A new study examining stress-related behaviours in dressage horses competing at national levels has found that horses performing at higher levels of competition may show more frequent signs of stress, even though judging scores do not always reflect these behaviours.
The pilot study, led by Simona Fialová and colleagues and published in the journal Animals, analysed 238 horse and rider combinations competing in dressage classes ranging from Elementary level through to Grand Prix. Researchers assessed noseband tightness using the FEI noseband measuring device (FNMD) and carried out detailed video analysis to record behaviours often associated with stress or discomfort.
These behaviours included mouth opening, tail swishing and changes in head and neck position during the test.
Noseband Tightness Within FEI Limits
One of the aims of the study was to examine whether noseband tightness influenced the expression of conflict behaviours. Researchers measured nosebands on-site using the FEI measuring device.
The results showed that almost all horses were compliant with FEI regulations, with only two horses falling outside the permitted range. Because there was very little variation in noseband tightness across the horses studied, the researchers were unable to identify any meaningful relationship between noseband tightness and behavioural responses.
Competition Level Influenced Behaviour
In contrast, the level of competition appeared to have a clear influence on the types and frequency of behaviours observed.
Horses competing at lower levels displayed a wider variety of behaviours, but each behaviour tended to occur relatively infrequently. As the competition level increased, horses displayed fewer types of behaviour overall, but the behaviours that did occur appeared more frequently.
Mouth opening emerged as the most common behaviour in higher-level tests.
The study also found that horses ridden in a double bridle generally showed a higher proportion of conflict behaviours compared with horses ridden in a snaffle.
Judging Scores Did Not Reflect Stress at Higher Levels
Researchers also examined the relationship between behavioural indicators of stress and competition scores.
A strong negative relationship between conflict behaviours and performance scores was only seen at the lowest competition levels. At these levels, horses showing more stress-related behaviours tended to receive lower marks.
However, from Medium level upwards, judging scores no longer appeared to reflect the amount of stress behaviour displayed by the horse.
The researchers suggest that as test difficulty increases, horses may show a narrower range of behaviours but perform them more frequently, potentially reflecting increasing physical and mental demands.
Implications for Welfare and Performance
Overall, the study suggests that higher competition levels may be associated with increased stress-related behaviours in dressage horses, while equipment choice and riding demands may also play a role.
The authors note that further research will be needed to better understand the factors influencing behavioural indicators of stress in dressage horses and how these behaviours should be interpreted when assessing welfare and performance.
The findings add to ongoing discussions within the equestrian community about equipment use, judging criteria and the importance of recognising behavioural signs that may indicate discomfort or stress during performance.
