BACKGROUND:Due to the incorporation of the Golden American Saddlebred Horse Association (GASHA) into the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA), breeding for coat color has become more challenging for horse breeders. However, with this merger, pedigree tracing can be of value in pinpointing foundation bloodlines within the GASHA that influence production of the golden coat phenotype. OBJECTIVES:The study objective was to document the historical origins of the GASHA through pedigree tracing to determine the influence of dilution alleles that produce the golden coat phenotype. METHODS:A sample of 550 horses was obtained from the GASHA Official Directory. Using the All-Breed Database, sampled horses were examined for pedigrees suitable for color inheritance analysis with 507 being found to have extended pedigrees with coat color documentation that were traced to record lineage and associated coat color assignments. RESULTS:Pedigrees traced determined 43 % carried the champagne dilution allele, 36.1 % carried the crème dilution allele, and 20 % had non-informative pedigrees that either traced back to unknown ancestors or were found to have incorrect ancestry. Another 0.9 % were determined to be obligate carriers for the crème dilution allele due to conflicting color designation. All pedigrees traced back to six foundation mares with the majority tracing back to two of these mares, Maud which carried the champagne dilution allele and Allens Queen which carried the crème dilution allele. CONCLUSION:Through pedigree tracing the GASHA origins were documented, unveiling genetic contributions for today's GASHA golden coat phenotype that can facilitate selective breeding practices.

Students across college campuses are struggling with mental health as suicide is one of the leading causes of death in young adults. As such, alternative approaches from traditional therapeutic interventions for addressing mental health are growing in popularity including the use of animal interaction. While some campuses are now offering mental health programs where licensed mental health professionals use animal interaction for addressing student mental health challenges, others offer interactive opportunities with an animal where students can freely spend time with the animal without the guidance or supervision of a mental health professional. Research has investigated the value of animal interaction on campuses, but studies concerning the impact of the knowledgebase and background of the individual leading the animal interaction within these campus-based mental health programs have yet to be investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the efficacy in reducing stress as observed in cortisol concentrations through equine interaction led by a licensed mental health professional compared to that led by an equine professional within a campus-based mental health program. Participants for the equine interaction led by a mental health professional (n = 3) and by an equine professional (n = 14) were all full-time college students and were recruited using on-campus announcements. Both groups completed one hour of ground-based horse handling. Salivary cortisol was collected from both groups within 10 minutes pre- and post- equine interaction. Data was analyzed using t-tests pre-post sessions within groups and between groups. Statistical significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05 with tendencies at P ≤ 0.10. Results indicated a tendency in cortisol concentration reduction within those students working with the equine professional (P = 0.053), while the same was not observed for those working with the mental health professional (P = 0.421). However, the students working with the mental health professional had significantly lower cortisol concentrations pre- (P < 0.001) and post- (P < 0.001) session when compared to the other group. This may suggest that the presence of the mental health professional prior to the initiation of the equine interaction assisted in reducing stress levels, so that further reduction of stress with the introduction of the horse was insignificant. While, in contrast, the horse was a valuable surrogate for facilitating stress reduction for those students not working with the mental health professional. However, it is important to note that while recruitment efforts were similar for both programs, less students were recruited for the session conducted by the mental health professional, suggesting the stigma associated with therapeutic inventions can be a limiting factor for such campus-based programs. These results can provide insight as campuses work to develop effective mental health programs for students.

Universities are facing an increasing number of college students struggling with mental health challenges. While mental health services have historically been available on campuses, the rate of students being diagnosed with mental health disorders continues to rise, suggesting alternative approaches to therapeutic interventions beyond talk therapy is required. Recently, equine interactive programs have been introduced on campus as one of these alternative therapeutic interventions. However, the physical nature of equine activities could be a limitation to participation, and as such, virtual equine interactive options have emerged. Nonetheless, exercise has been shown to promote positive feelings. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine if there is a relationship between heart rate and unmounted in-person equine interaction compared to virtual interaction for addressing perceived stress within college students. The day before finals week, full-time college students (n = 14) were recruited for an in-person equine interaction program with unmounted activities, including grooming, grazing, and leading the horse. Likewise, full-time college students (n = 12) were recruited to participate in equine interaction using a virtual reality system that included similar equine activities. Both interactive activities lasted under an hour. Heart rate data was collected using wearable wrist monitors, and self-perceived stress was collected through pre- and post-surveys for both treatment types. Data was analyzed using pre-post t-tests as well as correlation analysis between heart rate and perceived stress. For those participating in-person, results showed that the heart rate significantly increased (P = 0.003) and perceived stress significantly decreased (P < 0.0001). For those participating virtually, neither heart rate nor perceived stress were significantly changed (P = 0.096 and P = 0.064, respectively). There were no correlations between heart rate and perceived stress for either the in-person (P = 0.790) or the virtual equine interaction (P = 0.506). These results suggest that in-person equine interaction is more effective for reducing stress. However, since heart rate did not have a relationship with this lowering of stress, this reduction may not be solely based off of the physical activity associated with equine-based ground handling; but rather the direct interaction with the horse, although further research is warranted.

