Do you remember your first lesson horse? Was it a wizened old schoolmaster, retired from his horse-show days who patiently taught you how to post the trot and pick a hoof? Or maybe it was a scruffy little pony whose most important lesson was teaching you to keep your palm flat when giving treats! Whether you ask a trail rider out west or a grand prix showjumper at an international competition, every equestrian has fond stories to tell about the lesson horses that raised them.
We know that lesson horses have the power to make us feel safe, supported, confident and empowered. But have you ever wondered how our lesson horses feel about their lives? Dr. Katrina Merkies and graduate student Caleigh Copelin from the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph are conducting a research study to investigate just that.
The goal of this study is to identify management practices (such as housing style and workload) that can help lesson horses thrive with the unique work they are asked to do. Making sure that lesson horses remain as happy and stress-free as possible will contribute to the longevity of these horses and the sustainability of the riding lesson industry as a whole.