Introduction:Veterinary disciplinary boards (VDBs) evaluate complaints from animal owners regarding the healthcare of animals. It is important that these boards safeguard the quality of veterinary care, but how veterinarians are affected psychosocially is also relevant. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions, attitudes and experiences among veterinarians concerning the Swedish VDB, taking account of respondent characteristics. Materials and methods:A web-based questionnaire targeting veterinarians in current or former clinical practice was launched in 2024. There were 1,054 responses initiated and of these 819 were completed. Results:Half of the respondents had had complaints filed against them, but only 1 in 10 had received a sanction. Few veterinarians left clinical work because of VDB-related issues. Many veterinarians were relatively unaware about VDB processes and did not worry excessively about complaints being filed, respondents replying 'cannot evaluate' ranged 33-61% for these questions. However, 18% worried very much about having complaints filed. While veterinarians identified that VDB assessments increased record keeping and emphasis on communication, they generally felt that the VDB had relatively little effect on the patient outcomes for animals seen. Some animal owners who had previously submitted complaints would be denied access if veterinarians were aware of those complaints. Instituting operational oversight was considered a valuable adjunct to current regulation (43.7% 'agreed completely'). Discussion:Overall, respondents found that the VDB performs an important task, while areas for improvement were identified, including transparency of procedures. One way to mitigate worries of complaints could be increased education and training in soft skills, including skills for communication and management of complaints.

Abstract Background This study examined complaints submitted to the Veterinary Disciplinary Board for Animal Health Staff in Sweden to identify reporting reasons, case outcomes, and recurring themes. A quantitative compilation and qualitative thematic analysis were conducted on 500 disciplinary cases processed 2021, 2022 and 2023 (n = 86, n = 227, n = 187). Results Of 500 cases, 87% did not lead to sanctions, of which 21% (n = 106) were fully dismissed. The sanctions were admonitions (n = 48; less severe), warnings (n = 7; more severe), probations (n = 3) and revoked licence (n = 1). Veterinarians accounted for the majority of reported animal health staff (522/608). Thematic analysis identified three overarching reasons for reporting: clinical errors and quality of care (such as perceived mistakes in diagnostics, treatment, or examination), professionalism and ethics (including e.g. perceived lack of empathy towards owners or animals), and communication and information (including e.g. perceived loss of autonomy). These themes illustrate that while clinical competence is central, non-medical aspects play a critical role in owners’ perceptions of care. A limitation of thematic analysis is its subjectivity; different researchers may identify different themes in the same data due to interpretative differences. Conclusion In conclusion, prominent sub-themes were linked to non-medical issues, underscoring the need for effective communication and professionalism to prevent conflicts and build trust between veterinary staff and animal owners.

Cellulitis in commercially reared broiler chickens is a common cause of condemnation at slaughter. In this retrospective observational study, we aimed to identify parameters in the broiler production chain that could be associated with the condemnation percentage due to dermatitis/cellulitis at meat inspection. Production data were acquired from an industry production database and involved 90 farms and 4697 broiler chicken flocks placed from May 2021 to November 2022. Data were analysed using mixed effect modelling with broiler compartment nested in farm as the random effect. The analyses showed that higher mean age of parent flocks and higher stocking density at placement in combination with age of chicken flocks at slaughter were associated with higher condemnation due to dermatitis/cellulitis. Higher footpad score was associated with lower condemnation due to dermatitis/cellulitis, even at the slaughterhouse which had a higher dermatitis/cellulitis condemnation percentage. In flocks where thinning was practiced, defined as by more than four days between slaughter occasions, there was lower condemnation due to dermatitis/cellulitis. In addition, small broiler compartments, season, feed mills and feed company were associated with the outcome. There was a risk of information bias as multiple stakeholders contributed data. As several parameters were associated with condemnation due to dermatitis/cellulitis the results suggest a multi-factorial preventive approach. Further, the study emphasizes the need for further research to understand how these parameters affect the condemnation due to dermatitis/cellulitis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1403483.].

