A Descriptive Study of Training Methods for Fédération Equestre Internationale Endurance Horses in New Zealand

Training measures, particularly those that examine the interactions between training volume, speed, and recovery, can improve understanding of training practices that contribute to success and avoid adverse horse welfare outcomes in endurance competitions. This study describes the training of Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) 100–160 km level horses in New Zealand. A convenience sample of 16 participants and 25 horses were surveyed before commencement of training. Participants then reported daily data for an entire nine-month season of training and competition. Participants began their season with predetermined goals and individual training plans for each horse. They intended to use competitions for training. Competitions contributed a median of 44% [IQR, 36%–49%] of total accumulated distance (in training and competition) for each horse for the season, despite being only 11% (207/1,933) of all days worked. Most starts (80%) were in domestic-level (CEN) competition ≤80 km. Speed ranged from 2–18 km/hour on home training days to 6–18.5 km/hour in CEN competitions and 10.9–16.9 km/hour in FEI competitions. Horses were worked 34% [IQR, 21–38] of days in training, ranging from 12% to 55% for individual horses. The most common horse health problem was lameness, affecting 12/25 horses, for a median of 9 (range, 1–78) days. This study highlights the potential for CEN data as a resource to improve understanding of training and competition load, speed, and recovery and therefore reduce adverse horse welfare outcomes in FEI competitions.     

Preliminary Examination of Farriery and Hoof Care Practices and Owner-Reported Injuries in Sport Horses in New Zealand

Retrospective management and owner-reported injury data, and measurement of forelimb hoof conformation, were collected via a cross-sectional survey from a convenience sample of 96 registered show jumping (n = 67) and dressage (n = 29) horses. Most of the horses were medium- to upper-level performers, aged 9 (interquartile range [IQR] 7–12) years, and in the current rider's ownership for 28 (IQR 12–60) months. The horses were trained 45 (IQR 35–60) minutes, 6 days per week, on a sand or sand mix arena. Failure to train for ≥7 days was reported in 26 of 96 horses, generally associated with lameness diagnosed by a veterinarian (16/29), with a median time-off of 26 (IQR 14–93) days. During the preceding 12 months, 33% of the riders had been working with the farrier on hoof-related issues, 30% of which had involved ≤2 issues. This remedial work often involved a veterinarian (14/30) or allied health practitioner (6/30). Most horses were hot shod (67/89) with conventional fullered shoes. Uneven feet were identified in 16 of 89 horses but were not positively associated with inability to train, possibly reflecting the minor variation between feet. Uneven feet were associated with variation in heel length and angle measurements and a greater sole length and reduced sole width, rather than smaller and boxy. Multiple correspondence plots identified an association of uneven feet with the dressage horses rather than show jumping horses.     

Effects of Four Kinds of Diets on Nutrient Digestion,Metabolism and Blood Biochemical Indexes of One-year-old Yili Horse

Effects of four kinds of diets on nutrient digestion and metabolism and blood biochemical indexes of one-year-old Yili horse were studied in this experiment.16 health horses(all males) with an average body weight of (227.38±16.48)kg and similar age (one-year old) were used in a staging and grouping experiment design.First stage had groupsⅠ and Ⅱ,second stage had groups Ⅲ and Ⅳ.The horses of group Ⅰ were fed with alfalfa 8 kg/d,pelleted concentrate 0 kg/d; The horses of group Ⅱ were fed with alfalfa 7 kg/d,pelleted concentrate 1 kg/d;The horses of group Ⅲ were fed with alfalfa 6.3 kg/d,pelleted concentrate 1.7 kg/d;The horses of group Ⅳ were fed with alfalfa 5.6 kg/d,pelleted concentrate 2.4 kg/d.Each stage lasted for 21 d (15 d pretrial period and 6 d trial period).The results showed that the digestibility of DM,OM,CP and P were increased with increasing of feed levels of pelleted concentrate,while the digestibility of NDF,ADF and Ca showed downtrend.DE and ME were significantly increased with increasing of feed levels of pelleted concentrate (P > 0.05).N retention and retention rate showed an increasing tendency,N retention and retention rate of groups Ⅲ and Ⅳ were extremely significant higher than those in group Ⅰ (P < 0.01).Ca retention and retention rate decreased with increasing of feed levels of pelleted concentrate,and Ca retention and retention rate of group Ⅰ were extremely significant higher than those in groups Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ (P < 0.01).P retention was extremely significant increased with increasing of feed levels of pelleted concentrate (P < 0.01).There were no significant difference in the content of TP among all trial groups (P > 0.05),but the content of BUN in groups Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ were lower than those in group Ⅰ (P > 0.05).Thus,comprehensive nutrient digestion and metabolism,blood biochemical indicators of four of kinds diets in one-year-old Yili horse,the requirement of crude protein,digestible protein,metabolizable energy,digestible energy were 14.28,9.16 g/(kg·BW) and 1.74,1.41 MJ/(kg·BW),respectively.     

