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Societal concerns for animal welfare extend to all domestic species, including high-level sport horses. The welfare of these horses, notably highlighted during the recent Olympics, has garnered significant public interest, prompting inquiries into their living conditions. Animal welfare studies have emphasised three key needs crucial to equine welfare: unlimited access to forage, freedom of movement, and social interactions with peers, commonly referred to as the "3Fs"—access to Forage, Freedom of movement, and interactions with Friend conspecifics. However, the feasibility and benefits of satisfying these needs specifically for sport horses remain unexplored. Indeed, they may face unique challenges such as high physical workload, extensive travel, limited time in their home stables, weight management, and high economic value necessitating careful handling. Consequently, restrictions on feeding, freedom of movement, and social contact are often deemed necessary. This field study aims to assess the actual level of implementation of welfare in high-level sport horses by evaluating body condition, injury risk, and behavioural welfare indicators in their home stable. To achieve this objective, the welfare of 56 high-level sport horses competing internationally was assessed using behavioural indicators of welfare through scan sampling (abnormal behaviours, i.e., stereotypies, aggression towards humans, withdrawn behaviour, and alert behaviours; positions of the ears in a backward position while foraging, watching behaviours, and through other Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) protocol measures). This study shows that there exists a large variability among horses regarding their access to the 3Fs, with some of them having a lot of restrictions and others not, meaning it is possible to respect them while competing at a high level. Second, we observed that the fewer restrictions the horses experience regarding the 3Fs while in their home stables, the better their welfare, as demonstrated by the indicators we assessed. These results undeniably support the fact that unrestricted access to forage, the ability to move freely outdoors, and the opportunity to interact socially with conspecifics are fundamental needs of horses that could be provided to horses, also to high-performance ones. It is therefore essential that solutions are put in place to ensure that these conditions are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The welfare of horses has been studied mostly for domestic horses used for human leisure, sport, or work. The welfare of free-living horses has only rarely been addressed. The aim of the study was to check the feasibility and usefulness of two welfare protocols developed for free-living horses: a prototype of a welfare assessment template (WAT) for Carneddau semi-feral ponies and the IFCE/INRAE Horse Welfare Protocol for welfare inspection. They were used in July/August 2022 and April 2023 to evaluate welfare of a pilot population of nineteen free-living Konik polski horses. The indicators of both protocols were scored high or satisfactory. Only the body condition was lower in early spring than in summer. Our study confirmed the feasibility of most of the WAT and IFCE/INRAE welfare indicators in semi-feral horses. Some adaptations are needed for in-field application. Merging both protocols, validation and considering positive welfare indicators would increase the applied potential for welfare assessment in semi-feral horses. Scientifically validated and standardised methods for the evaluation of the welfare of free-living horses are urgently needed by both the owners and managers of these populations and those responsible for implementing national welfare legislation. The aim of the study was to test the feasibility and usefulness of two welfare protocols that could be applied to semi-feral populations: a prototype of welfare assessment template (WAT) for Carneddau semi-feral ponies and the IFCE/INRAE Horse Welfare Protocol. Additionally, the body condition scale designed by Henneke (BCS-H) was employed. The study took place in July/August 2022 and April 2023 to evaluate the welfare of a pilot population of nineteen semi-feral Konik polski horses. The horses scored high or satisfactory under indicators across both protocols; only body condition scores were significantly lower in early spring (BCS-WAT: 1.11 ± 0.57; BCS-H: 3.84 ± 1.17) than in the summer (BCS-WAT: 1.58 ± 0.61; BCS-H: 5.63 ± 1.01). Our study confirmed the feasibility of utilising most of the WAT and IFCE/INRAE welfare indicators in semi-feral horses. Some adaptations, such as considering validation of scales, positive welfare indicators and animals' free-choice of conditions, have been suggested for future in-field application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional agricultural measures are still necessary for maintenance of endangered endogenous species of plants and animals in ecologically valuable habitats. Poland is one of the countries of the highest biodiversity of agricultural lands in Europe, however, the intensification of agriculture and farming resulted with regular decrease of valuable wildlife species. Abandonment of agricultural use of traditionally pastoral areas induced the encroachment of species that reduce local biodiversity. To counteract this undesirable process, several organisations re-introduce Konik polski horses into wastelands. The aim of this overview is to share the experiences of institutions which used Konik polski horses as a mean for biodiversity restoration in post-agricultural and forest areas, including expected effects, their implementation and main problems encountered. The aims, positive and negative effects are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It may be assumed that the satisfaction from horse riding ultimately results in positive feelings for the mount and stimulates motivation for supplying high standards of welfare to the horse. The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of a simple behavioural test enabling the differentiation of horses in terms of their potential to be satisfying mounts. Seventeen leisure horses were subjects of behavioural tests and a test ride. The tests comprised leading the horse in hand and riding through a 30-m path containing in its middle novel objects: a coloured carton (C) on the side or a blanket (B) on the ground. Test riders were surveyed to rate their satisfaction from the ride, general feelings for the horse, its sensitivity to the rider's seat and hands, focus on the rider and on the surroundings, as well the perceived safety and obedience of the horse. The more time a given horse needed to cross the path, the less satisfaction and less positive feelings were declared by riders after a test ride. Responsiveness to hands, seat and the focus on the rider were highly predictive of rider's satisfaction, as well as obedience during the ride in trot and canter. Similarly, the perception of safety in walk, trot and canter was an important factor of satisfaction. For testing the differences in behavioural characteristics which contribute to a satisfactory and safe use of horses, we propose CB tests for preliminary appraisal of horses designated for recreational pursuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioural problems and shyness are prevalent