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Behavioural reactivity and ensuing temperamental traits in young Thoroughbred racehorses (Equus caballus)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2018

S. McGee
S. McGee*
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Aras an Phiarsaigh, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Three behavioural reactivity studies and a single temperament study were conducted over a four–year period. The first found that accompanying preweaned foals while separated from their dam during covering of the mare significantly reduced the frequency of vocalisations (z=3.88; p<.001) and pawing (z=2.50; p<.05) and eliminated the performance of self–harm behaviours (χ2=19.18; df=1; p<.001), namely hurling their body against a door or wall. The second measured behavioural reactivity of 1771 foals in the auction ring. Tentative evidence was found for relationships between different aspects of behavioural reactivity and variables such as age, gender, pedigree, inbreeding, whether the foal was bred for Flat racing or National Hunt (NH) racing, or had also been assessed in the separation study (N=7). The third measured behavioural reactivity of 2430 yearlings in the auction ring. Tentative evidence was found of a relationship between different aspects of behavioural reactivity and variables such as age, gender, pedigree, inbreeding, whether or not the horse was Flat bred or NH bred, whether it had also been assessed in the separation study (N=13) or as an auction ring foal (N=438). The fourth analysed temperament questionnaires for 395 horses that had been previously assessed. Relationships were found between some aspects of behavioural reactivity in the auction ring and different temperamental traits when in training. Factor analyses of the questionnaire suggested that young racehorses are generally well adjusted and content with their lives. Overall the findings make a valuable contribution to what is known about racehorse behaviour and temperament.

Type
Research Article
Information
BSAP Occasional Publication , Volume 35: Applying Equine Science: Research into Business , 2006 , pp. 129 - 158
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Production 2006

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