Effects of a therapeutic riding program on at-risk and special education children

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of a therapeutic riding program on psychosocial measurements among children considered at risk for poor performance or failure in school or life and among children in special education programs. DESIGN: Observational study. POPULATION: 17 at-risk children (6 boys and 11 girls) and 14 special education children (7 boys and 7 girls). PROCEDURE: For the at-risk children, anger, anxiety, perceived self-competence, and physical coordination were assessed. For the special education children, anger and cheerfulness were measured, and the children's and their mothers' perceptions of the children's behavior were assessed. Measurements were made before and after an 8-session therapeutic riding program. RESULTS: For boys enrolled in the special education program, anger was significantly decreased after completion of the riding program. The boys' mothers also perceived significant improvements in their children's behavior after completion of the program. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that an 8-session therapeutic riding program can significantly decrease anger in adolescent boys in a special education program and positively affect their mothers' perception of the boys' behavior.     

An application of temperature mapping of horse's back for leisure horse‐rider‐matching

Leisure riding is a popular way of using horses however, unlike sport or racing horses, those are mostly not associated with one rider with high skills. Constant overload of equine musculoskeletal system causes pathologies, which are affecting horse mobility and decreases the horse‐rider communication. The aim was to propose the new scoring system of thermograph analysis as an aspect of differences in heat distributions on horseback before and after leisure ridings. The study was conducted on sixteen Polish warmblood horses, scanned with a non‐contact thermographic camera. Heat pattern of the thoracolumbar area was evaluated on thermograms taken before and after exercise. The criteria with point values for horse‐rider‐matching were created: heat points on the dorsal midline of saddle‐back contact area and degree of muscle unit overload. The results of thermograph analysis were compared with the results of a questionnaire on horse‐rider communication during riding in order to estimate the relevance of matching. The maximum score was obtained in 38.3% and 39.8% of combinations based on the thermograph analysis and questionnaire, respectively. Results of both scoring systems were strongly positive correlated (r = .937), demonstrating high sensitivity (61.72%) and specificity (90.23%) of the matching. The horse‐rider matching may improve horse comfort during leisure type of work.     

Nonverbal communication in veterinary practice.

Treating nonverbal communication with the thoughtfulness and observation with which we approach any other clinical problem can produce a set of skills that can be applied in every encounter. Skill development begins first with enhancing one's observations of nonverbal behavior and then diagnosing whether or not the client is feeling safe. Using one or more of the nonverbal skills when clients are feeling not-safe creates more satisfaction for the client and veterinarian and motivates clients to become full partners in their animal's care.     

Stress-related behaviors among horses used in a therapeutic riding program

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether therapeutic riding resulted in higher levels of stress or frustration for horses than did recreational riding and whether therapeutic riding with at-risk individuals was more stressful for the horses than was therapeutic riding with individuals with physical or emotional handicaps. DESIGN: Observational study. ANIMALS: 14 horses in a therapeutic riding program. PROCEDURE: An ethogram of equine behaviors was created, and horses were observed while ridden by 5 groups of riders (recreational riders, physically handicapped riders, psychologically handicapped riders, at risk children, and special education children). Number of stress-related behaviors (ears pinned back, head raised, head turned, head tossed, head shaken, head down, and defecation) was compared among groups. RESULTS: No significant differences in mean number of stress-related behaviors were found when horses were ridden by recreational riders, physically handicapped riders, psychologically handicapped riders, or special education children. However, mean number of stress-related behaviors was significantly higher when horses were ridden by the at-risk children. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that for horses in a therapeutic riding program, being ridden by physically or psychologically handicapped individuals is no more stressful for the horses than is being ridden in the same setting by recreational riders. However, at-risk children caused more stress to the horses, suggesting that the time horses are ridden by at-risk children should be limited both daily and weekly.     

Client-veterinarian communication: skills for client centered dialogue and shared decision making.

