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Deciphering the cues from riders’ legs
Abstracts / Journal of Veterinary Behavior 8 (2013) e1ee25
a measuring stick. Rider BW (kg) was measured using calibrated EKS digital scales and height (cm) with measuring stick. Three BW measures were obtained per rider: W1 wearing breeches and a top (no footwear); W2¼W1 plus footwear and hat, and W3¼W2 plus saddle. Rider to horse BW ratio percentages was derived. Demographic data including age and gender for both horse and rider were also collected, along with riders opinion on their suitability in terms of their BW and height for the horse (using a 5-point Lickert scale). Riders (n ¼ 14) were of a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) (23.32 0.71kg/m2) compared to UK National Health Service guidelines. Rider horse BW ratio for each rider weight category was: W1 14.2 0.83%; W2 14.63 0.85% and W3 16.59 0.94%. Typical rider height was 178 1.04cm, and horse height 164.71 4.88cm. In this study riders possessed a healthy BMI. Since observed rider to horse BW ratios varied between 14.2 and 16.6%, the suggested 10% guideline appears unrealistic within the general riding population. These data form the basis of assessment of the effect of rider physical measures on horse performance which will allow the development of a scientifically based guideline allowing informed decisions to be made on horse-rider suitability. There are currently no industry-wide guidelines for the suitability of rider weight to horse size. Simple measures of rider weight can be used effectively to develop sensible rules upon which decisions about rider suitability for a particular horse can be made.
e9
pressure increases during cueing came from inter-rider variance. Variance between applying aid and not applying aid was 19.2% while intra-rider accounted for 11.7% of total variance (P < 0.001). Duration of change in calf pressure indicated nearly equal intra-rider (48.4%) and inter-rider (51.6%) variance. In this model, these data suggest that, for an individual rider, changes in calf-contact-area cues for an upward transition may be more consistent than calf pressure changes but that, between riders, calf pressure changes are more consistent. Durations of intra- and interrider change for both calf pressure and calf-contact-area were inconsistent. This investigation has isolated changes in rider leg cue variables without the signal noise created by horse movement and asymmetry, identified the probable parameters that provide relevant stimuli in rider’s leg cues for the horse, established baseline measurements for the riders’ leg cues, identified sources of variability and therefore confusion in the upward transition cueing process. We used pressure sensors on an artificial horse to identify attributes of rider leg cues as perceived by horses. Change in calf contact area during cue application was more consistent for individual riders but change in calf pressure was more consistent between riders. Duration of aid application was inconsistent. The variation of individual rider’s leg cues was less than between riders. Further research will characterise leg cues in optimal riding technique.
20 19 Deciphering the cues from riders’ legs L.A. HAWSON 1, *, I. KOPRINSKA 2, A.N. McLEAN 3, P.D. McGREEVY 1 1 Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia 2 Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia 3 Australian Equine Behavior Centre, Broadford, VIC 3658, Australia *Corresponding author: [email protected] Medially directed pressure cues from the riders’ legs (‘leg aids’) are an almost universal signal for acceleration across equestrian disciplines. Riders use their legs to generate pressure against the horse’s thorax as part of the communication system between rider and horse. The rider then releases the pressure as soon as the desired response is obtained so that the horse is rewarded for the correct response. We have developed a system for measuring critical variables involved in these signals: pressure, contact area, and duration of cue application. Twelve riders of varying experience seated on a saddled artificial horse torso were asked to give a cue for “trot” they would usually give a well-trained horse every 20 seconds. This process was repeated 10 times over 200 seconds for each rider. REML analysis of calf-contact-area data during cueing showed that inter-rider variance accounted for 89.7% of total variance but that intra-rider variance was small (1.7%). Variance between applying and not applying the cue for each rider was 8.6% of total variance (P < 0.001). Inter-rider variability in duration of change in calf pressure accounted for 72.1% of total variance; the remainder coming from intra-rider variability. 69.1% of total variance in calf
Using an understanding of horse behavior to enhance the welfare of wild horse gathers: Observations of four designated observers C.R. HELESKI 1, *, E.A. GREENE 2, S.L. RALSTON 3, C.L. STULL 4 1 Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA 2 University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA 3 Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA 4 University of California, Davis, CA, USA *Corresponding author: [email protected] The management of wild horses involves horse-human interaction. Utilizing features of horse behavior can enhance horse welfare during gathers. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has a priority to ensure that public rangelands in the western U.S. are sustainable for multiple stakeholders. BLM has traditionally managed equid populations by conducting periodic gathers to remove excess animals for range conditions. In 2010 the American Horse Protection Association developed the Independent Designated Observer Program, with 4 academia-based equine specialists charged with observing behavior and assessing welfare of 352 wild horses during 11 gather days. Knowledge of equine behavior was utilized in the location and design of trap facilities, training/utilization of a Prada horse, and handling/sorting horses once gathered. The gather sites were identified by wranglers and helicopter pilots where the horses naturally travelled. A funnel shaped fenceline guided horses into corrals. No corners were present in the corrals/passageways. Gate panels were wrapped with snowfence to give the appearance of solid walls while still allowing light and avoiding shadows. Once horses were located, a helicopter pilot utilized advance and retreat methods to keep horses moving forward, but not
a measuring stick. Rider BW (kg) was measured using calibrated EKS digital scales and height (cm) with measuring stick. Three BW measures were obtained per rider: W1 wearing breeches and a top (no footwear); W2¼W1 plus footwear and hat, and W3¼W2 plus saddle. Rider to horse BW ratio percentages was derived. Demographic data including age and gender for both horse and rider were also collected, along with riders opinion on their suitability in terms of their BW and height for the horse (using a 5-point Lickert scale). Riders (n ¼ 14) were of a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) (23.32 0.71kg/m2) compared to UK National Health Service guidelines. Rider horse BW ratio for each rider weight category was: W1 14.2 0.83%; W2 14.63 0.85% and W3 16.59 0.94%. Typical rider height was 178 1.04cm, and horse height 164.71 4.88cm. In this study riders possessed a healthy BMI. Since observed rider to horse BW ratios varied between 14.2 and 16.6%, the suggested 10% guideline appears unrealistic within the general riding population. These data form the basis of assessment of the effect of rider physical measures on horse performance which will allow the development of a scientifically based guideline allowing informed decisions to be made on horse-rider suitability. There are currently no industry-wide guidelines for the suitability of rider weight to horse size. Simple measures of rider weight can be used effectively to develop sensible rules upon which decisions about rider suitability for a particular horse can be made.
