Physiological and Behavioral Responses of Horses to Wither Scratching and Patting the Neck When Under Saddle
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2016 |
Authors: |
Zoë W. Thorbergson, Sharon G. Nielsen, Rodney J. Beaulieu, Rebecca E. Doyle |
Publication/Journal: |
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science |
Publisher: |
Routledge |
Keywords: |
horseback riding, relaxation behavior |
ISBN: |
1088-8705 |
Abstract:
Riding is considered to be an arousing activity for horses. It has been suggested that wither scratching may be a more useful tool for relaxation compared with the common practice of neck patting. In the current study, 18 horses were exposed to 3 treatments, including control or no interaction, neck patting, and wither scratching, for 1 min each following a short obstacle course. Heart rate, heart rate variability, and a variety of behaviors were measured in the horses. Wither scratching produced a significantly longer duration of relaxed-type behaviors. Wither scratching could be a useful tool to help a horse relax while under saddle. Additionally, the study identified 2 ear positions that may be useful for future research in horse behavior.