Almost 10% of American youth are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While not a learning disability, this diagnosis results in youth being labeled academically "at-risk." While equine assisted services (EAS) promote an emotionally safe learning environment for at-risk youth, program availability is limited. Horse breed associations, however, offer programs nationwide for all youth, although these programs do not have a therapeutic intention. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to utilize a survey to determine program participation and associated development of life skills and goals for ADHD youth. A survey was developed with the following: 15 fixed-response multiple-choice questions, one question formatted as a rating scale concerning development of 10 life skills, and an open-ended response section for feedback concerning the survey and the programs. Participants (n = 58) included the following: 1) parents of ADHD youth who had participated or were participating in breed association youth activities or 2) individuals with ADHD who had participated as a youth in these activities. The majority participated in these programs >10 years (71%) utilizing multiple horses (3-5 horses: 38%). Investment within these programs (>$40,000: 86%) exceeded financial returns ($3,000-$5,000: 33%). The majority of respondents were in agreement that these programs had impacted academic ("Definitely Yes": 69%) and career ("Somewhat Yes": 67%) goals. All of the life skills improved with participation with "respect" having the highest rating. While EAS has shown promise for ADHD youth, breed association youth programs may be a complementary approach in working with these youth.

Equine-assisted services (EAS) is a relatively new area of study within higher education requiring the development of a curriculum that best prepares the undergraduate student for the demands of the industry. Further, coursework targeting the specific management challenges for ensuring the welfare of horses utilized within EAS is limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to apply an industry-based survey assessment utilizing EAS professionals within the United States to document management practices associated with healthcare and pain management challenges in the EAS horse. Suggested curriculum for undergraduate students targeting a career in EAS is given, utilizing data collected from the survey. Participant responses (n = 30) indicated that all of the surveyed facilities cared for more than three geriatric horses within their program, with the majority (60% responding “definitely yes”) utilizing regularly functionally lame horses, although the prevalence of lameness was not correlated with number of geriatric horses within a program (0.20, p = 0.22). While lameness is a common healthcare challenge within EAS, gastrointestinal conditions (73%) were one of the other leading health concerns for these facilities. The most common equine pain detection method for EAS facilities was behavior assessment (93%), in which this method was positively correlated with years of horse experience (0.51, p = 0.01). Horse pain was primarily managed through annual alternative therapeutic interventions (76%), daily prescriptions (73%), and nutritional supplements (73%). As such, the curriculum for undergraduate EAS degree programs should cover healthcare practices targeting geriatric horse management and associated health issues such as gastrointestinal conditions and lameness, including early detection and pharmaceutical, nutritional, and alternative therapeutic treatments.