horse-related causes of accidents in equitation. The aim of the present study was to examine whether tests developed to measure the intensity of reaction to social separation and to novelty and suddenness can predict how riders perceive their safety when handling and riding a horse. Thirteen leisure horses were subjected to the battery of three fear tests, separation test and a test ride. The horses that were more fearful toward a novel surface were perceived to be less secure when handling. The horses showing fear in the startling object test were also perceived as less secure in both handling and riding. Unexpectedly, in the separation test, the more time the horse had remained a standing position, the more insecure when saddling, mounting, walking and trotting was scored. Similarly, a relaxed body posture with the head in a low position was predictive to a low security score by riders. It may be supposed that the horses that are comfortable when isolated are self-reliant and independent in comparison to other horses, but probably also in other situations, which might make them difficult to be managed by humans. Behavioural tests could be predictive not only for equine personality traits, but also may be applied in the assessment of rider's perceived safety. Thus, they may serve as tools to differentiate horses in terms of their suitability for leisure riders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood plasma profiles of equine sex steroids are useful in diagnose and for different scientific purposes. The aim of this study was to monitor oestradiol, testosterone and androstenedione blood plasma profiles in foals of age between 6 and 18 months, in order to establish the reference levels for male and female of young Konik Polski horses. The effects of birth place (stable vs. forest), age and season. Fifty two Konik Polski horses, born in the forest reserve (n=26) and in the stable (n=27) were studied. Level of oestradiol differed between sexes at the age of 12 months, whilst androgens were higher in males of every age group. At all ages the level of oestradiol, testosterone and androstenedione did not differ between stable and forest born colts and fillies, except for fillies at 18 months of age. The highest level of oestradiol in both colts and fillies was found at the age of 15 months, i.e. at the late summer. In colts, testosterone and androstenedione concentrations were at their nadir at 6 and 9 months of age, then they rose abruptly at month 12 of age and remained significantly elevated until month 18. In fillies, the highest concentrations of these androgens were found in August-September, when the females were 15 months old. The profiles and the role of sex steroid hormones in social and reproductive behaviours are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Police dogs handlers' and trainers' opinions on Labrador retrievers (n=87) and German shepherds (n=96) trained for drugs vs. explosives detection have been compared. As most important traits in both specialties the responders indicated: (1) willingness to sniff objects, (2) concentration (focusing) ability, (3) acuity of smell and (4) willingness to bring an object back to a person. Only trainers but not handlers rated boldness in novel surroundings, and fear of specific things and of sudden loud noises, high in importance. Taking all traits together 43.7% and 44.4% of dogs showed an "ideal" level of the traits according to handlers' and trainers' opinion, respectively. Correlations coefficients between handlers' and trainers' ratings for the traits of real dogs did not exceed r = 0.33. Significant breed and specialty differences were found for the percentage of dogs that demonstrated too low, too high and "ideal" levels of the trait. Both handlers and trainers were consistent in their opinion that Labrador retrievers as service dogs of both specialties are too highly motivated to obtain food (P<0.05) and as drug detection dogs are overly friendly to people (P<0.01). The overall satisfaction rate did not differ significantly between breeds, specialties and sexes. This report shows a rather low consistency of opinions of dog trainers with those of dog handlers as to 28 behavioral and physical traits of drug and explosives detection dogs of both breeds and reveals no special preference for either breed in performing narcotics or explosives detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among equestrians the "natural" training methods of horses are gaining widespread popularity due to their spectacular efficiency. Underlying philosophy of trainers - founders of different "natural horsemanship training" (NHT) schools, along with other not well documented statements includes argumentation of solely welfare- and human-friendly effects of NHT in the horse. The aim of this review was to screen scientific papers related to NHT to answer the question whether „natural“ training methods may actually exert only positive effects upon equine mental state and human-horse relationship. It appears that NHT trainers may reduce stress and emotional tension and improve learning processes as they appropriately apply learning stimuli. Basing on revised literature it can be concluded that training is successful provided that [i] the strength of the aversive stimulus meets sensitivity of an individual horse, [ii] the aversive stimulus is terminated at a right moment to avoid the impression of punishment, and [iii] the animal is given enough time to assess its situation and make an independent decision in the form of adequate behavioural reaction. Neglecting any of these conditions may lead to substantial emotional problems, hyperactivity, or excessive fear in the horse-human relationship, regardless of the training method. However, we admit that the most successful NHT trainers reduce aversive stimulation to the minimum and that horses learn quicker with fear or stress reactions, apparently decreasing along with training process. Anyway, NHT should be acknowledged for absolutely positive role in pointing out the importance of proper stimulation in the schooling and welfare of horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horse users and caretakers must be aware of the risks of mixing social groups. The current study investigated whether eight equine practitioners can assess the social dominance rank of 20 horses. The horses' feeding time and agonistic/aggressive and submissive behaviours were observed during the feed confrontation test, and the dominance index (DI) was calculated. Kendal's W, Spearman correlations and factor analysis were applied to test the raters' agreement, the relationship between dominance ranks and the behavioural variables, and to determine the clustered behaviours. The agreement between all raters in the classification of dominance order ranged from moderate to perfect. The ranking by every rater was strongly and negatively correlated with the time of eating in feed confrontation tests and with the DI, evidencing shorter feeding times for more submissive horses. The withdrawal of the horse when threatened was the behavioural variable that was most often correlated with raters' ranking. The current study confirmed the abilities of practitioners to categorise the horses under their care according to their social interactions. Additionally, rolling when denied access to feed was proposed as frustration-releasing (redirected) behaviour.