4种日粮对1岁伊犁马消化代谢、血液生化指标的影响

试验旨在研究4种日粮对1岁伊犁马消化代谢、血液生化指标的影响。选用平均体重为(227.38± 16.48)kg的1岁伊犁马16匹,随机分为2组,每组8匹,采用分期分组的试验方法,分别为试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组。试验Ⅰ组每匹马饲喂苜蓿干草8 kg/d、颗粒精料0 kg/d;试验Ⅱ组每匹马饲喂苜蓿干草7 kg/d、颗粒精料1 kg/d;试验Ⅲ组每匹马饲喂苜蓿干草6.3 kg/d、颗粒精料1.7 kg/d;试验Ⅳ组每匹马饲喂苜蓿干草5.6 kg/d、颗粒精料2.4 kg/d。进行21 d的消化代谢试验,其中预试期15 d,正试期6 d。结果表明,1岁伊犁马对干物质、有机物、粗蛋白质、磷的消化率随日粮中颗粒精料水平的增加呈增长趋势,而中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维、钙的消化率呈下降趋势;消化能、代谢能随日粮中颗粒精料水平的增加呈增长趋势(P > 0.05);氮沉积量、氮沉积率随日粮中颗粒精料水平的增加而增长,其中试验Ⅲ、Ⅳ组氮沉积量、氮沉积率极显著高于试验Ⅰ组(P < 0.01);钙沉积量、钙沉积率随日粮中颗粒精料水平的增加而降低,且试验Ⅰ组极显著高于试验Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组(P < 0.01);磷沉积量随日粮中颗粒精料水平的增加而极显著增加(P < 0.01);各组血浆中总蛋白含量差异不显著(P > 0.05),但试验Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组血浆尿素氮含量均低于试验Ⅰ组(P > 0.05)。综合1岁伊犁马对4种日粮的消化代谢情况及血液生化指标,1岁伊犁马粗蛋白质适宜需要量为14.28 g/kg代谢体重,可消化蛋白适宜需要量为9.16 g/kg代谢体重,代谢能适宜需要量为1.74 MJ/kg代谢体重,消化能适宜需要量为1.41 MJ/kg代谢体重。     

A survey on the feeding of eventing horses during competition

Summary This study aims at the comparison of the actual feeding of horses with the recommendations from the literature, and it studies the effects of feeding and exercise on several blood metabolic parameters before and after exercise. Blood samples were collected from 25 horses during one‐star eventing competitions and evaluated for blood glucose, insulin, lactate, free fatty acids and triglyceride levels. Questionnaires on the feeding practices of the horses were evaluated. The questionnaires revealed that during training, and on tournament days, horses received on average 4.3 kg of concentrate per day (min. 1.54 kg, max. 8 kg). The statistical analysis showed no significant effect of the amount of concentrate fed before exercise on the measured blood values. Oil was supplied as a supplementary energy source to 30% of the horses, but most of them only received very small quantities (0.02–0.4 l/day). Five horses (20%) had no access to salt supplements at all, and eleven horses (45%) had no access to salt on tournament days. Fifteen horses (60%) were supplied with mineral feed. Twenty‐one horses (84%) had daily access to pasture during the training period. During competition, 55% of the horses received roughage ad libitum, compared with 37% during training. The majority of the horses received less roughage on days before the cross‐country competition. It could not be ascertained whether feeding a large amounts of roughage had a beneficial effect on performance, because only a few horses in this study were fed with very restrictive roughage. Feeding of most of the horses was in agreement with the recommendations from the literature, except the need for sodium and chloride. The sodium and chloride need for sport horses may be overestimated in literature and needs to be re‐evaluated.     

