In the world of sports horse evaluations, rideability—the comfort and ease a rider feels while riding a horse—is often a key trait used to judge performance quality. But is rideability truly objective?
A recent study, “Rider effects on horses’ conflict behaviour, rein tension, physiological measures and rideability scores” by Janne Winther Christensen, Rikke Munk, Lesley Hawson, Rupert Palme, Torben Larsen, Agneta Egenvall, Uta U. König von Borstel, and Maria Vilain Rørvang, suggests that it might be more influenced by the individual rider than by the horse itself. This insight raises important welfare considerations for how we assess sports horses. Here, we’ll explore the study’s findings, why they matter, and what they mean for horse welfare.
Key Findings of the Study
Researchers set out to investigate two main questions:
- How consistent are professional riders when assigning rideability scores?
- Do factors like rein tension, conflict behaviours, and physiological stress responses (heart rate and cortisol levels) correlate with rideability scores?
To answer these, ten professional riders were tasked with riding and scoring ten dressage horses, evaluating each horse on a 1–10 rideability scale. During each test, the researchers measured rein tension, heart rate, and cortisol levels to assess the physiological and behavioural responses of the horses. Here’s what they found:
- Inconsistency in Scores: Rideability scores were highly inconsistent among riders. For instance, a single horse could receive scores ranging from 1 to 8 from different riders. This highlights that rideability may not be a stable trait and is likely influenced by individual rider perceptions and preferences.
- Influence of Conflict Behaviours: Horses displaying more conflict behaviours, such as head tossing or breaking gait, tended to receive lower rideability scores. This indicates that visible signs of discomfort or resistance affect riders’ assessments, which could sometimes reflect a mismatch between the rider and the horse.
- Physiological Responses Linked to Rider Influence: The study revealed significant effects of the rider on horses’ heart rates, rein tension, and cortisol levels (a marker of stress). Some riders induced more stress in the horses, which could affect welfare and performance.
What Affects Rideability?
Riders interpret and respond to rideability differently, depending on their riding style, use of aids, balance, and even handedness. In this study, elements like rein tension and handling affected horses’ comfort and, subsequently, their rideability scores. Factors such as:
- Riding Style and Aids: Variations in riders’ use of aids (such as reins, legs, and seat) affected horses’ responses, influencing tension and behaviour.
- Horse-Rider Match: Individual rider-horse combinations might work harmoniously or clash based on personality and temperament traits, affecting how well the horse responds to commands.
With inconsistent scoring, a “good rideability score” may be less about the horse’s innate qualities and more about the compatibility between the horse and the rider.
The Impact on Horse Welfare
From a welfare standpoint, the findings are significant. Rein tension, heart rate, and cortisol levels all provide insights into how comfortable a horse feels with a particular rider. Higher levels of tension or stress indicate discomfort, which could lead to long-term welfare concerns if unaddressed. The study shows that rideability is affected not just by the horse’s training or behaviour, but by the level of ease (or difficulty) that different riders bring to the experience.
The inconsistency in rideability scores also suggests that this trait, when used as a formal evaluation, might not reliably reflect a horse’s temperament or training level. Subjectivity in scoring could inadvertently reward or penalise horses based on factors unrelated to their own capabilities or character.
Moving Towards More Objective Assessments
The study calls for a re-evaluation of how rideability scores are used in sports horse assessments. If rider variability affects scores to this extent, it might be worth considering alternative or supplementary measures that minimise subjectivity. This could mean:
- Standardising Evaluation Protocols: Implementing more objective measures, such as rein tension sensors, heart rate monitors, or even video analysis, could provide a more consistent assessment of how horses respond under different conditions.
- Greater Emphasis on Behavioural Cues: Observing the types of conflict behaviour (e.g., head tossing, tail swishing) can give insights into the horse’s comfort and willingness to cooperate, helping to match horses and riders more effectively.
- Ongoing Training for Riders: The study suggests that rider style plays a critical role in rideability assessments. Educating riders on techniques that promote comfort and minimise stress could lead to better welfare outcomes.
Why This Matters for Pony Club Riders
For Pony Club members, understanding the impact of rider style on a horse’s performance and comfort can be invaluable. Whether preparing for a competition or simply training at home, knowing how subtle aspects of riding influence a horse’s experience can help riders develop a more mindful and welfare-focused approach.
Encouraging young riders to pay attention to their use of aids, rein tension, and handling techniques can help improve the horse’s comfort and enhance the bond between horse and rider. By recognising the importance of welfare-friendly riding, Pony Club members can contribute to more ethical and effective training practices.
In Summary: This study highlights the significant role that riders play in determining rideability scores and the welfare implications that come with it. As we learn more about these interactions, Pony Club Australia remains committed to promoting welfare-first practices that respect and protect our equine partners.