Horseback Research Articles

Injury Patterns and Associated Demographic Characteristics in Children with a Fracture from Equines: A US National Based Study

Background: Fractures often occur due to equestrian activities with injury patterns varying by age. The purpose of this study was to investigate in detail fracture patterns and associated demographics in children due to equine activities. Materials: The US National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was queried for all injuries with the consumer product code 1239 (horseback riding) from 2000 to 2023. Those <16 years old with fractures were extracted. Statistical analyses were performed with SUDAAN 11.0.01™ software to obtain national estimates. Results: There were an estimated 101,677 patients with a fracture. Girls comprised 72.5% and the patient was discharged from the hospital in 81.5% of cases. Fractures involved the upper extremity in 80,973 (80.0%), the pelvis/lower extremity in 11,794 (11.7%), the spine in 3060 (3.0%), the skull/face in 4321 (4.4%), and the rib/sternum in 940 (0.9%). The humerus, elbow, radius/ulna, and wrist accounted for 62.4% of all the fractures. The youngest age group (0- to 5-year-olds) had more boys and was more likely to be admitted to the hospital. The child was injured due to a fall from the horse in 75.7%, bucked/thrown off/kicked off in 17.0%, with the remaining 7.3% from other mechanisms. Conclusions: This extensive description of fractures in children due to equestrian injuries can be used to determine the effectiveness of future prevention strategies, such as protective equipment and educational programs. It also gives pediatric trauma and orthopedic surgeons an overall view of the types of fractures which occur in children due to equestrian activities.

Effect of Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Masticatory Performance and Quality of Life in Older Adults

Effect of Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Masticatory Performance and Quality of Life in Older Adults

Forage, freedom of movement, and social interactions remain essential fundamentals for the welfare of high-level sport horses.

Societal concerns for animal welfare extend to all domestic species, including high-level sport horses. The welfare of these horses, notably highlighted during the recent Olympics, has garnered significant public interest, prompting inquiries into their living conditions. Animal welfare studies have emphasised three key needs crucial to equine welfare: unlimited access to forage, freedom of movement, and social interactions with peers, commonly referred to as the "3Fs"-access to Forage, Freedom of movement, and interactions with Friend conspecifics. However, the feasibility and benefits of satisfying these needs specifically for sport horses remain unexplored. Indeed, they may face unique challenges such as high physical workload, extensive travel, limited time in their home stables, weight management, and high economic value necessitating careful handling. Consequently, restrictions on feeding, freedom of movement, and social contact are often deemed necessary. This field study aims to assess the actual level of implementation of welfare in high-level sport horses by evaluating body condition, injury risk, and behavioural welfare indicators in their home stable. To achieve this objective, the welfare of 56 high-level sport horses competing internationally was assessed using behavioural indicators of welfare through scan sampling (abnormal behaviours, i.e., stereotypies, aggression towards humans, withdrawn behaviour, and alert behaviours; positions of the ears in a backward position while foraging, watching behaviours, and through other Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) protocol measures). This study shows that there exists a large variability among horses regarding their access to the 3Fs, with some of them having a lot of restrictions and others not, meaning it is possible to respect them while competing at a high level. Second, we observed that the fewer restrictions the horses experience regarding the 3Fs while in their home stables, the better their welfare, as demonstrated by the indicators we assessed. These results undeniably support the fact that unrestricted access to forage, the ability to move freely outdoors, and the opportunity to interact socially with conspecifics are fundamental needs of horses that could be provided to horses, also to high-performance ones. It is therefore essential that solutions are put in place to ensure that these conditions are met.