This article reviews three decision-making models for veterinary-client and physician-patient interactions and proposes adaptation of the 4E communication model from human medicine for application in veterinary-client interactions. These models incorporate specific communication skills for achieving the four components fo a client interview: engagement, empathy, education, and enlistment.     

Communication skills training at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island

Communication skills are considered a core clinical skill in human medicine. Recognizing the importance of communication skills and addressing them in veterinary curricula, however, is just beginning. In the fall of 2003, the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, markedly changed the way in which it approaches communication teaching. An intensive one-week elective rotation on client communication was offered in the senior year. This rotation made extensive use of experiential techniques through the use of role plays and videotaped real client interactions. A group of faculty and hospital staff members were trained as coaches to support students as they practiced their communication in various client scenarios. The skills taught were based on the Calgary-Cambridge Observation Guide, which outlines observable behaviors that contribute to effective medical communication. Student response to and feedback on the rotation have been very positive. As a result, the number of rotations given per year has been increased. Long-term plans include expanding communication skills teaching into other years of the DVM program and incorporating simulated clients into the teaching program. Challenges that lie ahead include the development of a fully integrated communication teaching program that spans the whole curriculum, addressing the ongoing need for the professional development of coaches, improving methods of student assessment, and recruiting/training a sufficient number of coaches.     

Effect of difference in training skills on stress in horses trained by Kazakh trainers

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of differences in trainer skills on horse training during the early stages of riding habituation by measuring the levels of stress and changes in stress levels. Among nine untrained horses employed, five in Group A were trained by two low-skilled trainers, whereas the remaining four in Group B were trained by two high-skilled trainers using the traditional Kazakh method. Salivary α-amylase concentration was measured as a biomarker of stress immediately before and after each riding session during the training period. In the duration of riding and mooring times to the total riding habituation time for each horse, no significant difference was observed between the two groups. In contrast, the mean total stress and mean final stress were significantly lower in Group B than in Group A, and the mean total change in stress before and after riding habituation was significantly higher in Group B. Differences in trainer skills were evidenced as differences in training methods to suppress the total stress levels through differences in the application of stress burden during the training of individual horses.     

Two students' reflections on their training in animal handling at the University of Sydney

Basic animal-handling skills are essential for any veterinary practitioner to work safely and confidently. This short article offers the reflections of two students who undertook training in basic animal-handling skills at the University of Sydney as part of the Veterinary Science degree program. Several students attending their final-year clinical rotation at the University of Sydney were asked to informally assess their own basic animal-handling skills at the beginning of the course and in their final year. These perceptions were matched to career choices and demonstrated the positive effect of skills training in career choice. As with any skills-based training program, limitations such as time and finances place restrictions on student learning, and there is a continual need to assess and, where possible, make improvements to the program.     

Building on existing models from human medical education to develop a communication curriculum in veterinary medicine

Communication is a core clinical skill of veterinary medicine and one that needs to be taught and learned to the same degree as other clinical skills. To provide this education and essential expertise, veterinary schools in many countries, especially including North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have begun to develop programs and communication curricula. Human medical education, however, has 30 years' experience in developing communication curricula, and is thus an excellent resource upon which veterinary educators can build and shape their own communication programs. This article describes a skills-based communication course that has been successfully implemented for veterinary medical education at Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) and was based on the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine's well-established program. The Calgary-Cambridge Guides and supporting textbooks provide the scaffolding for teaching, learning, and evaluation in both programs. Resources such as space and materials to support the OVC program were also patterned after Calgary's program. Communication skills, and the methods for teaching and learning them, are equally applicable for the needs of both human medicine and veterinary medicine. The research evidence from human medicine is also very applicable for veterinary medicine and provides it the leverage it needs to move forward. With this extensive base available, veterinary medicine is in a position to move communication skills training forward rapidly.     