Abstract The mental health crisis across college campuses became evident with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the pandemic, research showed an uptick in depression, anxiety, and substance abuse within the college student population. This trend led to campuses expanding therapeutic intervention opportunities for students to promote mental health including the introduction of campus-based equine interaction programs. However, research concerning the required length of curriculum utilizing equine interaction for promoting student mental health is conflicting. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to compare a short-term, 1-d equine interaction program to that of a long-term, semester-long program for promoting skill development, stress reduction, and self-perception among college students. College students selected between participation in one of the following non-therapeutic based equine interaction programs: 1) short-term (n = 8): a 1-h session taking place on 1 d, or 2) long-term (n = 32): a 10-hh program spread out across a semester (15 wk). Each group performed ground-based equine handling activities working with the same mental health professional. Both groups completed a pre- and post- survey instrument with questions targeting equine-based skill development (18 questions), academic-related stress levels (6 questions), and views associated with self-perception (7 questions). Data were analyzed using a two-tailed t-test to determine differences between pre- and post- survey instrument responses. Additionally, a mixed linear model in SAS was utilized to determine differences between the two groups. Significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. While long-term equine interaction did not significantly promote skill development within the student participants (P > 0.05), the students within the short-term equine interaction perceived a significant improvement in basic handling skills working with specific breeds (P = 0.029). As for student stress levels, the short-term equine interaction resulted in students perceiving a reduction in stress associated with the following four areas: typical daily stress levels (P = 0.009), stress levels concerning grades (P = 0.033), studying for finals (P = 0.019), and taking finals (P = 0.005). Students in the long-term equine interaction reported perceived stress reduction in only two areas: overall grade point average (P = 0.044) and general test anxiety (P = 0.029). While students in the short-term equine interaction reported no improvement in self-perception (P > 0.05), students in the long-term equine interaction perceived significant improvements in three areas of self-perception: confidence (P = 0.028), assertiveness (P = 0.035), and goal pursuit (P = 0.012). Nevertheless, no significant differences were found between the two groups for pre-responses (P = 0.312), post-responses (P = 0.604), nor pre-post -response differences (P = 0.962). These survey results suggest long-term equine interaction improved self-perception but did not offer additional benefits from that of the short-term equine interaction. This conclusion allows for colleges to offer programming that is more conducive to the schedule of the students allowing for scheduling that targets specific timepoints where mental health challenges may be heightened.

Insulin dysregulation (ID), core to equine metabolic syndrome, may present without obesity. Testing for ID risk is commonly based on breed and obese phenotype but might be valuable for non-obese stock-type horses. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ID in non-obese stock-type horses and evaluate if morphometric neck measurements (MNM) correlate with ID. Sixty-two, non-obese (BCS 5, range 2.5-6/9) stock-type horses were assessed for MNM: neck circumference at 25%, 50% (NC50), and 75% (NC75) length, and crest height. An oral sugar test (OST; 0.15 mL/kg BW corn syrup) was performed with blood taken pre- and 60 min post-OST for insulin (PREI, POSTI) and glucose (PREG, POSTG). Insulin dysregulation was defined as insulin concentration > 45 mu IU/mL POSTI. Three of 62 horses were ID (4.8%; 95% CI 1.0%-13.5%). Horses with ID had greater PREG (121.0 +/- 7.56 vs. 105.3 +/- 1.72 mg/dL; LS means +/- SEM; P = 0.04) and PREI (15.7 +/- 2.63 vs. 10.5 +/- 0.59 mu IU/mL; P = 0.05) than normal responders. Mares had greater PREI than geldings (11.7 +/- 0.76 vs. 9.4 +/- 0.89 mu IU/mL; P = 0.04). Stepwise regression indicated a weak relationship with crest height and POSTG (y = 51.27 + (0.88 x NC50); R-2 = 0.09; P = 0.02). Post-glucose correlated with NC50 (r = 0.30; P = 0.04) and NC75 (r = 0.29; P = 0.03). This study showed 4.8% of non-obese horses had ID, warranting testing irrespective of phenotype, but only a weak association between MNM and POSTG was found.

Psychotherapy incorporating equine interaction (PIE) is emerging as an effective supplemental substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Benefits are attributed to decreased stress levels associated with the presence of the horse, however, research concerning stress parameters related to short-term equine interaction during SUD treatment is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate cortisol concentrations in SUD patients participating in PIE for two weeks compared with those in traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Salivary cortisol samples were collected from two populations of SUD patients: 1) PIE participants (n = 18) and 2) CBT participants (n = 5). The impacts of the therapy type and the week of sampling were analyzed using a mixed linear model in SAS. Significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05. When comparing PIE to CBT, no impact associated with therapy type was determined (P = 0.74). Cortisol concentrations lacked significant changes during the two-week period for both therapeutic interventions. While short-term intervention lacked improvement in cortisol levels for both therapy types, further research is warranted to determine the most effective approach and duration of therapy.