Stress response of 18-, 24- and 30-month-old sport horse stallions to a pretraining programme

Warmblood sires traditionally have been presented for stallion licencing at 2 years of age, but the age at which horses are mentally fit for training is a point of controversy. We have therefore investigated the stress response of young stallions to pretraining for licencing. Salivary cortisol concentration, heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) were determined repeatedly over 12 weeks. Stallions were 24 and 30 months old and either housed in groups or individual boxes (Group 24, n = 9; Box 24, n = 10; Box 30, n = 10). Pretraining included free movement in an indoor arena, training in a horse walker, lunging and jumping of obstacles without rider. In addition, group-housed 18-month-old stallions (Group 18, n = 10) underwent an abbreviated programme with only free movement and horse walker exercise. We hypothesised that the stress response to pretraining is reduced by group housing but not affected by age. In stallions of all groups, cortisol concentration increased in response to pretraining events (P < 0.001). Cortisol release differed among events (P < 0.001) was most pronounced after free movement in weeks 1 and 2 and became less pronounced with event repetition (P < 0.001). When horses were in the horse walker for the first time, cortisol release was increased in group-housed in comparison to individually housed stallions (time × stable P < 0.001). An increase (P < 0.001) in heart rate differed among events (P < 0.001) and became smaller with repetition (P < 0.001). The HRV decreased transiently in response to pretraining events (P < 0.001) indicating sympathoadrenal activation. In conclusion, pretraining of young stallions is both a physical and a mental demand and induces a stress response. With the repetition of events, even stallions as young as 18 months adapted rapidly to these demands. Group housing had no stress-reducing effects. Our study does not provide evidence that the systematic pretraining of young Warmblood stallions raises animal welfare concerns.

A genome-wide association study of the racing performance traits in Yili horses based on Blink and FarmCPU models

Racing performance traits are the main indicators for evaluating the performance and value of sport horses. The aim of this study was to identify the key genes for racing performance traits in Yili horses by performing a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Breeding values for racing performance traits were calculated for Yili horses (n = 827) using an animal model. Genome-wide association analysis of racing performance traits in horses (n = 236) was carried out using the Blink, and FarmCPU models in GAPIT software, and genes within the significant regions were functionally annotated. The results of GWAS showed that a total of 24 significant SNP markers (P < 6.05 × 10− 9) and 22 suggestive SNP markers (P < 1.21 × 10− 7) were identified. Among them, the Blink associated 16 significant SNP loci and FarmCPU associated 12 significant SNP loci. A total of 127 candidate genes (50 significant) were annotated. Among these, CNTN6 (motor coordination), NIPA1 (neuronal development), and DCC (dopamine pathway maturation) may be the main candidate genes affecting speed traits. SHANK2 (neuronal synaptic regulation), ISCA1 (mitochondrial protein assembly), and KCNIP4 (neuronal excitability) may be the main candidate genes affecting ranking score traits. A common locus (ECA1: 22698579) was significantly associated with racing performance traits, and the function of the genes at this locus needs to be studied in depth. These findings will provide new insights into the detection and selection of genetic variants for racing performance and will help to accelerate the genetic improvement of Yili horses.

Advances in diagnosis and imaging of cervical dysfunction in the sports horse

Cervical imaging provides an abundance of data. It is important not to lose sight of the horse and to determine what clinical relevance these findings have. Good clinical examination, in combination with knowledge of functional anatomy and biomechanics, are essential in anticipation of more research which will allow veterinarians to work in a more evidence-based manner. The location of cervical pain can be pinpointed to a single or multiple locations with an extensive history, static observation, general palpation, motion evaluation, specific palpation and dynamic evaluation. The whole body should be evaluated. The majority of cervical pathology (80%) is located in the caudal cervical area (C5–T1). Radiography of this region can be improved with good quality equipment, collimation, correct positioning of the horse and a correct distance between generator and plate. Radiography and ultrasonography may underestimate cervical pathology. Computed tomography is the preferred method of imaging but may lead to over interpretation. The most common finding is narrowing of the intervertebral foramen because of enlargement of the articular process joint(s). More than one location with abnormalities is often identified.

Evaluations of Morphometric Traits and Body Conformation Indices of Horse Ecotypes Reared in the Highlands of Bale Eco-Region, Ethiopia.

