingers) measurement and an additional 19% passed the 1 cm (one-finger) measurement. Stewards unanimously agreed that overtightened nosebands present a welfare issue although 63% believed this to represent only a small subset of riders. While 60% of stewards believed the current rules were sufficient, 40% did not. Despite the fact that 84% of stewards believe there should be a standardized fit across disciplines, 52% felt the use of the TG should be at their discretion. The top three reasons riders indicated for using nosebands were discipline expectation (41%), requirement for competition (39%) or for control/safety (32%). Open comments referred to an option to not wear a noseband in competition. Professional riders believed overtightened nosebands were less of a welfare issue than amateur riders (76% vs. 88% respectively; p < 0.025) and correspondingly did not feel the TG was a fair method (44% vs. 68% respectively; p < 0.001). Slightly more than half of the respondents (51.5%) believed that measuring noseband fit on the frontal nasal plane was the appropriate location. To advance equestrian practice, more education is needed to inform stakeholders of the reasons for noseband measurements and appropriate fit.

Health Benefits and Participation Barriers of Different Level Horseback Riders Age-Wise.

Although horseback riding is not specifically mentioned in the recommendations for different age groups regarding the level of physical activity necessary for good health, its practice continues to grow in popularity throughout the world. Despite being a minority discipline, it has some characteristics that make it an opportunity for its participants to be active people, so it is important to understand what are the perceived health benefits and barriers to participation. The aim of the study is to describe and analyze the perceived health benefits and barriers in horseback riding among riders categorized by level and age, in order to promote physical activity through these benefits and to overcome the barriers. An online version of the EBBS (Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale) was used to analyze benefits and barriers. The sample consisted of 2,651 participants (95.9% women and 4.1% men) in an equestrian event, distributed in four age groups (79.4% up to 25 years, 11.5% between 26 and 35, 7.9% between 36 and 50, and 1.2 older than 50 years). Perceived benefits and participation barriers to horseback riding were analyzed. The factor analysis identified and confirmed five benefit factors and four barrier factors. Benefit factors were significantly correlated among them but barriers were less interrelated. Higher ages were associated to larger benefits and less barrier effects. Benefit and barrier differences were larger between amateur and professional riders, compared to gender differences.

Use of mitochondrial sequencing to detect gene doping in horses via gene editing and somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Gene editing and subsequent cloning techniques offer great potential not only in genetic disease correction in domestic animals but also in livestock production by enhancement of desirable traits. The existence of the technology, however, leaves it open to potential misuse in performance-led sports such as horseracing and other equestrian events. Recent advances in equine gene editing, regarding the generation of gene-edited embryos using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and somatic cell nuclear transfer, have highlighted the need to develop tools to detect potential prohibited use of the technology. One possible method involves the characterisation of the mitochondrial genome (which is not routinely preserved during cloning) and comparing it with the sequence of the registered dam. We present here our approach to whole-mitochondrial sequencing using tiled long-range PCR and next-generation sequencing. To determine whether the background mutation rate in the mitochondrial genome could potentially confound results, we sequenced 10 sets of dam and foal duos. We found variation between duos but none within duos, indicating that this method is feasible for future screening systems. Analysis of WGS data from over 100 Thoroughbred horses revealed wide variation in the mitochondria sequence within the breed, further displaying the utility of this approach.