Registration numbers for the Palomino Horse Breeders of America (PHBA) have risen with the assistance of new registration guidelines. These changes in guidelines allowed for registration of any horse with a palomino body color, including those with unknown pedigrees. While this promoted registry growth, documenting the breed's orgins from those known pedigrees making up the breed's foundation is important with the introduction of unknown pedigrees. This can be accomplished using pedigree tracing, which is of particular value for color registries as the study of coat color patterns is plagued with misunderstandings due to pedigrees with inaccurate color designations. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop an understanding of the historical origins of the modern PHBA stock-type horse through pedigree tracing. Horses (n = 460) were randomly sampled from published entries from 10 years (2012-2022) of the PHBA World Show Championship Horse Show. The All-Breed Database was utilized to obtain documentation of extended pedigrees that included uninterrupted generation-to-generation inheritance patterns of a cream dilution allele-influenced coat color. Pedigrees were traced back to the earliest recorded relative. We observed six foundation sires contributed to the modern PHBA stock-type horse with the majority (58%) tracing back to a sire named Old Fred. Two identified sires, Yellow Jacket (4%) and Cotton Eyed Joe (3%), have conflicts concerning color designation. While these results assist in documenting the breed's origins, genetic testing is required to accurately identify the cream dilution allele within the horses registered to ensure a phenotype-based solely on the cream dilution allele.

Psychotherapy incorporating equine interaction (PIE) is emerging as an effective treatment for substance use disorder (SUD); however, research concerning physiological impacts of PIE during substance withdrawal is lacking. This study investigated impacts of PIE on salivary cortisol concentrations and heart rates in SUD patients during withdrawal. Heart rate and cortisol concentrations were also measured in horses to investigate potential humanhorse coupling during PIE. Saliva samples and heart rates were collected from SUD patients (n = 18) and their therapy horses (n = 4) prior to the introduction of the horse and following equine interaction within a residential psychotherapy program during the substance withdrawal period. Without the presence of the horse, the equine environment during the first week of withdrawal produced lower (P = 0.05) cortisol and heart rate measures than found in the equine interaction for the SUD patients. Human heart rates, however, decreased (P = 0.01) in the second week in response to the equine interaction. A strong negative correlation (r = -0.9, P < 0.01) was found within the changes in human and horse cortisol concentrations during week two as human cortisol concentrations decreased while horse cortisol concentrations increased. Results indicate equine interaction during psychotherapy is more effective in the second week than the first at mitigating stress for withdrawing residential SUD treatment program patients and the equid environment, even without the presence of a horse, can positively impact stress parameters in withdrawing SUD patients during the first week of treatment.

Mental health concerns are common among college students and more prevalent during examination periods when stress and anxiety are heightened. While the benefits of equine interaction have been reported, the impact of short-term equine interaction on coping skills valuable for managing test anxiety have yet to be studied. Therefore, the purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the impact of short-term equine interaction during the college examination period on development of coping skills and anxiety levels associated with testing, both self-reported and those reflected in physiological measures. Full-time college students engaged in a onehour equine interaction session held on campus at the onset of final exam week. Participants completed a survey targeting perception of anxiety levels and coping skills. Heart rate and salivary cortisol measurements were collected pre- and post-session. Paired t-tests were performed between pre- and post- session measures and correlations between survey answers and physiological measures determined. Significant reductions were found in all areas of anxiety (Overall Academics P = 0.0003, Final Exam Preparation P = 0.0003, Taking Final Exam P = 0.0003). The reduction in exam-related anxiety was positively correlated to cortisol concentrations (r = 0.69, P = 0.03) with lower concentrations (P = 0.05) and increased heart rate (P = 0.003) post-session. Regarding coping skills, improvements were observed post-session in assertiveness (P = 0.008). Skill development coupled with reduced anxiety supports the potential benefits short-term equine interaction can offer students during the high stress periods, but these findings should be confirmed with more in-depth study.

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As mental health challenges grow in prevalence within the youth population in the United States, professionals within the industry are looking to alternative therapeutic approaches where other therapeutic interventions have failed. This has led to the growth of therapeutic interventions utilizing animals as a complementary approach in psychotherapy addressing the mental health of youth. Nevertheless, with this growth comes the concern of the welfare of the therapy animal, particularly with the prevalence of animal abusive behaviors associated with various youth mental health disorders. Thus, a scoping review was conducted with an aim to compile research conducted on therapy animals in youth psychotherapy to uncover themes within the studies available and to determine potential areas for which further research is needed. Four questions were developed to target therapy animal welfare within youth psychotherapy. These questions were utilized for the scoping review and within each question inclusion and exclusion criteria were implemented. Reviewed literature determined limited research targeting welfare assessment methods outside of heart rate measurement, cortisol concentration, and behavioral stress scaling using ethograms. Further areas lacking within the literature reviewed were associated with the makeup of the therapy session including the breeds of animals utilized and the lengths of the therapy sessions. Each question independently lacked substantial research as fifteen articles was the largest number of articles reviewed within a question after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. In addition, all questions resulted in contradictions within the findings and had at least one inclusion criteria where no articles were available. Further, when reviewing across all four questions, the horse and dog were the only therapy animals studied within the reviewed literature. As such, further research is warranted targeting areas where research is lacking in order to ensure the welfare of animals being utilized within a youth psychotherapy setting.

Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is emerging as an effective supplemental substance use disorder (SUD) treatment due to documented improvements in treatment retention, patient-therapist alliances, and patient communication skills within the therapeutic environment. Benefits are attributed to decreased cortisol concentrations associated with horse interaction during the therapy process, however, there is limited research on stress parameters related to EAP during SUD recovery. Due to the prolific nature of this disorder, there is an urgency in exploring effective treatment options for SUD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate concentrations of cortisol in SUD patients within a residential treatment program participating in EAP compared with those participating in traditional group therapy. Salivary cortisol samples were collected from 2 sample populations of young adults: A) residential SUD patients (n = 18) before and after 2 successive weeks of EAP-supplemented therapy sessions and B) residential population of SUD patients (n = 5) before and after 2 successive weeks of traditional group therapy sessions. The impacts of treatment, week of sampling, and treatment by week interactions were analyzedusing a mixed linear model in SAS. Significance level was set at 0.05. No significant impacts of therapy type (P = 0.74), week of sampling (P = 0.69), or any week by treatment interactions (P = 0.86) on patient cortisol concentrations were observed over the 2 week period. Results indicate that despite the therapeutic environment moving to an outdoor setting and the inclusion of exercise in the form of horseback riding within the EAP sessions that EAP did not introduce additional stress responses reflected in the cortisol measures than that seen within the traditional therapeutic setting. As such, EAP presents an opportunity to offer an alternative therapeutic experience where traditional approaches may have faltered, however, further research is needed looking at a larger sample population and additional physiological measures to determine the complete physiological impact this therapy has on SUD patients in comparison to other forms of therapeutic interventions.

An epidemic of mental health concerns is apparent within the collegiate environment. These concerns are more prevalent during examination periods where stress and anxiety may be heightened. Many students struggle to find ways to cope with this additional anxiety. Data have shown a rise in on-campus substance abuse, emphasizing the urgent need for campuses to offer alternative approaches to cope with the stresses associated with academia. Studies have demonstrated equine interaction in an academic setting can improve life skills important for coping with the rigors of academics. While the benefits of consistent equine interaction have been reported, the impact of equine interaction on coping skills valuable for managing test anxiety for college students have yet to be studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of short-term equine interaction on perceived stress and coping skills development during the college examination period. Full-time college students (n = 27; Males = 3, Females = 24) engaged in a 1-h equine interaction session held on campus at the onset of final exam week (Fall 2022). College equine facilities staff and faculty conducted the sessions which consisted of grooming, leading, and grazing. Participants were given at the equine facility a 14-question survey instrument within 5 minpre- and post- equine interaction. Survey was developed working with mental health professionals associated with campus counseling services with questions formatted to follow standard mental health questionnaires targeting personal perception of stress levels and life skills associated with coping with test anxiety. Data were analyzed using a 2-tailed t-test to determine the significance of self-reported measures pre- and post- equine interaction with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Participants (67%) reported moderate to high levels of anxiety surrounding grades and upcoming examinations, and yet, perceived anxiety levels following equine interaction were significantly reduced (93% reporting none to very low stress levels; P < 0.001). Perceived improvements were reported by participants in the following coping skills after equine interaction: focus (P = 0.008), self-efficacy in goal pursuit (P = 0.006), patience (P = 0.017), and calmness (P < 0.001). These perceived acquired coping skills lend themselves well to academic success. These skills coupled with decreased perceived test anxiety suggest the potential of collegiate equine interaction programs may be of benefit to students during high stress periods within the academic year.