Morphometric traits discrepancies are associated with production, reproduction, adaptation and behaviours in horses. It also determines the design of harnessing implements, physical injury level and working performance of the native horses. Thus, the study was conducted to evaluate morphometric traits and body conformation indices of horse ecotypes reared across four districts of Bale Zone, Ethiopia. Data of croup height, croup length, hip height, mid-back height, wither height, hip width, thoracic depth, chest width, body length, sternum height, thorax perimeter and cannon perimeter were measured in 500 horses (294 male and 206 female). Using those traits, 17 body conformation indices were calculated to define the horses for multi-faceted performances. The study revealed that croup height, hip height, wither height, hip width, croup length, body length, thorax perimeter and sternum height were significantly (p < 0.0001) different among the studied districts. The district effect was also significant at p < 0.05 for mid-back height, thoracic depth, chest width and cannon perimeter. The sexual dimorphism effect was statistically significant for all measured traits; however, females were inferior to males except for cannon perimeter. Body conformation indices of pelvic index, body index, transversal pelvic index and weight were highly significant (p < 0.0001) among the studied districts. The sex dimorphism effect was significant (p < 0.001) for dactyl-costal index, pelvic index, longitudinal pelvic index, transversal pelvic index, weight, tare index 1 (trot or gallop), tare index 2 (walk) and riding comfort degree, while non-significant (p > 0.05) for the remaining indices. The studied horses were classified as mediline, elipometric, light, small and suitable riding ecotypes with a medium-conforming body structure and good capacity for carrying loads on carts and backs for functional effectiveness. The correlations of body conformation indices ranged from very high to low, with positive and negative associations for functional capabilities. Therefore, selection for improvement needs to rank morphometric traits and body conformation indices in correlation to developing racing and modern sport horses in the highlands of the Bale eco-regions. Further, molecular studies will be essential to determine whether the predominated phenotypic multiplicity is genetic or environmentally progressed.

Pain therapy in horseback riders – physiotherapeutic intervention

Introduction. Horseback riding is a complex physical activity that significantly affects a rider’s physical and mental health. Postural insufficiency can have a negative impact on a rider’s physical health as well as their his or her riding technique. Objective: The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of a three-month physiotherapy intervention on lower limb stability and mobility, activation of the torso and pelvis muscles, and the reduction of pain in specific areas of the body. Methods. The study involved 15 non-professional riders with an average age of 25.26 years who had ridden for at least 2 days a week in the last three years. Respondents completed the entry and exit measurements over a span of 3 months. The stability and mobility of the ankle, knee and hip, the ability to generate and maintain intra-abdominal pressure and the incidence of pain in the lumbar area, before and after physiotherapy intervention were evaluated. Results. After the three-month intervention, there was an improvement in the hip test (FABER), the Varus stress test, the Time and balance and the SEBT test. In the Valgus stress test before and after kinesiological intervention, there was no improvement but no worsening of the condition either. We confirmed the improvement of ankle joint stability with the Time in Balance test (66.67% improvement) and the SEBT test (32.67% improvement). Respondents experienced the greatest pain during the entry measurements in the hip joint (ø 1.53), and the lowest pain experienced during the entry testing was in the ankle joint (ø 0.33). The most significant changes occurred after the lumbar spine intervention. Conclusion. Improvement of postural stability and posture through compensatory exercises, corrective measures and proper technique is crucial for successful and safe horseback riding.

New Approaches for Regeneration of an Outstanding Baroque Living Heritage, the Széchenyi Linden Allée in Hungary

