A comprehensive evaluation of stress in horses during therapeutic riding sessions
Carr, Larissa
Honours
2019
McDuffee, LaurieMontelpare, WilliamSilva-Opps, Marina
Bachelor of Science
Faculty of Science. Honours in Biology.
Biology
BiologyHealth Management
University of Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, PE
In order to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of stress in horses during therapeutic riding sessions, both observable behavioural indicators and physiological indicators of stress (heart rate variability measures and salivary cortisol concentrations) were obtained. Four Joyriders therapeutic riding horses participated in an 8-week program to provide equine therapy for riders with developmental, physical, cognitive and psychosocial disabilities. The horses also participated in 4 control sessions Show moreIn order to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of stress in horses during therapeutic riding sessions, both observable behavioural indicators and physiological indicators of stress (heart rate variability measures and salivary cortisol concentrations) were obtained. Four Joyriders therapeutic riding horses participated in an 8-week program to provide equine therapy for riders with developmental, physical, cognitive and psychosocial disabilities. The horses also participated in 4 control sessions where they were ridden by experienced riders, without disabilities. The behavioural indicators and heart rate variability were measured across 3 activities including baseline (in their stall), mounting and dismounting. To measure salivary cortisol concentrations, a saliva sample was collected from each horse following 2 activities (baseline and dismount). In both sessions, mounting induced a significantly higher mean number of stress-related behaviours across the 3 activities, although there was no significant difference between the therapeutic riding and control sessions. Similarly, the heart rate parameter LF/HF ratio showed significant increases during the activity of mounting the horse. As well, the time domain variables MnHR and RMSSD demonstrated significant increases during the control sessions and baseline activity. There was no significant difference in cortisol levels between the sessions, however the concentrations in 2 horses’ increased significantly following the dismount of the rider. The results show that mounting induces stress during riding and this stress was greater during therapeutic riding sessions. In addition, the sympathetic nervous system increased during the therapeutic riding sessions indicating physiological stress, which was a higher change than that observed in the control sessions. Show less
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