Rein tension signals are commonly used to communicate with a horse during riding. In accordance with the principles of negative reinforcement, tension on the reins acts as signals and motivates a horse to change behavior, while release of rein tension reinforces the correct behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate if the features of rider rein tension signals and timing of the release have effects on the magnitude of rein tension, horse response latency, as well as horse behavior and head posture, during downward transitions. Nine riders rode the same eight horses in a crossover design, making eight transitions from trot to walk with each horse. Rein tension was measured and from video recordings the timing of the riders' application of the decelerating rein signal and of the release were registered along with gait, behavior and head posture. Analyzing data using linear mixed models, it was found that median and minimum rein tension (p = 0.001) increased during the rein tension signal, compared to in trot before the transition. During the release median (p < =0.001) and maximum rein tension (p < 0.0001) decreased compared to during the rein tension signal. Interestingly, the timing of the release in relation to the downward transition varied among riders. The release was, in most cases, given 'during' the downward transition (70 %). However, in 19 % of the trials, the release was given 'before' the transition had begun, during the trot, and in 11 % the release was given 'after' the transition had ended, during the walk. Releasing rein tension 'before' the transition had begun was associated with longer response latency (p < 0.05). Maximum rein tension was lower at the fifth and eighth trial compared to the first (p = 0.02). Horse head movements were generally associated with lower magnitudes of rein tension when present compared to absent, while open mouth was associated with higher maximum rein tension. Since rein tension acts on the sensitive structures of the horse's mouth and/or head/nose, further research on ways of reducing rein tension magnitude would benefit equine welfare. There is also room for further research on the implementation of cues, in isolation and together, to investigate riders' communication via the reins as well as how to effectively implement learning theory into practice for riders on all levels.

Riding relies on embodied and practical knowledge and is predominantly taught during practical lessons. Effective teaching is dependent on relevant instructions and evaluation from the riding teacher or trainer. The aim was to investigate how riding instructions affect horse and rider motion and rein tension during transitions between walk and trot.Two Swedish (S1, S2) and two Norwegian (N1, N2) riding teachers, and five riders per location participated. Each rider rode two horses, 40 lessons total. Videos, horse and rider kinematics and rein tension were recorded. The teachers were interviewed, teacher-student interactions were analysed using conversation analysis. Biomechanical data were analysed in mixed models.S1 and N2 spent about a third of their lessons preparing the students while S2 and N1 began with straight-line walk-trot transitions early on. With S1 and N2, maximum rein tension before and during down-transitions was lower than with S2 or N1. S2 and N2 focused relatively more on the walk, asking the riders to count each walk stride or focus on the rhythm. With S2, the timing between up-down movements of the withers and croup in walk was closest to the ideal 25% (16-17% vs. 8-14% for the others, p<0.05). With N2, horses showed the best walk hind limb protraction consistency (stride-to-stride difference 1.2-1.3° vs. 1.5-1.7°, p<0.05).The results show that experienced riding teachers can have a consistent influence on a group of students and indicate that lesson design impacts rein tension. Experiences from this study can be used to inform teaching of riding, for the benefit of both riders and horse welfare.

Introduction:In a 10-15-year period, veterinary clinics in Sweden and Norway, as elsewhere, have undergone widespread corporatisation. High veterinary care costs have received attention in the lay press and from competition authorities. Whether corporate chains and independent clinics differ in price levels and how clinic characteristics, such as on-call service, affect pricing is not well-documented. The aim was to analyse prices levels and price changes for various diagnoses/procedures for dogs, cats, and horses from clinics in Norway and Sweden and to examine the influence of affiliation (corporate chain, government-run, or independent), extraction date, and clinic characteristics (e.g., on-call service) on prices. Materials and methods:Data from a price comparison site were extracted five times between 2 January 2023 and 2 January 2024. Prices for procedures such as vaccinations, gonadectomy, euthanasia, emergency care, diagnostic imaging, certification, and planned surgery were included. Descriptive statistics and mixed models were used to analyse effects of affiliation (Anicura, The Swedish District Vet Officers (DV), Dyrenes venn, Empet, Evidensia, Vettris, and independent), clinic characteristics (animal hospital or not, on-call service, and number of hours open Mon-Fri), and extraction date. Results:Prices were analysed for 37 procedures (16 dogs, 11cats, and 10 horses) from 771 clinics, of which 502 (65%) were independent. Most clinics with corporate affiliation belonged to Evidensia and Anicura. In statistically significant comparisons, their prices were generally higher than those from the independent group. For Anicura, the median annual price increase (in Euro) was 8%, DV 5%, Dyrenes venn 53%, Empet 12%, Evidensia 15%, Vettris 7%, and the independent group 6%. Multivariable results generally corroborated the descriptive figures. Discussion:Targeting a range of procedures in two nearby countries, veterinary care prices varied with country, clinic characteristics, and affiliation. Clinics belonging to corporate chains charged higher prices than independent clinics. Most prices increased over the year. Possible reasons for the differences between clinics are investments in equipment or number of staff, expenditure on continued education of staff, or different demands for profit. Increased price transparency within veterinary care might reduce the impact of high prices and perhaps also limit price increases.