Allées used to be the essential artistic tools and indispensable parts of the strictly architectural, formal Baroque gardens. Beyond the practical purposes of edging paths and garden ways for walking, hunting, or horse and carriage riding, allées played a vital role in marking visual and landscape connections and thus the spatial projection of the noble estate, its wealth, and social rank. In Historical Hungary, Baroque architecture and garden art appeared in German-Austrian and French examples in the 18th century. The Széchenyi Linden Allée is an outstanding linear garden space of Baroque Garden art at Nagycenk, West Hungary. The generous composition, created by the prominent Count Széchenyi family in the mid-18th century, has remained a magnificent entity in the landscape ever since. Despite barely two hundred years of detected or unknown environmental or habitat changes, as early as 1942, the allée received a nature conservation nomination. More than a half-century later, in 2002, the allée became a historical and landscape aesthetical heritage within the Fertő-Hanság Cultural Landscape World Heritage site. Unfortunately, the once magnificent tree lines have severely eroded in recent decades due to mature trees’ subsequent death, inadequate replacement, lack of regular maintenance and tree care, and effects of climate change. In recent years (2011, 2018), landscape and horticultural analyses and visual and instrumental tree assessments were performed to help the conservation and rebirth of the allée, maintain the mature trees, and restore the landscape within a long-term renewal plan. Along with the 2018 survey and plan, the short-term maintenance works were completed in 2019–2020. This study, based on site surveys in 2022 and 2024, aims to identify the results of the primary management, analyses the vitality of mature trees after crown reductions, and then proposes a resilient and sustainable regeneration method with the habitat, cultural, natural, and genetic heritage, and the feasible maintenance contexts in focus. As proposed in the 2018 plan, the reproduction of mature trees started in 2020 and resulted in well-developing grafts for a later allée restoration. Due to the challenges of climate change, the regeneration project requires a special, long-term restoration management plan with a special focus on the still vital and possible remaining mature trees, the well-growing individuals from previous replanting, and the nursery school seedlings conserving the genetic heritage of the Széchenyi lime trees with long-viability capacity.

Improvement of gastric disease and ridden horse pain ethogram scores with diet adaptation in sport horses.

Gastric disease is highly prevalent in sport horses and may lead to poor performance, cause behavioral changes and impact welfare. Assess whether diet affects gastric disease and pain expression during riding, and whether it has an impact on physiological and locomotor variables during an exercise test, including jumps. Nine healthy show-jumping Warmbloods trained at the same stable. Prospective observational cohort study. The horses receiving a pelleted diet, high in sugar and starch (>30%), were examined at T0 and after 12 weeks (T12) of changing to a cooked, muesli-type low-starch (11%) diet. Each time, the horses underwent a standardized exercise test (SET) and a ridden pain score (Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram [RHpE]) was calculated by 2 blinded observers. The next day, horses underwent gastroscopy and gastric lesions were scored blindly. Results were analyzed using Wilcoxon and Spearman tests. After 12 weeks of a low starch diet, the Equine Gastric Disease (EGD; 4 [3-5] at T0 vs 1 [0-1] at T12, P < .01) and RHpE scores (6 [3-13] at T0 vs 3 [0-6] at T12, P < .01) improved significantly. Squamous, glandular, and EGD scores were positively correlated with RHpE scores (respectively, r = .747, P < .01; r = .743, P < .01 and r = .867, P < .01). Gastric disease and pain scores correlated positively in ridden horses. A low starch diet significantly decreases the severity of gastric disease and associated pain score during riding in horses. Gastric ulcers may be mitigated and the comfort of equines athletes improved by dietary adjustments.

Traceology suggests an unexpected use of antler cheekpieces from the Early Iron Age site at Gzin, Poland

Archaeological data confirm the widespread use of horse tack throughout the North European Bronze Age and the succeeding Hallstatt period in an inventory that included metal cheekpieces, phalerae, rein-knobs and other horse-related accessories. Similar usage has been assumed in the region of northern Poland, which has also furnished evidence for the use of horse gear accessories made of antler. This paper reports the results of traceological, isotopic and experimental research on three antler cheekpieces found at the Early Iron Age stronghold of Gzin in northern Poland and relates them further with archaeological and ethnographic patterns of horse exploitation. The results indicate that the artefacts from Gzin have rare comparanda and are isotopically consistent with the δ18Ow range of the site location, which can both be taken as evidence of their local origin. Moreover, traceological and experimental evidence from this study places the function and use of the analysed objects into a new light, undermining their use for horseback riding and suggesting that they were employed as cheekpiece coverings. Combined with the ethnographic record, ceramic iconography and archaeolinguistics, our findings fuel a discussion of deer valorisation during the Lusatian period in Poland, showing that the cheekpieces from Gzin may have served as elements of deer headgear.