Performance horses are regularly exposed to various stressors, such as training and exercise, that negatively impact their performance which may lead to increased oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. Although important for the adaptive response, prolonged and unresolved OS and inflammation may decrease athletic performance or cause unnecessary cellular damage. Dietary supplements, such as antioxidants, have been shown to mitigate the negative effects of OS and inflammation and therefore may enhance performance. One such antioxidant that has been of interest is melatonin. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the potential of melatonin to reduce Serum Amyloid A (SAA), a sensitive inflammatory marker, in horses after exercise. Horses (n = 6) were randomly assigned to 2 groups (CON; n = 3, no supplement or MEL; n = 3, 20 g melatonin). Horses received diet based on BW (1% BW Nutrena Impact 12% Pellets and 2% BW bermudagrass hay/d). A switchback design was used, with 2 experimental trial periods lasting 14-d with a 30-d washout period in-between. Supplementation was given orally on exercise days during each trial period. Horses underwent 1.5hr of moderate-intensity exercise (avg >90 BPM), at 0700 3 d/wk. Blood was drawn before exercise (PRE), and at 30- and 90-min post-exercise. On exercise days (ED), horses received supplementation after PRE blood draw and before exercise (0630).After the washout period, the treatment groups were swapped, and the study was repeated, resulting in 12 ED total. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture, immediately processed to separate plasma, and stored for analysis. SAA ELISA kits (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Massachusetts) were used to determine blood SAA concentration. The first and last ED of each trial period were analyzed (ED1/ED6/ED7/ED12), and interactions of treatment, time, and day were analyzed with significance set at (P ≤ 0.05). PRE ED1 and 7 were set as baseline values, with no significant differences in baseline levels between treatments (P > 0.1862). There was a significant difference between treatments at 30- (P ≤ 0.01) and 90-min (P ≤ 0.01) post-exercise on ED1, 7, and 12, with average plasma SAA concentrations being lower for MEL group at all time points. There was also a treatment*day interaction for ED1 (P = 0.0005), ED7 (P = 0.0218), and ED12 (P = 0.0001), with MEL having lower SAA blood concentrations as compared with CON. Lower concentrations of SAA in MEL horses suggest melatonin supplementation may reduce inflammatory blood markers and, in turn, may suggest lower levels of inflammation in horses after exercise.

The current study shows that horses exposed to increased levels of physical stress experience changes in oxidative stress biomarkers following its onset. It was also demonstrated that prolonged exposure to stress can result in adaptation of the stress response. Lay Summary Performance horses are subjected to numerous stressors. These stressors may subsequently impact their overall performance. The present study measured oxidative stress biomarkers in the blood of exercising horses. Horses were moderately exercised over an 8-wk period and blood plasma was collected to measure total antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD). Amino acid concentration was also evaluated. The TAC was greater on day 2 vs. day 3. The TBARS remained at pre-exercise (baseline) at most times except for increasing on day 2 of week 2 post-exercise. The GPx also remained at baseline for most times but increased on days 1 and 2 of week 2. The SOD remained at baseline until increasing at 30 min post-exercise on day 1, week 1 and at most collection times on day 3, week 8. Amino acids with antioxidant properties drastically decreased from weeks 2 to 8. Horses are exposed to a variety of physical stressors on a regular basis that may produce similar effects in the equine stress response. Understanding the response in the equine athlete when exposed to new stressors is crucial in determining how to prevent oxidative damage in future athletes. Oxidative stress caused by routine physical stressors may negatively impact the performance of equine athletes; thus, the present study identifies oxidative biomarkers in the blood plasma of exercising horses. Stock-type horses were subject to a standardized moderate-intensity exercise protocol 3 times per week for 8 wk. Exercise protocol followed NRC guidelines consisting of 30% walk, 55% trot, and 15% canter, with a target heart rate (HR) of 90 BPM. Blood plasma was collected in wk 1, 2, 7, and 8 immediately before and 0, 30, 60, and 90 min after exercise and analyzed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD). Data were analyzed as repeated measures with wk, d, time, and their interactions as fixed effects. The TAC on day 2 (0.40 mM Trolox) was 7.5% greater than on day 3 (P = 0.013). There were wk x d x time interactions for SOD, TBARS, and GPx (P < 0.001). The TBARS remained at pre-exercise baseline (d-1 wk-1; 2.7 mu M malondialdehyde) for most collection times within weeks 1, 7, and 8 (P >= 0.058); however, TBARS increased by 0.24 to 0.41 mu M on day 2 of week 2 post-exercise (P < 0.001) and remained similarly elevated on day 3 pre- and immediately post-exercise (P < 0.001). The GPx similarly remained at baseline (172.6 mu M/min; P >= 0.621) but increased by 48.18 to 83.4 mu M/min at most collection times on days 1 and 2 of week 2 (P <= 0.023). The SOD remained at baseline (167.2 U/ mL; P >= 0.055) until increasing by 11.28 to 15.61 U/mL at 30 min post-exercise on day 1, week 1 and at most collection times on day 3, week 8 (P <= 0.043). Amino acids with antioxidant properties such as Met, Tyr, and Trp drastically decreased from weeks 2 to 8 (P < 0.001). Met and Tyr also decreased from -60 to 90 min (P < 0.047), whereas there was no time effect on Trp concentration (P = 0.841). The current study indicates the time-dependent nature of oxidative stress concerning persistent stressors such as exercise.

