Identifying Fatigue in Horses During Cross-Country

Research identifying risk factors for horse falls, refusals and run-outs during the cross-country phase of eventing has been fairly extensively conducted in the past; however, the impact of fatigue on horse and rider welfare have received little attention to date. Following is a synopsis of a presentation from the International Society for Equitation Science conference entitled “A Good Life for Horses” presented by ISES in New Zealand in March 2024. This study explored if observation of horse/rider behaviours could provide visible indicators of fatigue in the event horse which could be used to inform rider or officials decision-making.

Experienced equestrian researchers Olivia Cattle, David Marlin and Jane Williams reviewed 10 randomly-selected clips of cross-country (XC) footage taken from sections of the course between jumps during a UK novice event to develop an ethogram (inventory of observed behaviour). Notational analysis of 280 video clips were taken near the start, middle and end of the course. Horse and rider combinations were reviewed by a trained observer at 0.5 speed to facilitate review in random order.

Behaviour was noted and scores were assigned for the horse based on:

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rhythm: steady/slightly, moderately or highly variable
carriage: uphill/neutral/on forehand
tail carriage: normal/high/low
ear position: forward, slightly back, flicking
mouth: closed/open/open and closing
head and neck position (HNP): on, behind or in front of the vertical/elevated, high, low
overall impression: is the horse relaxed or tense

Additionally, any deviation of the horse from the riding line and evidence of rider imbalance were noted.

Differences in the frequency of behaviours were evaluated. Several factors differed significantly across the course:

Post-hoc tests found no differences between the start-middle-end for horse/rider harmony, tail carriage, mouth or ear position;
Horses’ rhythm was more variable from end>start;
Tension increased from start>middle but reduced from middle>end;
Rider balance deteriorated from start>middle;
Increased signs of moderate/severe fatigue were observed from the middle>end
Horses’ HNP were more often neutral/low in the middle compared to the start but more often raised/neutral from the middle>end
Increased ear movement was observed between the start>middle.

Identification of repeatable and objective signs of fatigue on course in the event horse could aid riders’, trainers’, veterinary commission and competition stewards’ decision-making as to whether a horse is fit to continue and therefore safeguard equine safety and welfare, ensuring a good life when eventing.

~ with files from International Society for Equitation Science