Low field magnetic resonance imaging of palmar osteochondral fragmentation of the distal phalanx

SummaryBackgroundThe presence of palmar osteochondral fragments of the distal phalanx is a newly recognised cause of foot lameness with only a few cases having been reported.ObjectivesTo describe the low field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of palmar articular fragmentation of the distal phalanx and concurrent abnormalities of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ); to investigate the prevalence of these fragments in a population of sports and pleasure horses and their potential clinical significance.Study designRetrospective descriptive case series.MethodsThis is a retrospective descriptive case series in which all Sports and Pleasure horses undergoing standing low‐field MRI of the feet between 2015 and 2023 were reviewed. Appearance, location and number of palmar articular fragments were recorded. When a palmar fragment was present, abnormal findings of the DIPJ were graded.ResultsA total of 855 horses underwent MRI examination of one or both front feet. Palmar osteochondral fragmentation of the distal phalanx was identified in four horses (0.4% prevalence), three Lusitanos and one Warmblood. The age range was 4–17 years old. All fragments were located along the palmarolateral margin of the glenoid of the distal phalanx in front feet. Concurrent imaging abnormalities of the joint were present in all four horses.Main limitationsLack of histopathology.ConclusionsThe prevalence of palmar articular fragments of the distal phalanx was low in this population of horses. Palmar osteochondral fragmentation must be considered when evaluating lameness localised to the foot, since it was identified only in lame limbs and associated with other imaging abnormalities of the DIPJ.

Competition and stereotypic behavior in Thoroughbred horses: The value of saliva as a diagnostic marker of stress.

Many horses exhibit stereotypies, especially when living in human controlled environments that may prevent horses from satisfying natural needs in terms of feeding, drinking, moving, and socializing. In human medicine, obsessive compulsive disorder and other severe psychiatric disturbances are associated with stereotypic behaviors; salivary biomarkers evaluation is considered a reliable tool for diagnosis of common mental health disorders because saliva collection easy to obtain and noninvasive. In this study, we hypothesized that salivary cortisol concentrations, in addition to alpha-amylase (sAA) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities, are considered stress biomarkers that may be influenced in horses trained for racing competition with stereotypic behaviors. Saliva at rest condition was obtained from ten non-stereotypic Thoroughbreds horses involved in high-level competition; eleven Thoroughbreds high-level competition horses showing stereotypic behaviors, and five Thoroughbreds leisure non-competition horses. Cortisol was found to be higher in high-level competition non-stereotypic horses and sAA was significantly higher in non-stereotypic leisure horses when compared to horses involved in competition, while BChE did not change between groups. These results may represent the basis for further behavioural evaluation to elucidate how stereotypic horses and horses involved in competition overcome stressful situations.

SPORTS CLUB LOYALTY: GENERAL AND AGE-RELATED ANALYSIS. AN EXAMPLE FROM RECREATIONAL RIDERS IN RIDING SCHOOL

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of age on sporting club loyalty, focusing on horse riding in France. Theoretical Framework: Using a consumer behavior marketing approach, this study provides an understanding of the relationships and influence between the constructs of loyalty, satisfaction, switching barriers, affective commitment to the group of friends and community commitment. Method: A multigroup SEM was used to provide a global understanding. The Data collection was carried out through on online survey amongst 615 respondents in France. Results and Discussion: Whatever the age is, the results confirm the classical influence of satisfaction on loyalty and highlight the significant influence of riding teachers on customer loyalty to riding schools. The relationships between the other constructs differ by age with different factors influencing satisfaction and loyalty. Younger riders’ loyalty relies more on teacher linkage, while older riders consider a more global environment, including switching barriers and commitments. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of sport management. These implications could encompass equestrian activities and sports businesses. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by showing the differences or correlations between segments of recreational riders according to their loyalty to their riding club. Thus, adapting marketing and management strategies according to the age of recreational riders is essential to improve loyalty according to its main drivers.

