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Physiol Behav. 2011 Sep 1;104(3):454-63. Epub 2011 May 13.
Equine behaviour and heart rate in temperament tests with or without rider or handler.
König von Borstel U, Euent S, Graf P, König S, Gauly M.
Source: Department of Animal Science, University of Goettingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075 Goettingen, Germany. koenigvb@gwdg.de
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare horses' heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (RMSSD, pNN50) and behaviour in the same temperament test when being ridden, led, and released free. ...
... Overall, the results show that a rider or handler influences, but not completely masks, the horses' intrinsic behaviour in a temperament test, and this influence appeared to be stronger on behavioural variables and heart rate variability than on the horses' heart rates. Taking both practical considerations and repeatabilities into account, reactivity appears to be the most valuable parameter. Emotionality and heart rate can also yield valid results reflecting additional dimensions of temperament although their practical relevance may be less obvious. If a combination of observed variables is chosen with care, a valid assessment of a horse's temperament may be possible in all types of tests. However, in practice, tests that resemble the practical circumstances most closely, i.e. testing riding horses under a rider, should be chosen.
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