The influence of rider:horse bodyweight ratio and rider-horse-saddle fit on equine gait and behaviour: A pilot study

The effect of rider weight on equine welfare and performance requires further investigation. The objective of this prospective, cross-over, randomised trial was to assess gait and behavioural responses of horses to riders of similar ability, but different bodyweights. Six nonlame horses in regular work were ridden by each of four riders: Light (L), Moderate (M), Heavy (H) and Very Heavy (VH). Saddle fit was assessed subjectively throughout the study. Each horse was ridden twice by riders L and M, and once by rider H. Rider VH rode five horses once and one twice. Each horse-rider combination undertook a standardised, 30-min ‘dressage-test' which was abandoned if we observed lameness grade ≥ 3/8 in one limb, grade ≥ 2/8 in ≥ 2 limbs, or ≥ 10/24 behavioural markers of pain. Horses were reassessed in hand 45–60 min after any abandonment. Mean rider bodyweights, body mass index (BMI) values and rider:horse bodyweight percentages for the L, M, H and VH riders were respectively: 60.8, 77.8, 91.0, 142.1 kg; 23.2, 28.0, 26.3, 46.9 kg/m²; 10.0–11.7%, 12.8–15.0%, 15.3–17.9%, 23.6–27.5%. All 13 H and VH rider tests (lameness, n = 12; behaviour, n = 1) and one of 12 M rider tests (lameness) were abandoned. Lameness was confirmed using inertial measurement unit data. All horses trotted sound after test abandonment and completed the study moving well when ridden. Limitations of the study were saddle fit was not ideal in all horse-rider combinations and abandonment criteria were subjective. The conclusions and clinical relevance of the study were that large riders can induce temporary lameness and behaviours consistent with musculoskeletal pain. This may relate to rider bodyweight and/or weight distribution. Riders M and H had similar BMI but markedly different test abandonment rates, therefore bodyweight is likely to be more relevant than BMI. Further work is required to determine if horse fitness, adaptation to heavier weights and better saddle fit for heavier/taller riders will increase horses' weight-carrying capacity.     

Gymnastic Training of Hippotherapy Horses Benefits Gait Quality When Ridden by Riders with Different Body Weights

The objective was to evaluate the effects of gymnastic training on stride characteristics of walk and trot in therapy horses carrying riders of different weights. Eighteen horses used for therapeutic riding 5 days/week were randomly divided into 2 groups. Nine horses performed gymnastic (GYM) exercises after therapeutic riding on 4 days/week for 3 months, 9 horses did no additional exercises (SED). On days 0 and 90, an inertial sensor mounted to the girth on the ventral midline was used to evaluate stride characteristics when horses were ridden at walk (1.3 m/second) and trot (3.0 m/second) by able-bodied riders representing rider: horse body weight ratios (BWRs) 15%, 20%, and 25%. On day 0, the measured variables did not differ significantly between sedentary (SED) and GYM groups, but on day 90, the following statistically significant results were found: GYM-trained horses had higher regularity for all BWRs at walk and 15% and 20% BWRs at trot. Higher stride symmetry was found in GYM-trained horses carrying 25% BWRs at walk and all rider weights at trot. Dorsoventral displacement was higher in GYM-trained horses when carrying 20% and 25% BWRs at walk and 25% BWRs at trot. Dorsoventral power was lower in SED-trained versus GYM-trained horses carrying 15% BWR at walk and 20% BWR at trot. A more regular and symmetrical stride with a larger range of dorsoventral trunk motion is likely to provide a better therapeutic riding experience.     

A Cross-Sectional Survey of Forelimb Hoof Conformation and the Prevalence of Flat Feet in a Cohort of Thoroughbred Racehorses in New Zealand