e9
pressure increases during cueing came from inter-rider variance. Variance between applying aid and not applying aid was 19.2% while intra-rider accounted for 11.7% of total variance (P < 0.001). Duration of change in calf pressure indicated nearly equal intra-rider (48.4%) and inter-rider (51.6%) variance. In this model, these data suggest that, for an individual rider, changes in calf-contact-area cues for an upward transition may be more consistent than calf pressure changes but that, between riders, calf pressure changes are more consistent. Durations of intra- and interrider change for both calf pressure and calf-contact-area were inconsistent. This investigation has isolated changes in rider leg cue variables without the signal noise created by horse movement and asymmetry, identified the probable parameters that provide relevant stimuli in rider’s leg cues for the horse, established baseline measurements for the riders’ leg cues, identified sources of variability and therefore confusion in the upward transition cueing process. We used pressure sensors on an artificial horse to identify attributes of rider leg cues as perceived by horses. Change in calf contact area during cue application was more consistent for individual riders but change in calf pressure was more consistent between riders. Duration of aid application was inconsistent. The variation of individual rider’s leg cues was less than between riders. Further research will characterise leg cues in optimal riding technique.
20 19 Deciphering the cues from riders’ legs L.A. HAWSON 1, *, I. KOPRINSKA 2, A.N. McLEAN 3, P.D. McGREEVY 1 1 Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia 2 Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia 3 Australian Equine Behavior Centre, Broadford, VIC 3658, Australia *Corresponding author: [email protected] Medially directed pressure cues from the riders’ legs (‘leg aids’) are an almost universal signal for acceleration across equestrian disciplines. Riders use their legs to generate pressure against the horse’s thorax as part of the communication system between rider and horse. The rider then releases the pressure as soon as the desired response is obtained so that the horse is rewarded for the correct response. We have developed a system for measuring critical variables involved in these signals: pressure, contact area, and duration of cue application. Twelve riders of varying experience seated on a saddled artificial horse torso were asked to give a cue for “trot” they would usually give a well-trained horse every 20 seconds. This process was repeated 10 times over 200 seconds for each rider. REML analysis of calf-contact-area data during cueing showed that inter-rider variance accounted for 89.7% of total variance but that intra-rider variance was small (1.7%). Variance between applying and not applying the cue for each rider was 8.6% of total variance (P < 0.001). Inter-rider variability in duration of change in calf pressure accounted for 72.1% of total variance; the remainder coming from intra-rider variability. 69.1% of total variance in calf
Using an understanding of horse behavior to enhance the welfare of wild horse gathers: Observations of four designated observers C.R. HELESKI 1, *, E.A. GREENE 2, S.L. RALSTON 3, C.L. STULL 4 1 Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA 2 University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA 3 Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA 4 University of California, Davis, CA, USA *Corresponding author: [email protected] The management of wild horses involves horse-human interaction. Utilizing features of horse behavior can enhance horse welfare during gathers. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has a priority to ensure that public rangelands in the western U.S. are sustainable for multiple stakeholders. BLM has traditionally managed equid populations by conducting periodic gathers to remove excess animals for range conditions. In 2010 the American Horse Protection Association developed the Independent Designated Observer Program, with 4 academia-based equine specialists charged with observing behavior and assessing welfare of 352 wild horses during 11 gather days. Knowledge of equine behavior was utilized in the location and design of trap facilities, training/utilization of a Prada horse, and handling/sorting horses once gathered. The gather sites were identified by wranglers and helicopter pilots where the horses naturally travelled. A funnel shaped fenceline guided horses into corrals. No corners were present in the corrals/passageways. Gate panels were wrapped with snowfence to give the appearance of solid walls while still allowing light and avoiding shadows. Once horses were located, a helicopter pilot utilized advance and retreat methods to keep horses moving forward, but not