Influence of Equine Conformation on Rider Oscillation and Evaluation of Horses for Therapeutic Riding

To obtain basic knowledge about selecting horses for therapeutic riding, the influence of equine conformation on rider oscillation and relationships between these factors and the evaluation on horses as the therapeutic riding were studied. Thirty-five riding horses were used. Equine conformation was estimated by 24 indices. Rider oscillation was measured by an accelerometer fixed at the rider’s waist. The spatial position of the oscillation was estimated by a double integration of the acceleration. Horses were evaluated for therapeutic riding by a Riding for the Disabled Association instructor as a rider. Evaluations were on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score for 27 items. Horses were classified into 4 groups: the short and narrow (SN), short and wide (SW), tall and narrow (TN), and tall and wide (TW). The frequencies of rider oscillation both at walk and trot were higher (P<0.01), and the vertical (P<0.01) and longitudinal (P<0.05) amplitudes at trot were smaller, on short horses than on tall horses. The vertical amplitude at walk was smaller (P<0.05) and the lateral amplitude at trot was larger (P<0.01) on wide horses than on narrow horses. Short horses could be used for the rider who requires side walkers. Wide horses could be used for relieving muscular tension and for the rider who could not maintain good balance on the horse. Short and wide horses should be suitable for therapeutic riding.     

Residency selection perceptions held by diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and veterinary ophthalmology residency applicant data

Diplomates from the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVOs) who do not select residents concur with DACVOs involved in the selection of residents that it is a subjective process. Both groups believe that residents are selected on the basis of their perceived intelligence, hardworking attitude, and effective communication skills, along with the impression that the resident will fit well into a particular work environment. Survey data from successful veterinary ophthalmology resident applicants identify several helpful criteria. Applicants should have demonstrated academic achievement, including publication or presentation of information. Achievement of an advanced degree was helpful in obtaining a program. Although interviews may not be required for application to a program, they are extremely helpful in obtaining a position. Excellent communication skills are an asset.     

Cryptosporidiosis in Horses of Urban Areas of Porto Alegre,Rio Grande do Sul,Southern Brazil

The aim of the present study was to detect the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in the feces of horses used in military training and in horseback riding activities. A total of 90 fecal samples were collected from three sites in the city of Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil as follows: 71 samples were obtained from the Brazilian Army, seven from the hospital accredited with the School of Veterinary Medicine of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, and 12 from a facility offering animal rest and training. All samples were collected between the months of January and February, 2008. They were screened microscopically for oocysts using the modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining technique. Oocysts were classified on the basis of their microscopic characteristics. The overall infection rate of horses as determined by microscopic analysis was 27.87% (25/90) and was identified only in horses raised in the Brazilian Army, with a rate of 35.21% (25/71). The morphometric analysis of oocysts revealed a mean size of 4.78 × 4.0 μm and a shape index of 1.16. None of the infected horses appeared to be clinically ill.     

Communicating with special populations: children and older adults.

Veterinary professionals must meet the growing expectations of a diverse range of clients to sustain success in veterinary medicine. Few veterinarians, however, receive comprehensive skills training for communicating effectively with clients, particularly among special populations, such as children and older adults. An increasing number of veterinary professionals have recognized a need to master requisite skills for effectively interacting with pet-owning families. This article highlights the importance of the human-animal bond for children and older adults, addresses issues of pet loss, and provides suggestions for meeting the communication needs of both populations.     