Racehorses in New Zealand predominantly train counter clockwise. This training pattern has been associated with between forelimb differences in bone mineral density profile and asymmetrical limb loading after training. At present, there is limited data on the hoof conformation of these racehorses. Distal forelimb and digital hoof conformation data were collected from 75 Thoroughbred racehorses (2–5 years old) from two training yards. Digital conformation was subjectively graded, and multiple hoof measurements were made with a modified tire gauge (sole and sulci depth) and from digital photographs. All the horses were shod by two registered master farriers within a median of 15 (interquartile range [IQR], 1–25) days before measurement. There were few distal limb conformation abnormalities scored. Most (62/75) horses presented with some deviation from normal hoof parameters, with 2 (IQR, 1–3) abnormalities reported per horse. The most common hoof abnormality was uneven sulci, which was identified in 43 horses and 59 affected hooves, followed by higher medial hoof wall height in 38 horses and 53 affected hooves. Many of the linear and hoof angle measurements and their ratios were within the bounds reported within the literature and indicative of a balanced foot. The length and width measurements increased with horse age. The dorsal hoof wall (DHW) length:heel length ratios were consistently less than 3:1, and the absolute difference between toe and heel angle was generally greater than 5°. Between limb hoof variation was identified for a number of the morphologic measurements including frog length and sole length and the ratio of sole width:sole length. Flat feet (lack of concave solar surface) were identified in 21/75 (28%) horses and in 28/150 (19%) forelimb hoofs. More horses had a flat left foot (10/75) than right foot (4/75), but seven horses had both feet classified as being flat. Flat feet had 2.4 (1.1–5.6, P = .036) greater odds of presenting with uneven sulci. These data indicate that uneven sulci depth and flatter hooves with may be a typical presentation of Thoroughbred feet. Asymmetry in measurements between limb may reflect the greater loading of the left forelimb when race training counter clockwise.     

Dry Matter Intake,Body Weight,and Body Condition Scores of Blanketed and Nonblanketed Horses in the Upper Midwest

Thermoregulation is an energy-expensive process, which can be mitigated by blanketing horses in cold climates, potentially preventing weight loss or leading to decreased feed intake. The objective of this study was to evaluate feed intake, body weight (BW), and body condition scores (BCSs) in blanketed and nonblanketed horses. In October 2019, 16 mature adult horses were blocked by breed and BCS and randomly assigned to a blanketed (n = 8) or nonblanketed (n = 8) treatment; blankets were placed. Data were collected in December 2019 and January 2020 in River Falls, Wisconsin. During the study, horses were housed in dry lots and fed grass-legume mixed round bales. At the start of each trial period, BW and BCSs of horses were taken, hay cores were taken for nutritive analysis, and hay bales were weighed. Hay waste was collected daily, and when hay could no longer be consumed ad libitum, the remaining hay was removed from both pens (orts) and new bales were fed. Hay waste and orts were dried and daily dry matter intake was estimated as the difference between hay provided minus hay waste and orts during the trial period divided by the total BW of the pen. The average bale weight, forage nutritive value, BW, and BCS did not differ across treatment groups (P ≥ .05). However, the daily dry matter intake differed (P ≤ .05) at 2.31% BW for blanketed horses and 2.51% BW for nonblanketed horses. These results suggest blanketed horses conserve energy leading to decreased feed intake.     

Training methodologies differ with the attachment of humans to horses

Our investigation is the first to use attachment theory to explore four commonplace training methods (Conspecific, Behavioral, Eclectic, and Conventional) and owners' levels of attachment (anxiety and avoidance) to their horses. An international sample of horse riders and handlers (N = 538), aged 18-80 years, completed demographics and the Experiences in Close Relationships—Relationship Structures Questionnaire. Behavioral training participants scored significantly higher on the attachment-avoidance scores to their horses than the Eclectic or Conspecific training methods. The Behavioral and Eclectic training methods were associated with higher levels of education. Further research is warranted to elucidate the role that training methods play in the relationships between humans and horses.     

Rider and Horse Salivary Cortisol Levels During Competition and Impact on Performance

During competition, stress may affect riders and horses. This stress can affect health, welfare, and/or performance. Our aim was to quantify stress levels during competition in horses and riders. We also searched relationships between these stress levels and performance. Twenty riders and 23 horses were followed up during a show-jumping event (26 courses) held at a riding school. Regular saliva samples taken from horses and riders were assayed to evaluate cortisol levels. We studied salivary cortisol evolution during the days of competition. There was no correlation between instantaneous sampling on horses and their riders. However, we did find a parallel between horse and rider salivary cortisol evolution curves, with a similar peak, reached 20 minutes after the course. The increase was stronger in riders than in horses. Correlations appeared between salivary cortisol concentration and performance, but stress in both partners seems to have an opposite influence on performance. Riders who showed a higher salivary cortisol increase were awarded more penalties, whereas horses that showed a higher increase in salivary cortisol performed better. Stress level measurement in rider–horse pairs would thus lead to improvement in competition conditions and performance, for horses as well as for riders.     