Laterality or sidedness in the horse is commonly addressed as part of the horse’s training. An international online survey regarding horse and rider sidedness and asymmetry was conducted, with 2304 useable responses. Confidence intervals (95%) were used to evaluate if some response options were chosen more frequently. Discounting answers of ‘not sure’ or ‘not applicable’, the right fore hoof was more often perceived to be more upright (22%) than the left (15%), and the left shoulder was more prominent (24%) more often than the right (17%), whilst most respondents reported no difference. Both lunging and bending was perceived to be most difficult to the right (48% and 52%) than to the left (33% and 42%), and more horses fell in on the right circle (lunging 40%, riding 38%) than on the left (31% and 33%). Horses commonly tracked their hindquarters to the left in walk, trot and left canter. Correspondence analysis showed that responses indicating horse side bias and relative symmetry, respectively, were associated across several questions, suggesting consistent individual patterns. While the mechanisms underpinning sidedness remain unclear, this study provides insights into horse owners’ perceptions of laterality and related matters.

Background Bacteria, diet and host factors play important roles for caries in humans. Streptococcus devriesei has been associated with infundibular caries in horses, a bacterial species that has similar properties to Streptococcus mutans that is associated with caries in humans. We investigated differences between two groups of horses, one with and one without maxillary P2 caries, to elucidate the relationship of caries to feeding regimes and environmental factors. Of all 71 horses included, 39 had the diagnoses of caries in the infundibula of the second maxillary molars (P2), and were presented at an animal dental clinic during a 6-month period. Matched by region, usage, discipline and date of examination controls (n=32), i.e. horseswith no signs of infundibular caries, were used as a comparison group. All owners filled in a questionnaire on feeding, type of use and environmental factors. Results: Significant differences between the two groups were found for four factors: In the caries group there was a higher presence of excessive tooth abrasion caused by the bit on P2s, and higher proportion of feed concentrate given to the horses; in the non-caries group, more horses spent time on pasture in the summer, and there was a higher proportion of horses with a post normal occlusion. There was no difference between groups regarding other types of forage. Conclusions: Tooth abrasion caused by the bit and too little time eating roughage were found to be risk factors connected with P2-infundibular caries in horses. These finding indicates that caries constitute a “multifactorial disease” in horses, as is the case in humans.

IntroductionIn recent years, prices for veterinary care have received considerable attention in mainstream media, yet scientific literature has not delved into actual figures. This study aims to elucidate veterinary care costs for dogs, cats, and horses across five countries [Sweden (SE), Norway (NO), Denmark (DK), United Kingdom (UK), and Ireland (IR, with limited data)] through web searches.MethodsUtilising online business directories, we located URLs featuring veterinary care prices in autumn 2022, and repeated tri-monthly five times. Vetpris.se (VP), a price comparison site for SE, NO, and DK, emerged from the search. Additionally, we sought to compare price data from veterinary clinics (ranging from animal hospitals to small private clinics) using a similar approach to VP. We targeted elective procedures (e.g., gonadectomy, GDY) and common procedures (e.g., pyometra surgery in dogs).ResultsComparing data from the same clinics’ websites and from VP within extraction from autumn 2022 to winter 2023/2024, median prices for dog and cat GDY were largely consistent. By October 2023, median prices for male cat GDY ranged from €72 (SE) to €230 (DK), and €130 (SE) to €361 (DK) for females; for dog GDY from €390 (SE) to €599 (DK) for males, and €461 (UK) to €1015 (DK) for females. Across sources, median prices for cat and dog GDY increased by 2–24% over a year for procedures with at least 10 clinics per extraction. Equine GDY (per sedation and local analgaesia) in SE saw a 64% increase by year-end, with a median price of €492. Emergency surgeries during regular-hours (e.g., pyometra and caesarean section) in SE were approximately €2,300 at the last extraction, marking a 27% increase for pyometra surgery during regular-hours and 15% after-hours compared to the previous year. Variability existed within and across countries and diagnoses/procedures.DiscussionCross-validation suggested VP generally provided reliable information, though data points for emergencies were limited. Our web searching tool necessitated extensive manual verification, indicating room for further development. We recommend enhancing price transparency for animal owners to become better informed about the cost of veterinary care and be able to make informed choices.