Equine assisted activities and therapy (EAAT) is a popular therapy option for physical, psychological, and cognitive disorders. A critical component of this treatment option is the horse, and while research has reported the benefits for human participants, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the therapy horse due to limited research documenting the impact of these activities. Nevertheless, those that manage these animals understand the demanding activities placed on the therapy horse, and thus, can play a vital role in educating those new to the industry. Therefore, the objective of this study was to utilize a survey instrument to document management activities associated with pain for the therapy horse. An 11 forced-choice question survey was developed and sent out to 97 EAAT programs within the U.S. Participation was available online for a total of four months. Response rate was 31% (n = 30). From the respondents, 50% answered +46 yrs old for age, 70% answered +15 yrs equine experience, and 60% answered +11 yrs working in EAAT. The most popular answer for number of horses in the respondents’ EAAT program was >11 horses (53%), and as to the horses in the program, 50% answered they had >7 geriatric horses. The majority of the respondents answered “definitely yes” to having functionally lame horses used regularly in their programs (53%) and having experience with pain management practices associated with orthopedic (50%) and gastrointestinal (67%) conditions. The majority of the programs used vital sign measurements (67%), facial expressions (73%), and behavioral changes (87%) to detect equine pain. In conclusion, EAAT horses appear to commonly need healthcare practices for pain management suggesting further research is needed in precision medicine and animal welfare. In addition, educational programs covering pain management practices for individuals going into the EAAT industry would assist in ensuring the welfare of these animals.

Oxidative stress by physical stressors negatively impacts the performance of equine athletes. The present study was aimed to determine oxidative biomarkers in blood plasma of exercising horses. Stock-type horses were subject to a standardized moderate intensity exercise protocol following NRC guidelines 3 times per wk for 8 wk. Blood plasma was collected in wk 1, 2, 7, and 8 immediately before and 0, 30, 60, and 90 min after exercise and analyzed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD). Data were analyzed as repeated measures with wk, d, time, and their interactions as fixed effects. The TAC on d 2 (0.40 mM trolox) were 7.5% greater than that on d 3 (P = 0.013). There were wk × d × time interactions for SOD, TBARS, and GPx (P < 0.001). The TBARS remained at d-1 wk-1 pre-exercise baseline (2.70 µM malondialdehyde) for most collection times within wk 1, 7, and 8 (P ≥ 0.058); however, TBARS increased by 0.24 to 0.41 µM on d 2 of wk 2 post-exercise (P < 0.001) and remained similarly elevated on d 3 pre- and immediately post-exercise (P < 0.001). The GPx similarly remained at baseline (172.57 µM/min; P ≥ 0.621) but increased by 48.18 to 83.36 µM/min at most collection times on d 1 and 2 of wk 2 (P ≤ 0.023). The SOD remained at baseline (167.21 µM/min; P ≥ 0.055) until increasing by 11.28 to 15.61 µM/min at 30 min post-exercise on d 1, wk 1 and at most collection times on d 3, wk 8 (P ≤ 0.043). The current study indicates the time-dependent nature of oxidative stress in relation to persistent stressors such as exercise.

Although much research exists concerning how horses can benefit people with specific debilitating impairments, relatively few studies have pursued what benefit horses offer people in the way of stress relief and improved quality of life. Study participants interacted with horses by grooming them and leading them through an obstacle course. Data were gathered through pre- and postinteraction surveys. Results suggest that interaction with horses offers a variety of benefits that may improve quality of life, such as increased confidence, lower stress, and an increase in caloric output. Implications exist for Extension programming.