Nutrient intake of horses in Thoroughbred and Standardbred stables

SUMMARY Twenty-five Thoroughbred (TB) and 25 Standardbred (SB) stables were visited to determine their feeding practices. The ingredients of the main feed of the day for a mature gelding of average size in full training were weighed at each stable. Nutrient content of diets was calculated using published data for the individual ingredients. Results are expressed as mean±sd. The estimated body weight of TB horses was 493±34 kg and 437±32 kg for SB horses. There was considerable variation in diet composition and nutrient intake between stables. The TB trainers fed 11.0±2.4 kg and SB trainers 11.8±2.5 kg per day. The concentrate component of the diet weighed 7.8±1.6 and 7.7±2.3 kg for TB and SB stables, respectively, and the roughage component for TB horses 3.3±1.4 and SB horses 4.1±1.4 kg per day. The digestible energy intake of horses at TB stables was 129±29 MJ per day and at SB stables 132±31 MJ per day. Crude protein intake of TB horses was 1452±363 g and SB horses 1442±338 g per day. There were differences in some feeding practices at TB and SB stables. Standardbred trainers fed more roughage than TB trainers. Standardbred trainers fed chaffed lucerne (alfalfa) and cereal hays as the major roughage, whereas TB trainers fed more hay. The major hay type fed by TB trainers was lucerne, whereas many SB trainers preferred clover hay. Both trainers fed oats as the major grain, but TB trainers fed slightly more maize (corn) than SB trainers. The SB trainers fed barley as part of the concentrate component of the diet, whereas TB trainers usually fed boiled barley and linseed oil in winter only. Although many trainers used vitamin and mineral supplements, this appeared unnecessary in many Instances, especially with respect to Iron. Calcium and NaCI supplementation was necessary for some diets. We concluded that while there was a wide range in feed intake and diet composition for both TB and SB horses, average nutrient intakes were similar to National Research Council (1989) recommendations for horses performing intense work.     

Hematological and Blood Gas Parameters' Response to Treadmill Exercise Test in Eventing Horses Fed Different Protein Levels

The aim of this study was to investigate the responses to exercise in athletic horses fed different protein levels. Twenty-four Brazilian Sport Horses (body weight [BW] between 432 and 560 kg and body condition score [BCS] 5.0–5.5) undergoing eventing training were used. The experiment was a randomized design with four treatments (diets) and two exercise tests. Diets were composed of 7.5%, 9.0%, 11.0%, and 13.0% crude protein. The exercise tests consisted of a warm-up and galloping from 6.0 m/s with speed increases every 1 minute until 10 m/s. Venous blood samples were collected at preprandial time, before, during, and after the exercise tests, and at the recovery time. Blood samples were analyzed for hematocrit, lactate, glucose, total plasma protein, serum aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, urea, uric acid, creatinine, serum Cl⁻, and venous blood gas. The results were analyzed using a split-plot design, and regression analyses were performed. There were no differences in BW and BCS. The protein levels did not affect the variables VL₂, VL_4, V₁₅₀, and V₂₀₀. Serum urea and uric acid concentrations were affected by protein diet levels. After the exercise tests, the blood pH, acid–base, and electrolyte balance of the horses were not affected by the protein of the diets. The protein diet levels did not affect the horses' performance variables. At the same time, high protein concentrations in the diet can alter the acid–base balance in athletic horses and should be used with caution.     

Effect of Experience on Adrenocortical and Thyroid Responses of Arabian Horses to Gymkhana Games

Gymkhana is an equestrian event consisting of speed pattern racing and timed games for riders on horses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of gymkhana competition on total cortisol and total and free iodothyronine changes in 23 Arabian purebred horses, by taking into account the effects of previous sport experience on gymkhana riding events. Compared with pre-competition values, an increase of total cortisol concentration has been observed in experienced horses at 30 minutes (P < .001) after exercise and in inexperienced horses both at 5 minutes (P < .05) and at 30 minutes (P < .01) after exercise. Compared with pre-competition values, an increase of total triiodothyronine (T₃) concentration has been observed in experienced horses at 5 minutes (P < .05) after exercise. Data obtained showed that gymkhana riding events induced differential adrenocortical and thyroid responsiveness according to previous experience of sport horses. Hence, cortisol and iodothyronine patterns may provide additional information for the monitoring of gymkhana riding performance.     