Analysis of the jumping performance of young warmblood horses based on the results of breeding competitions in the Czech Republic

The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of warmblood horses in the Czech Republic based on the results of the Criteria of Young Horses (CYH) breeding competitions. In this study, we focused on the evaluation of horses in jumping competitions for mares, stallions and geldings aged 4 to 6 years. The statistical evaluation is based on the official CYH methodology, which takes into account the different difficulty of competitions for horses of different ages. Data from 2017 to 2021 were used for the evaluation. During this period, 645 horses participated in the competitions with 2691 starts. The statistical analysis evaluated the influence of age, sex, country of origin and breed group on the performance of the horses. Analysis of variance was used for comparison and Scheffe's test was used for subsequent post hoc analysis. Six-year-old horses were rated the highest (22.95 points) despite receiving the highest penalty points (3.29 penalty points). In the sex analysis, the overall rating for stallions was highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) higher than that of geldings and mares. Stallions were the least represented in terms of numbers (22.33%), but they had the highest number of starts per horse (4.75 starts) and the best mean score (23.32 points). A total of 76.12% of the horses that participated in the CYH were of Czech breeding, but their scores were statistically highly significant lower (P ≤ 0.01) than those of imported horses, with a difference in mean scores of 0.91 points. In terms of breed, the most numerous breeds were the Czech Warmblood (43.26%) and then the Czech Sport Horse (17.52%), but these breeds were below average in the overall evaluation (CZEWB 22.53 points, CSH 22.48 points). The third most represented breed was the Holstein horse, which, on the contrary, achieved the best average results (22.83 points) and the performance of representatives of this breed differed highly significantly (P ≤ 0.01) from most other breeds.

Investigation of the specific toxicity of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory veterinary drug based on celecoxib

Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the subacute toxicity of the veterinary drug Celexib on white rats and dogs. The drug “Celexib,” based on celecoxib, is used in sports horses, dogs, fallow deer, red deer, wild pigs, and cats for the treatment of acute and chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, myositis, laminitis, etc.), pain syndrome (post-operative and post-traumatic), symptomatic therapy for diseases accompanied by animal fever. When administered subcutaneously to rats, the drug “Celexib” (solution for injections) under the conditions of a subacute toxicological experiment in doses of 0.1–1.0 ml/kg does not cause hemo-, hepato- and nephrotoxic effects on the body of laboratory animals. However, 3-day administration of the drug, in the indicated doses, led to a probable (Р &lt; 0.05) decrease in the number of leukocytes by 14.6, 13.1, and 13.4 %, respectively. After 7 days, after stopping the administration of the drug, a tendency to decrease these indicators was observed. The exception was the tendency to increase the activity of the hepatospecific enzymes ALT and AST one and 3 days after the start of the administration of the drug, at a dose of 1.0 ml/kg of body weight, which 7 days after the cessation of subcutaneous administration of the drug, did not differ from those in the control group. When administered subcutaneously to dogs, the drug “Celexib” (solution for injections) under the conditions of a subacute toxicological experiment in doses of 0.1–1.0 ml/kg does not cause hemo-, hepato- and nephrotoxic effects on the body of laboratory animals, although a 3-day administration of the drug in the indicated doses led to a probable (Р &lt; 0.05) decrease in the number of leukocytes by 20.3; 19.5 and 19.8 %, respectively, which began to decrease 7 days after stopping the administration of the drug. The exception was the tendency to increase the activity of the hepatospecific enzymes ALT and AST and the concentration of urea one and 3 days after the start of administration of the drug at a dose of 1.0 ml/kg of body weight, which did not differ from those after 7 days after the cessation of subcutaneous administration of the drug in the control group. Further studies will be the next stage of pre-registration tests aimed at studying the embryotoxic and carcinogenic effect of “Celexib,” which is mandatory material of the “Safety and residue studies” section of the dossier for this medicinal product.