Assessment of first-year veterinary students' communication skills using an objective structured clinical examination: the importance of context

Communication skills are considered to be a core clinical skill in veterinary medicine and essential for practice success, including outcomes of care for patients and clients. While veterinary schools include communication skills training in their programs, there is minimal knowledge on how best to assess communication competence throughout the undergraduate program. The purpose of this study was to further our understanding of the reliability, utility, and suitability of a communication skills Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Specifically we wanted to (1) identify the greatest source of variability (student, rater, station, and track) within a first-year, four station OSCE using exam scores and scores from videotape review by two trained raters, and (2) determine the effect of different stations on students' communication skills performance. Reliability of the scores from both the exam data and the two expert raters was 0.50 and 0.46 respectively, with the greatest amount of variance attributable to student by station. The percentage of variance due to raters in the exam data was 16.35%, whereas the percentage of variance for the two expert raters was 0%. These results have three important implications. First, the results reinforce the need for communication educators to emphasize that use of communication skills is moderated by the context of the clinical interaction. Second, by increasing rater training the amount of error in the scores due to raters can be reduced and inter-rater reliability increases. Third, the communication assessment method (in this case the OSCE checklist) should be built purposefully, taking into consideration the context of the case.     

The Past,Present and Future of Domestic Equines in Tanzania

Equines are minor species in Tanzania’s array of domestic livestock. Attempts to use them for transport by early explorers from the mid-nineteenth century usually failed. Donkeys were used extensively as pack animals to complement human porters by both British and German forces in the First World War, but their advantages were often outweighed by slow progress and competition with troops and porters for water, and they died in huge numbers. The British had regular cavalry troops in their campaign and mules found limited use as individual mounts for officers. In modern times, there are very few horses in Tanzania but they find several uses. Exotic safaris are made on horseback, they are used as stock horses on ranches, there is a polo club in northern Tanzania and there are leisure riding activities around the capital city. Official census records for donkeys estimate numbers at under 300,000 with concentrations in the northern pastoral and agropastoral areas where they are used as pack animals with water being the main commodity transported. Elsewhere donkeys are used to a limited extent in transport and traction work. There is little interest in equines by the central and local governments or the general public and the status quo can be expected to continue.     

Horses' behavior and heart rate in a preference test for shorter and longer riding bouts

A Y-maze preference test was used to investigate whether horses prefer a shorter riding treatment over a longer riding treatment. In a pilot study (n = 4 horses), the maze was positioned with the 2 arms each pointing toward one of the short sides of the indoor arena, and in the main study (n = 14), the maze was rotated by 90°. Horses were 11 ± 4.4 years old and ridden regularly for at least 5 times/wk. They were conditioned to associate 1 exit of the maze with 1 lap of riding (R1), covering a distance of approximately 40 m at the walk or trot according to a predetermined schedule, and the other exit with 2 such laps (R2). Immediately afterward, riders dismounted, horses were led into the maze, and horses were let loose to make their choice in the maze. After exiting the maze, the rider mounted again and rode according to the chosen treatment. This procedure was repeated on the same day until statistical significance (P < 0.05) of preference was reached or up to a maximum of 35 trials. In addition, behavioral observations and heart rates were recorded. In the pilot study, all horses, regardless of the associated treatment, chose the left arm, which, unfortunately, pointed toward the arena's exit door. If horses were not caught immediately after exiting the maze (n = 5 occasions), they walked or trotted straight to the door. In the main study, 4 horses significantly preferred R1, 2 horses significantly preferred R2, and 8 horses had no significant preference. Heart rates were significantly (P < 0.05) higher during R2 (87.4 ± 2.6 bpm) than during R1 (79.5 ± 2.4 bpm). Except for tail swishing, no significant differences were found for the frequency of occurrence of behavior patterns between R1 and R2. Over the course of repeated trials, some horses became increasingly reluctant to enter and walk through the maze, and most showed increasing resistance to being remounted (e.g., sidestepping). Overall, the experimental setup did not seem to be appropriate to answer the research question. It is likely that the repeated mounting and dismounting caused discomfort or confused many of the horses to an extent that they did not actively select a treatment but rather searched for ways to evade further mounting (and riding). In conclusion, horses did not show a clear preference for either shorter or longer riding bouts, but their behavioral reactions indicate that they perceived mounting as uncomfortable and that their motivation to rejoin their herd-mates and/or to obtain feed in the barn was greater than their motivation to being ridden at all. Nevertheless, pronounced individual differences also seem to exist, with some horses showing little aversion to, and perhaps enjoyment of, being ridden, whereas others clearly preferring not to be ridden.     

