Human direct actions may alter animal welfare, a study on horses (Equus caballus).
Authors: Lesimple Clémence, Fureix Carole, Menguy Hervé, Hausberger Martine
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary Back pain significantly compromises welfare in both humans and horses, yet vertebral problems in ridden animals frequently go undetected or unaddressed despite their impact on working capacity. Lesimple and colleagues assessed 19 horses from two riding centres using chiropractic examination combined with postural analysis of both equines and riders during ridden work, revealing that 74% of horses presented with severe vertebral pathology whilst only 26% showed mild or no spinal involvement. A notable correlation emerged between the degree of vertebral dysfunction identified at rest and horses' postural compensation patterns during work—specifically neck carriage and cervical curvature—which in turn directly correlated with rider position and balance; furthermore, the two riding establishments demonstrated distinct differences in both equine and human posture, with teaching protocols showing variable emphasis on rider position instruction. These findings constitute the first empirical evidence linking ridden work directly to spinal pathology severity and underscore the welfare implications of poor rider biomechanics, suggesting that structured instruction in rider balance and position during early training may substantially reduce musculoskeletal strain and improve equine welfare outcomes. For practitioners, this work highlights the interdependence of rider posture and equine spinal health, supporting the case for prioritising postural education and potentially advocating for chiropractic or veterinary screening to identify vertebral involvement before compensatory movement patterns become established.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •High prevalence of undiagnosed back problems in riding horses suggests regular spinal assessment should be standard practice; many horses may be working in pain and discomfort
- •Rider position directly affects horse posture and spinal mechanics—investing in proper rider instruction and position correction is not just about technique, it directly impacts your horse's physical welfare
- •Schools and instructors should prioritize teaching correct rider balance and position from the start, as this is foundational to preventing or managing spinal problems in working horses
Key Findings
- •74% of riding horses examined had severe vertebral problems identified through chiropractic examination, while only 26% were mildly or not affected
- •Degree of vertebral problems at rest was statistically correlated with horses' postures during work (neck height and curve)
- •Horses' work postures were clearly correlated with riders' positions, indicating direct rider influence on spinal loading
- •Riding schools differed significantly in instructor attention to rider position, with implications for horse welfare outcomes