Voluntary Intake of Four Hay Types by Horses

Alfalfa, teff, oat, and wheat hays were fed to eight mature horses to determine voluntary intake of each hay type. After a 2-week adaptation period during which each horse was offered all four hay types each day, a 4-week study was conducted in which two horses were offered each type of hay each week, usually at the rate of 2.2% of initial body weight. Refused feed was collected and weighed the last 5 days of each week to calculate voluntary intake. Horses consumed significantly more alfalfa hay than the other hays. Wheat and teff hays were consumed in significantly lower amounts than alfalfa, but significantly more than oat hay. Across the 5 days during which voluntary intake was measured each week, hay consumption increased each day, reaching levels significantly greater than day 1 by day 4, when measured as a percentage of body weight, and day 5 when measured as a percentage of feed offered. Only alfalfa hay, at the amount consumed, met 100% of nutrient requirements for digestible energy, crude protein, lysine, calcium, and phosphorus for horses in maintenance condition. Teff hay met all nutrient requirements except digestible energy. Neither wheat nor oat hays met 100% of any of these nutrient requirements. Alfalfa and teff hays averaged about 12% nonstructural carbohydrate content (NSC), whereas wheat and oats hays contained about 30% NSC. The lower NSC content of the alfalfa and teff hays makes these more suitable for horses with problems related to carbohydrate metabolism or for refeeding starving horses.     

The Impact of Horse Age,Sex, and Number of Riders on Horse Performance in British Eventing Horse Trials

Limited research has been undertaken to determine the impact of horse age, sex, and number of riders on horse performance in British Eventing (BE) horse trials. Improved understanding of this can aid professionals in planning a competition horse’s career. To investigate the impact of age, sex, and number of riders on the peak performance of horses at each of the main levels of BE competitions. The best score from each horse competing in BE horse trials in the years 2008–2018 was recorded, and principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis was performed. Basic data analysis was used to identify variables associated with particular better-performing clusters of horses. The interplay of the combinatory variables was then used to map out the trends in career trajectory for horses competing at each level of competition in the best-performing and worst-performing clusters. The peak performance of mares was worse than geldings and stallions at all levels. At Novice to Advanced, stallions did not perform as consistently with multiple riders as geldings. The age at which the best-performing groups peaked was similar for mares and geldings in all classes, although stallions peaked at an older age than mares and geldings at Novice and Intermediate level. All horses were a minimum of 4-years-old at the time of competition, as per BE rules.     

Comparison of Nutrient Digestibility Between Adult and Aged Horses

There is little published work comparing digestibility in healthy adult versus healthy aged horses. Researchers hypothesized that there would be no differences in macronutrient digestibility between eight adult (5–12 years) and nine aged (19–28 years) horses fed three diets in a Latin square design. Seventeen stock-type mares were randomly assigned for a 5-week period to one of three diets: hay only (HAY), hay plus a starch- and sugar-rich concentrate (CHO), or hay plus a fat- (oil) and fiber-rich concentrate (FF). Each diet period comprised 3 weeks of outdoor group drylot feeding, 2 weeks of indoor stalled individual feeding, followed by a 72-hour digestibility trial including total urine and fecal collection. Feed, fecal, and/or urine samples were analyzed to determine dry matter, crude protein, fat, energy, calcium, and phosphorus apparent retention as well as apparent digestibility. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility was also determined. Mean body weight was lower in aged than in adult horses (455 ± 12 kg vs. 500 ± 13 kg; P = .02), but body condition score (BCS) did not differ between groups (aged horses, 4.8 ± 0.2 BCS and adult horses, 5.1 ± 0.2 BCS; P = .20). No age differences in digestibility, apparent digestibility, or apparent retention were seen for any of the variables measured. Based on the results of this study, total tract macronutrient digestibility appears to be similar between healthy adult and aged horses.     