The Use of a Technical Device for Testing the Sport-Functional Properties of Riding Surfaces

The riding surface is an important and modifiable factor in the development injuries in sport horses. An objective and simple examination of the sport-functional properties of riding surfaces, such as shock absorption, is thus desirable. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of a handy device to test the sport-functional properties of riding surfaces. Therefore, a technical device, called Artificial Athlete, was used on five riding surfaces: two sand–synthetic indoor arenas, one sand–sawdust indoor arena, and two outdoor arenas, one with a sand footing layer and one with a grass surface. The shock absorption, the energy restitution, and the vertical deformation measurements were acquired by the Artificial Athlete. Additionally, the hoof acceleration of six warmblood horses trotting by hand on the five investigated riding surfaces was recorded. The parameters of the Artificial Athlete and the acceleration data during hoof landing were compared. The outcome of the statistical analysis illustrated that the shock absorbing parameter was not in agreement with the results of the acceleration data, whereas the results of the vertical deformation parameter were mostly in accordance with the results of the hoof-acceleration measurement. In conclusion, the use of the Artificial Athlete for testing the sport-functional properties of riding surfaces was assessed as unsuitable because of the large deviations between the results of the shock absorption measured by the Artificial Athlete and the hoof-acceleration data. However, it could be shown that the vertical deformation parameter could be helpful in the assessment of the sport-functional quality of riding surfaces.     

Horses Could Perceive Riding Differently Depending on the Way They Express Poor Welfare in the Stable

This study investigated the relationships between four behavioral and postural indicators of a compromised welfare state in loose boxes (stereotypies, aggressive behaviors toward humans, withdrawn posture reflecting unresponsiveness to the environment, and alert posture indicating hypervigilance) and the way horses perceived riding. This perception was inferred using a survey completed by the usual riding instructor and during a standardized riding session (assessment of behaviors and postures, qualitative behavior assessment (QBA) and characterization of the horses’ locomotion using an inertial measurement unit). In accordance with ear and tail positions and the QBA, stereotypic and the most hypervigilant horses in loose boxes seemed to experience a more negative affective state during the riding session compared with nonstereotypic and less hypervigilant animals (P < .02 in all cases). Horses which were aggressive toward humans in loose boxes had higher scores regarding the occurrence of discomfort and defensive behaviors on the survey than nonaggressive horses (P = .03). They also presented higher dorsoventral accelerations at a canter during the riding session (P = .03), requiring the rider to increase his spinal movement (P = .005). These results suggest that aggressive horses may be harder to ride than nonaggressive animals. The expression of unresponsiveness to the environment in loose boxes was related to more reluctance to move forward, as assessed in the survey (P = .006). This study suggests that a compromised welfare state in the stable is related to horses having a more negative perception of riding. This perception could vary depending on the expression of poor welfare.     

An exercise in leadership training for veterinary students aiming for careers in biomedical research

A group discussion on the theme of "leadership" has been a central event in the annual Cornell Leadership Program for Veterinary Students since 1990. However, these discussions were often unfocused and did not readily demonstrate the leadership skills of distinguished guests who were invited to participate. Since 1998, a new format for this session has been developed in which students and guests are assigned individual roles in a scenario that is unfolded by a moderator over two to three hours. This role-playing exercise ensures that every student is obliged to participate and has an opportunity to practice such leadership skills as critical thinking, verbal communication, and decision making under pressure and with inadequate information. The distinguished guests, in their assigned roles, are able to interact freely with the student fellows and thus demonstrate their expertise as experienced leaders. This challenging experience has become an enjoyable part of the 10-week Leadership Program and one that shows the importance of leadership skills for those who aspire to careers in the biomedical sciences.