Ethics in sports industry: when does sports autonomy become an excuse for animal abuse?

Abstract Money pushes sports to extremes. As the rewards for success grow, so does the pressure, with sportspeople pushing themselves ever harder. In equestrian sports, this can mean pushing the horse as well, too often to the point of abuse. This article discusses the beautiful side of equestrianism as well as its darker side, which is a bitter reality for many competition horses. It sets out a comparison of legal standards for equine animal welfare (at the level of international law, EU law and national laws) as well as those coming from sports laws. It also examines dependencies between animal protection rules under EU law and animal protection rules under the laws of individual EU Member States concerning equestrian sports. It aims to answer the questions of whether equestrian sports constitute a general exemption to their being considered animal abuse and on what grounds this exemption might be changed in the future.

Hippotherapy Used in Medical Recovery

Hippotherapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, falls into the category of alternative therapies that involve human-horse interaction for therapeutic purposes. Horse therapies are especially used for children with various physical, cognitive, and emotional disorders. They can also be successfully used with adults and the elderly. The horse's movement is what stimulates the development of motor skills, balance, and coordination. Direct interaction with the horse, including caring for it, riding, and other related activities, is effective in developing social, emotional, and cognitive skills in both children and adults, as well as in the elderly. Hippotherapy encourages self-confidence, concentration, and motor coordination, making it suitable for people who are anxious, antisocial, depressed, have language difficulties, or low self-esteem. Studies highlight that the presence of horses changes the frequency of the human brain, with subjects becoming more aware and focused when around horses. Horses help therapy beneficiaries stay connected to the present, becoming more aware of their experiences. Additionally, patients learn to pay more attention to the feelings and nonverbal language transmitted by the being they come into contact with. Numerous studies show that horseback riding improves balance, coordination, and reflexes, induces muscle relaxation, reduces spasticity, increases joint mobility, and improves respiratory function and blood circulation. The main objective of the paper is to identify therapies that use horses for patients diagnosed with various conditions, the benefits of these therapies on patients' motor skills, and their effects on patients' mental state. Additionally, we aim to identify horse-related activities that enhance concentration, help address behavioral issues, and facilitate patients' integration into social groups.

Discovery of Biomarkers of a Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Administration to Thoroughbred Geldings by Label‐Free Proteomics

ABSTRACTErythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) continue to be a significant threat to the integrity of human and equine sports. Besides conventional direct testing, monitoring the biomarkers associated with the effects of ESAs may provide a complementary approach via indirect detection to enhance doping control. In this study, we applied label‐free proteomics to discover plasma protein biomarkers in Thoroughbred geldings after administration with a long‐acting form of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), methoxy polyethylene glycol epoetin beta, Mircera. Increased haematocrit, haemoglobin and red blood cell (RBC) levels were evidenced as early as 4 days post‐administration in all three horses to varying extents. Tryptic peptides were obtained from plasma samples and analysed by nanoflow ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (nano‐UHPLC‐HRMSMS) using data‐independent acquisition. Differential protein abundance analysis has shortlisted seven protein biomarker candidates that showed significant changes specifically after Mircera administration in the treated but not in the control geldings, which comprised downregulation of two proteins, haptoglobin (HP) and haemopexin (HPX), and upregulation of five proteins, transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), tenascin C (TNC), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) and galectin 3 binding protein (LGALS3BP). Multivariate analysis of plasma proteome has allowed the classification of control and treated samples. This is the first report on the discovery of plasma protein biomarkers of rhEPO administration to geldings. The results lay a foundation for applications of protein biomarkers for controlling the misuse of ESAs.

Temporary internment camp in Alytus in 1941 june-july

After the Germans occupied Alytus, the Germans set up a temporary internment camp on the square used for horse riding by the uhlans next to the former Garrison Church (now St. Casimir Church). The aim of this article is to convey the atmosphere of the time, based on memoirs and documents, and to describe the people who were imprisoned there.