Pressure from the bit in the horse's mouth, rein tension, likely feels unpleasant to the horse due to sensitive oral tissues. Through trial and error, the horse may learn how to adjust their behavior in order to avoid, diminish or cease uncomfortable sensations from the bit. We hypothesized that oral behaviors and head movements in response to rein tension have the function to avoid or escape the rein tension. The study objective was to assess in what way oral behaviors and head movements affect rein tension and determine the magnitude of rein tension at the onset and end of these behaviors. Twenty Warmblood horses were fitted with a bitted bridle and subjected to 8 trials of backing up in response to a rein tension signal with the handler standing next to the horse's withers. The rein tension signal was gradually increased and then immediately released when the horse stepped back. A rein tension meter and video recordings were used for data collection. Linear mixed models were used for the statistical analysis. There was a decrease in mean rein tension (sum of left and right rein) from onset to end for open mouth (P < 0.001, from 19 to 11 Newtons (N), biting on the bit (P = 0.004, from 11 to 5 N), and head upward (P = 0.024, from 16 to 12 N), while there was an increase in rein tension associated with head forward (P = 0.015, from 27 to 37 N) and head downward (P < 0.001, from 17 to 46 N). Our results suggest that horses will open their mouth, or bite on the bit, to alleviate the oral tissues from pressure; move the head upward to avoid rein tension and move the head forward or downward to increase rein tension, likely in a presumed attempt to break free from the pressure applied. The horse's oral behaviors and head movements during training can be used to gain a greater understanding of how the horse perceives the magnitude of rein tension.

BACKGROUND During orthopaedic assessment of lame horses, a head nod is commonly present in both primary forelimb and hindlimb lame horses. Additional motion metrics that could assist clinicians in correctly differentiating between these two scenarios would be of great clinical value. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to examine whether withers movement asymmetry can be used in a clinical setting to distinguish primary forelimb lameness from compensatory head movement asymmetry due to primary hindlimb lameness. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective, multicentre study. METHODS Movement asymmetry of head, withers and pelvis was measured using multi-camera optical motion capture, as part of routine lameness investigations at four European equine hospitals. Vertical movement asymmetry parameters from 317 horses trotting in a straight line were compared before and after successful diagnostic analgesia of a single limb. Descriptive statistics, t-tests and linear models were used to analyse the data. RESULTS In forelimb lame horses, 80%-81% showed head and withers asymmetry both indicating lameness in the same forelimb. In hindlimb lame horses, 69%-72% showed head asymmetry ipsilateral to the lame hindlimb and withers asymmetry diagonal to the lame hindlimb, thus, head and withers asymmetry indicated lameness in different forelimbs. A large (>15 mm) compensatory head nod was seen in 28%-31% of the hindlimb lame horses. In 89%-92% of these, head and withers asymmetry indicated lameness in different forelimbs. Withers asymmetry decreased linearly with reduced head or pelvic asymmetry for both forelimb and hindlimb lame horses. MAIN LIMITATIONS Compensatory strategies were evaluated on group level to identify common patterns, potentially ignoring uncommon individual strategies. CONCLUSIONS Withers vertical movement asymmetry metrics can be useful in helping to locate the primary lame limb during quantitative lameness assessment. Head and withers movement asymmetry parameters generally indicate the same forelimb in forelimb lame horses, but different forelimbs in hindlimb lame horses.

