The use of a rein tension device to compare different training methods for neck flexion in base-level trained Warmblood horses at the walk.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Debate surrounds the use of high rein tension for obtaining different head and neck positions in the training of sport horses on account of possible welfare issues.

Objectives

To compare auxiliary rein tension in two methods (Draw Reins and Concord Leader) for obtaining a standardised head and neck position on a hard and a soft surface.

Study design

Intervention study.

Methods

Left and right rein tensions were measured in 11 base-level trained client-owned sport horses (mean age ± s.d.; 10 ± 3.2 years) exercised in-hand with, in a random order, conventional draw reins or the newly developed Concord Leader in a standardised head and neck position. Rein tension was measured using a calibrated device operating at 10 Hz during six runs of 15 s in a strai

SUBMITTER: Veen I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6174990 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature