Age-Related Changes in the Behaviour of Domestic Horses as Reported by Owners.
Authors: Burattini Bibiana, Fenner Kate, Anzulewicz Ashley, Romness Nicole, McKenzie Jessica, Wilson Bethany, McGreevy Paul
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Age-Related Changes in Equine Behaviour Owner-reported boldness and independence represent distinct behavioural traits that influence both ridden horse performance and welfare outcomes, yet their associations with age and early training have received limited investigation. Researchers analysed responses from 1,940 horse owners using the Equine Behaviour Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ), selecting 20 items reflecting boldness and independence and applying ordinal logistic regression to examine effects of age, age at saddle-start, breed, discipline and rider experience. Older horses demonstrated significantly greater boldness (p = 0.012), whereas horses started under saddle at an older age exhibited reduced boldness and independence (p = 0.040 and p = 0.010 respectively). Breed and discipline substantially shaped these traits: Australian Stock Horses were bolder and more independent than crossbreeds, whilst dressage and therapy horses were notably less bold than discipline peers; additionally, horses ridden by experienced riders (>8 years) were rated more independent than those with lifetime-novice riders. Understanding these behavioural trajectories—particularly the finding that early saddle-start correlates with reduced boldness and independence—offers practitioners evidence-based guidance for initial training protocols, rider-horse matching strategies and selection criteria that could meaningfully enhance both safety margins and welfare outcomes across diverse equestrian disciplines.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Match horses to riders based on boldness and independence traits relevant to intended discipline; young horses started late under saddle may require experienced handlers due to reduced boldness and independence
- •Consider breed and discipline suitability when assessing behavioural traits affecting rider safety—dressage and therapy horses show lower boldness while working equitation horses show higher independence
- •Rider experience influences perception of horse independence; less experienced riders may benefit from horses with naturally higher boldness to improve safety outcomes
Key Findings
- •Older horses were significantly bolder (p = 0.012), but horses started under saddle at an older age were less bold and less independent (p = 0.040 and p = 0.010)
- •Australian Stock Horses demonstrated greater boldness and independence compared to crossbreeds, while Thoroughbreds and companion horses were less bold
- •Discipline type significantly affected boldness: dressage and therapy horses were less bold, while working equitation, eventing, and conformation horses were bolder
- •Boldness and independence were identified as separate traits, with only boldness associated with horse age; rider experience (>8 years) correlated with perception of greater independence in horses (p = 0.015)