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The influence of horse gender on eventing competition performance

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2008

T C Whitaker*
Affiliation:
Centre for Equine and Animal Science, Writtle College, Chelmsford, EssexCM1 3RR, UK
O Olusola
Affiliation:
Centre for Equine and Animal Science, Writtle College, Chelmsford, EssexCM1 3RR, UK
L Redwin
Affiliation:
Centre for Equine and Animal Science, Writtle College, Chelmsford, EssexCM1 3RR, UK
*
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
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Abstract

The study undertook comparative analysis of horse gender and eventing performance. Limited previous research has investigated the impact horse gender may have on performance. However, many competitors have a preference for one gender over another (normally geldings). The study sampled five levels of the sport (intro, pre-novice, novice, intermediate and advanced) and investigated dependent variable penalty scores within the dressage, show jumping and cross-country phases; additionally, final penalty score, rank in competition and lifetime score were analysed. Results indicated the effect of gender to be limited. Issues relating to sample size, data structure and scoring mechanisms are discussed further.

Type
Research Paper
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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