A study published yesterday found that horses with a lower score on the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram were more likely to be placed in the top three at BE 90, BE 100, and BE Novice events. The most common score on the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram was 4 out of 24. A score of eight or more out of 24 suggests that musculoskeletal pain is present.
This study supports equestrianism’s social license to compete, as the vast majority of horses were not showing signs of pain in their ridden work. However, 9% of horses had a score of eight or more out of 24, indicating that better education and understanding could lead to improved horse welfare, safety, and performance.
Dyson, S.; Pollard, D. Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to Horses Competing in British Eventing 90, 100 and Novice One-Day Events and Comparison with Performance. Animals 2022, 12, 590. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050590
You can access the full study for free here.
The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) comprises 24 behaviours; a RHpE score ≥8 reflects the presence of musculoskeletal pain. An association between the RHpE score and performance has been shown for 5 star three-day event horses. The aim of the study was to apply the RHpE to horses performing a dressage test at British Eventing (BE) 90, 100 and Novice one-day events and to compare the scores with competition results. Data were collected for 1010 competition starts. Overall, the most frequent (median) RHpE score was 4/24. The median RHpE score was higher (5/24) for BE 90 competitors, compared with 100 (4/24) and Novice (3.5/24). Horses placed first, second or third had a lower median RHpE score (2/24) compared with other horses which completed. The proportion of horses with a RHpE score ≥8/24 was lowest (2%) in those placed first to third, followed by horses with lower finish placings (9.9%), and highest in those that were elimi- nated, retired or withdrawn (11.3%). The overall low median RHpE score supports the social licence to compete, but 9% of starters had a RHpE score ≥8/24, which merits concern. Veterinary investiga- tion of these horses and appropriate treatment and management may improve both welfare and performance.
The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) was applied to 1010 competition starts at British Eventing (BE) 90, 100 and Novice one-day events and compared with performance. The overall median RHpE score was 4/24 (IQR 2,6; range 0,12). There were moderate positive correlations be- tween RHpE scores and dressage penalties (Spearman’s rho = 0.508, 0.468, 0.491, all p < 0.001 for BE 90, 100 and Novice, respectively). There were weak positive correlations between RHpE scores and final placings (Spearman’s rho = 0.157, p = 0.033, BE90; rho = 0.263, p < 0.001, BE 100; rho = 0.123, p = 0.035, Novice). In showjumping, 1.7% of starters were eliminated or retired, compared with 9.8% of cross-country starters. Horse or rider falls occurred in 2.6% of cross-country starts. Horses placed first, second or third had lower median RHpE scores (2/24, IQR 1,4; range 0,8) than other horses that finished (p < 0.001), those that were eliminated or retired (p < 0.001) or were withdrawn (p < 0.001). The RHpE score was ≥8/24 for 9.3% of starters; horses with a RHpE score ≥8/24 had higher total penalty scores (p < 0.001) than horses with a RHpE score <8/24. The overall low median RHpE score supports the social licence to compete, but 9% of starters had a RHpE score ≥8/24. Investigation and treatment of these horses may improve both welfare and performance.
© Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio, 2021
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