Background Horses commonly show asymmetries that manifest as left (L)-right (R) differences in vertical excursion of axial body segments. Moving on a circle confounds inherent individual asymmetries. Our goals were to evaluate individual and group asymmetry patterns and compare objective data with subjective impressions of side preference/laterality in horses walking on L and R circles. Methods Fifteen horses walked on L and R circles unridden and ridden on long and short reins. Optical motion capture (150 Hz) tracked skin-fixed markers. Variables were trunk horizontal angle; neck-to-trunk angle; vertical range of motion (ROM) for the head, withers and sacrum; ROM for pelvic roll, pitch, and yaw; mean pelvic pitch; and ROM for hip, stifle and tarsal joints. Differences between inside and outside hind steps were determined for vertical minima and maxima of the head (HMinDiff/HMaxDiff), withers (WMinDiff/WMaxDiff) and sacrum (PMinDiff/PMaxDiff). Subjective laterality was provided by owners. Data analysis used mixed models, first without and then with subjective laterality. Iterative k-means cluster analysis was used to associate biomechanical variables with subjective laterality. Results PMaxDiff, PMinDiff and WMaxDiff indicated R limb asymmetry in both directions. WMinDiff indicated L (inside) fore asymmetry for L direction but was close to zero for R direction. Hip ROM was significantly smaller for the inside limb in both directions (L inside/outside: 16.7° vs. 20.6°; R: 17.8° vs. 19.4°). Stifle ROM was significantly larger for the inside limb in both directions (L: 43.1° vs. 39.0°; R: 41.9° vs. 40.4°). Taking the general direction effect into account the R hip and L stifle had larger ROM. Adding laterality to the models (seven horses L- vs. six horses R-hollow), PMaxDiff R hind asymmetry was more obvious for L-hollow horses than for R-hollow horses. L-hollow horses had greater pelvic roll ROM moving in L vs. R direction. L-hollow horses had smaller inside and greater outside hip joint ROM in L vs. R direction. R-hollow horses had a significant difference in HMinDiff between L (0 mm) and R (−14 mm) directions, indicating less head lowering at outside forelimb midstance in R direction, and larger outside tarsal ROM in R (38.6°) vs. L (37.4°) direction (p ≤ 0.05). The variables that agreed most frequently with subjective laterality in cluster analysis were pelvic roll ROM, followed by HMinDiff and PMaxDiff. Conclusion Differences between horses walking in L and R directions were found both at group and individual levels, as well as evidence of associations with subjective laterality. Horses maintained more symmetric hip and stifle ROM and withers vertical motion when walking on the R circle. Findings suggest that left and right lateralised horses may not be perfect mirror images. Pelvic roll ROM emerged as a promising variable to determine laterality in walk as perceived by the rider, especially when considered together with other variables.

Equine back function is of concern to riders, as well as to veterinarians and physiotherapists; these groups may benefit from knowledge about spinal motion on the circle. This descriptive and comparative study aimed to quantify equine neck, back and pelvic motion in walk, trot and canter on a 9 m circle. Sixteen healthy horses in training, of varying breed and conformation, were measured using optical motion capture (150 Hz), with optical markers on the poll, withers, T15, tubera coxae and lumbosacral joint. Cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar flexion–extension and lateral bending, and pelvic roll, pitch and yaw, were statistically evaluated using mixed models. Motion patterns showed distinct differences between gaits, but were generally similar between horses. The thoracolumbar back was bent towards the inside of the circle (stride mean 5-6º for all gaits). The cervicothoracic spine was more flexed in walk (18°), and more extended in canter (-4—-8°), compared to trot (6–7°), whereas the thoracolumbar spine was slightly less extended in canter than in walk. Thoracolumbar flexion–extension range of motion (ROM) increased from walk (4°) to canter (9°), as did pelvic pitch ROM (walk 7° and canter 15–16°), while back lateral bending ROM and pelvic yaw ROM were lowest in trot. Taken together, the study findings suggest that neck and back motion patterns on the circle reflect an interaction between the constraints of circular movement, and the mechanics and characteristics of each gait.