A subjective descriptive study of the warm‐up and turn to a fence,approach, take‐off,suspension, landing and move‐off in 10 showjumpers

There is limited knowledge about causes of musculoskeletal injury in showjumpers. The objectives were to describe features of the turn, approach and jump in a group of experienced showjumpers believed by their riders to be sound, to relate these findings to clinical findings, and to identify features that may predispose to injury. Ten experienced showjumpers in normal competition training jumped an upright and a parallel fence four times off the left and right reins respectively, after a rider‐defined period of warm‐up. Real‐time and high‐speed motion capture was undertaken. Detailed subjective assessment of the gait was performed during the warm‐up, on the turn and approach to the jump and all phases of the jump. Six horses had thoracolumbar pain or epaxial muscle tension. Six horses exhibited a poor‐quality canter. The mean duration of warm‐up was 7 min (range 5–10 min). All horses had lean of the trunk and hindlimbs >45° on the turn. The inside hindlimb was placed in front of the outside hindlimb in 75% of the turns. Sideways oscillations of the hocks during stance were seen in all horses on the turn and on the straight approach in five horses. The inside hindlimb had greater magnitude of oscillation than the outside hindlimb on the turns. Repeated asynchronous push‐off with the hindlimbs at take‐off was seen in three horses. The hindlimbs drifted to the left or right during the ascent‐phase of suspension in four horses, reflecting asymmetrical push‐off. Only two horses landed consistently with the correct forelimb leading relative to the direction in which the horse had to turn after the fence. Four horses landed seven (n = 2) or eight (n = 2) times each with the left (n = 2) and right (n = 2) forelimbs respectively. Repetitive overload through asymmetrical use of the left and right canter leads, inadequate warm‐up, and limb instability could potentially predispose to injury.     

Riders' application of rein tension for walk-to-halt transitions on a model horse

Rein cues have been used for millennia when controlling horses. Recent research has quantified the range of tensions exerted on the horse's mouth by bit and rein apparatus under a variety of conditions and investigating the tension horses will freely tolerate. Given the importance of rein tension in terms of controlling horses and the potential for welfare issues arising from use of apparatus in the horse's mouth, this study the tensions created by riders (n = 12) performing walk to halt gait transitions on a model horse. The mean tension when applying the deceleration cue of the left rein (mean tension, 8.58 N; standard deviation = 5.15; range = 3.14-28.92 N) was greater than the right rein (mean tension, 6.24 N; standard deviation = 4.1; range = 2.27-16.17 N). Little correlation was found between rider morphometry and rein tension. Although the deceleration cue was significantly higher than the resting tension by 51% for the right rein (P < 0.001) and by 59% for the left rein (P < 0.001), there was large variation between and within riders. These findings suggest the need for greater awareness of the potential for rein tensions to vary from principles of good horse welfare and training principles.     

Effects of alfalfa meal on the intestinal microbial diversity and immunity of growing ducks

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of alfalfa meal diets on the intestinal microbial diversity and immunity of growing egg‐type ducks. A total of 128 healthy 7‐week‐old female egg‐type Shaoxing ducks were selected and randomly assigned into four dietary treatments: 0%, 3%, 6% and 9% alfalfa meal for 8 weeks. Each treatment consisted of four replicates of eight ducks each. Polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) was used to characterize the microbiota. The results showed that the DGGE fingerprints of the V6–V8 fragments of the 16S rRNA from the caeca and faeces of ducks fed 3%, 6% and 9% alfalfa meal had significantly higher microbiota species richness than those fed 0% alfalfa meal (p < 0.05). The Shannon–Weiner index of the microbiota from the caeca and faeces of ducks fed 3%, 6% and 9% alfalfa meal was significantly higher than those fed 0% alfalfa meal (p < 0.05). Molecular analysis of the caecal and faecal DNA extracts showed that the alfalfa meal diet promotes the intestinal microbial diversity, as indicated by their higher species richness and Shannon–Weiner index. However, the groups did not significantly differ in terms of average daily gain, feed intake and gain‐to‐feed ratio (p > 0.05), and the 3–9% alfalfa meal did not affect the growth performance of the growing egg‐type ducks. The proliferation of T and B lymphocytes was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the groups supplemented with 3%, 6% and 9% of alfalfa meal than the unsupplemented control group, and alfalfa meal promoted the lymphocytes proliferation of the growing egg‐type ducks. Dietary alfalfa meal supplementation increases intestinal microbial community diversity and improves of the immune response growing egg‐type ducks.