When collecting the horse, the rider influences stride length, forehand/hindquarters balance, and head-neck position. The study aim was to describe the vertical excursion of the withers and croup, and the sagittal cannon angles during collection and lateral exercises. Ten horses were ridden by five riders during 14 trials (1-5 per rider) on 10 m circles. Each trial included free walk, four degrees of increasing collection, and haunches-in and shoulderin. Inertial measurement units (100 Hz) were positioned on the withers, the first sacral vertebra (S1) and laterally on the cannons. Data for each exercise were stride-split. Range of motion (ROM), minima and maxima were studied in mixed models, controlling for stride duration. S1 vertical ROM ranged between 30-32 mm (highest degree of collection) and 51 mm (free walk), significantly smaller with increasing collection. S1 ROM during the inside hind limb step was smaller in haunches-in and shoulder-in compared to at the lowest degree of collection. Withers ROM ranged between 12 mm (lowest degree of collection) and 16-18 mm (highest degree of collection). Fore cannon protraction-retraction ROM ranged between 57° (highest degree of collection) and 63° (free walk). Hind cannon protraction-retraction ROM ranged between 47-50° (highest degree of collection) and 51-56° (free walk). All limbs had significantly smaller ROM at the highest degree of collection. Cannon ROMs were smaller for the outer limbs in haunches-in, and all limbs but the outer fore in shoulder-in, compared to the lowest degree of collection. Progressively decreasing ROM for fore- and hind limb cannons and S1 suggest that the riders achieved a shortening of the gait at higher degrees of collection. In shoulder-in and haunches-in, the diagonal oriented in the direction of motion showed decreased hind limb cannon ROM while forelimb cannon ROM was maintained, which could suggest increased shoulder freedom and collection of the targeted diagonal.

The increasing popularity of objective gait analysis makes application in prepurchase examinations (PPE) a logical next step. Therefore, there is a need to have more understanding of asymmetry during a PPE in horses described on clinical evaluation as subtly lame. The objective of this study is to objectively compare asymmetry in horses raising minor vet concerns in a PPE and in horses raising major vet concerns with that found in horses presented with subtle single-limb lameness, and to investigate the effect of age/discipline on the clinicians' interpretation of asymmetry on the classification of minor vet concerns in a PPE. Clinical case-series. Horses presented for PPE ( n  = 98) or subjectively evaluated as single limb low-grade (1–2/5) lame ( n  = 24, 13 forelimb lame, 11 hindlimb lame), from the patient population of a single clinic, were enrolled in the study provided that owners were willing to participate. Horses undergoing PPE were assigned a classification of having minor vet concerns ( n  = 84) or major vet concerns ( n  = 14) based on findings during the dynamic-orthopaedic part of the PPE. Lame horses were only included if pain-related lameness was confirmed by an objective improvement after diagnostic analgesia exceeding daily variation determined for equine symmetry parameters using optical motion capture. Clinical evaluation was performed by six different clinicians, each with ≥8 years of equine orthopaedic experience. Vertical movement symmetry was measured using optical motion capture, simultaneously with the orthopaedic examination. Data were analysed using previously described parameters and mixed model analysis and least squares means were used to calculate differences between groups. There was no effect of age or discipline on the levels of asymmetry within PPE horses raising minor vet concerns. MinDiff and RUD of the head discriminated between forelimb lame and PPE horses raising minor vet concerns; MinDiff, MaxDiff, RUD of the Pelvis, HHDswing and HHDstance did so for hindlimb lameness. Two lameness patterns differentiated both forelimb and hindlimb lame from PPE horses with minor vet concerns: RUD Poll + MinDiff Withers – RUD Pelvis and RUD Pelvis + RUD Poll − MinDiff Withers. Correcting for vertical range of motion enabled differentiation of PPE horses with minor vet concerns from PPE horses with major vet concerns. Objective data only based on trot on soft surface, limited number of PPE horses with major vet concerns. Combinations of kinematic parameters discriminate between PPE horses with minor vet concerns and subtly lame horses, though overlap exists.

Horseracing is under public scrutiny with increasing demands to safeguard horse welfare. It is accepted that, as a result of bit pressure and/or equipment, mouth lesions accompany many types of horse use, including racing. However, there are currently no data available on the range of bit pressures in driven trotters. Our aim was to investigate whether rein tension (RT, proxy for bit pressures) differs among gaits, between tempo within gait, between horses and drivers, and between left/right reins. Standardbreds (n = 9), driven by experienced drivers (n = 11), performed exercise tests on a racetrack (cross-over design; total 31 tests, data available from 26 tests). Horses' motion symmetry was measured before tests (trotting in hand). Rein tension, speed and heart rate were measured during exercise. A moving-window filter was applied to RT raw data. Median, maximum and interquartile range for the estimated stride median RT were determined for each rein (left/right) and segment: walk; circling in slow trot followed by transition to faster trot; fast (racing) trot; and slowing down to walk. Mixed models were used for statistical analysis. Least square means for segment median RT ranged between 17–19 N in walk, 34–40 N during circling-accelerating, 51–62 N in fast trot, and 53–71 N for slowing down. Segment maximum RT was between 60–81 N in walk, 104–106 N during circling-accelerating, 72–86 N in fast trot, and 86–129 N during slowing down. Interquartile ranges were between 7–9 N in walk, 28–31 N during circling-accelerating, 8–10 N in fast trot, and 12–18 N for slowing down. Hind limb asymmetry exceeded the recommended threshold in three horses and was associated with higher median (48 N) and maximum (106 N) RT than symmetric horses (29 N and 73 N, respectively, p < 0.01). Consistent left-right asymmetry in RT was more common among horses than among drivers. Rein tension increased with increasing heart rate (p ≤ 0.0006). Rein tensions were higher than those reported during riding or in horses worked from the ground. The findings of high RT, taken together with the high reported prevalence of oral injuries in harness trotters, call for further research into RT, motion symmetry and use of equipment.

The study investigated between-rider differences in pelvic roll and pitch motion during horseback riding as the horse walked around circles without rein contact (walk on long reins), with rein contact, and with moderate collection. Ten horses were ridden by five riders on left and right 10 m circles, in a partly crossed design, yielding 14 trials. Each trial included each of the three walk variations in both directions. Riders wore an inertial measurement unit (IMU), logging at 100 Hz, dorsally on the pelvis. Pelvic roll and pitch data were split into strides based on data from IMU-sensors on the horse's hind cannons. Data were analyzed using signal decomposition into the fundamental frequency (the stride frequency) and its first two harmonics. Mixed models accounting for the type of walk were used to analyze how riders differed in roll and pitch pelvic motion in two ways: comparing amplitudes of the frequency components and comparing whole stride mean data. Graphically pelvic pitch showed substantial timing and amplitude differences between riders, and this was confirmed statistically. Pelvic roll timing was similar, but amplitude varied between the riders, both graphically and statistically. Individual rider patterns tended to persist across different horses and all exercises. These results suggest that exercises at walk can be ridden with different pelvis pitch timing, a fact that has so far not been discussed in the equestrian literature. Whether pelvic pitch timing affects the horse's performance remains to be investigated.

Effective communication between driver and horse through the reins is essential in harness racing to promote safety and optimise performance. Yet, the magnitudes of rein tension applied to driven horses, particularly Standardbred trotters (ST) are currently poorly understood. This is surprising given the number of reports that speak of mouth lesions after competition and equipment use that give raise to horse welfare concerns. Combining rein tension measurements with behavioural parameters has the potential to characterize "driveability " (as compared to "rideability ", the equivalent industry term for riding horses). Thus, the aims of the current study were: (i) identify how drivers perceive ST's behavioural reactions in response to rein signals when driven on a racetrack, (ii) investigate whether drivers' subjective appraisals of horses' behavioural responses align with measured rein tensions (RT), (iii) relate these appraisals to the horses' perceived driveability (score 1 = poor, 10 = excellent), and (iv) assess whether drivers differ in their scoring of horses' driveability. Nine ST (5 geldings, 7.8 mean +/- 2.1 SE years; 4 mares, 6.8 +/- 0.5) were driven by 11 drivers (7 females; 4 males) all of whom were experienced in driving ST. Nine drivers tested three different horses each, and two drivers drove two of the horses. This resulted in 31 test drives involving several segments, each comprising a series of changes of gait and direction of travel. Rein tension meters were used throughout. After each test, drivers were asked to report on their experience of each horse they had just driven and to estimate RT (continuous rating scale from 0 to 50 kg) while driving that horse. Overall, segment had a significant effect on median RT (P < 0.001), with RT rising significantly in racing trot (average 59 N; Trot Left/Trot Right) than trotting on a circle (23 N; Circle Left/Circle Right) and walking (8 N), and was higher in counter-clockwise than in clockwise direction in racing trot (P = 0.058). Furthermore, there was an alignment between recorded RT and drivers' estimates of perceived RT (P < 0.001), and driveability scores increased when estimated RT increased. The current study has confirmed that rein tensiometry may have a place in providing an evidence-base for consistent rein use, especially when horses are driven by multiple drivers. Whether or not soft tissue damage after competitive racing is correlated to higher peak RT, caused by the use of harsher equipment, or a combination of both, merits further investigation.