Microscopic analysis shows that equine hoof wall is composed of distinct phases of tubular and intertubular horn. The tubule density (TD) of hoof horn is found by ascertaining the number of tubules per unit area and is believed to relate to mechanical properties, resistance to wear, “quality”, hardness and moisture content. The straight grid previously used to ascertain the TD of hoof horn may omit certain tubules on both the inner and outer hoof wall as the wall itself is curved. This present study examined whether there was a significant difference in results for TD between using the conventional straight grid method and a novel method using a curved grid. TD was also compared across three sample sites. An analysis of TD from four equal sections (zones) across the hoof wall was also carried out.

The left fore feet of 10 randomly selected slaughterhouse horses and ponies were used to provide hoof samples.

Crib–biting is a stereotypic behaviour performed by approximately 5% of captive domestic horses. Dietary factors have been strongly associated with the development of oral stereotypies and risk factors for crib–biting, identified in recent epidemiological studies, include feeding high concentrate and/or low forage diets (Waters et al., 2002). Experimental work has shown that such diets are likely to result in increased gastric acidity (Murray and Eichorn, 1996; Nadeau et al., 2000). We therefore propose that young horses initiate crib–biting in an attempt to produce alkaline saliva to buffer their stomachs when alternative opportunities for mastication are limited. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was an association between crib–biting behaviour and stomach condition in foals.

Foals that had recently started to perform crib–biting were recruited into the study and compared with non–stereotypic foals. The stomachs of 15 crib-biting foals and 9 normal foals were examined using a video endoscope.

Vast sums of money are invested in training racehorses, yet race earnings rarely cover training costs. The ability to accurately predict potential racing performance prior to training would be advantageous. Although a link between equine behaviour and later racing success has been suggested, no single measure has yet been identified, mainly due to the complex relationships between behavioural attributes, particularly those of a social nature. The influence of gender is also unclear. According to The Mental Health Model of Sport Performance a degeneration in mental state is reflected by a decline in performance. The success of over 70% of human athletes was identified using behavioural measures of personality. Reportedly equine ‘winners’ are ‘calm’ whilst ‘losers’ are ‘aroused’. Such equine ‘reactivity ‘ (‘temperament’) has traditionally been investigated using contrived experiments. This study aimed to carefully examine equine social activity by exploring multiple aspects of social behaviour whilst avoiding the restrictive concept of dominance.

It is well established that the equid olfactory system is highly sensitive. It has been suggested that there is an intimate link between the sense of smell in the horse (Williams, 1995) and the fight and flight response, which is mediated by the autonomic nervous system (Marlin and Nankervis, 2002), thus affecting the heart. In humans, it has been demonstrated that lavender can have a pronounced impact on heart rate variability (Saeki, 2000) but it is not yet know whether the autonomic nervous system of the horse can be influenced by odour. It is the aim of the study to determine the effect of odour on the autonomic status of the horses.

Eight geldings were used in the study and the electrical activity of their heart was assessed using the “Polar S810” telemetric system before and during the presentation of either pig faeces or lavender to the horses’ nostrils. The experiment was conducted over a two–day period so that their response to both odours could be determined.

The exhibition and aetiology of abnormal behaviour in the equine is a coping response to a sub-optimal environment (McBride and Cuddeford, 2001). Physical prevention of performance of these behaviours could however lead to compromised welfare so alternative welfare enhancement methods have been sought as alternatives. Nicol (1999) indicated that the cause of weaving as a specific stereotypic behaviour is related to the management of the stabled horse. Enrichment devices have been successful in reducing abnormal behaviour and fostering increased expression of more normal behaviours in many animal species but studies have remained limited in relation to the equine. By strategic placement of mirrors in the stable the current study aimed to reduce the stabled horses need to perform stereotypic weaving behaviour without the use of physical restraint in order to enhance the welfare outcome.

Four horses, two males and two females were housed individually in 10*12m loose boxes and provided with straw bedding.

Over fifteen per cent of domesticated horses exhibit a form of stereotypic behaviour (Luescher, McKeown and Halip, 1991). These behaviours can represent or develop into health and welfare disequilibrium and crib–biting and weaving are two of the most commonly performed behaviours of this type. As these behaviours have been described as having no obvious function (Mason, 1991), procedures concerned with their ultimate prevention have been promoted within the equine industry. The aim of this study was to review the success of the physical, pharmacological, dietary, environmental and surgical methods available to horse owners for the prevention of equine stereotypies.

A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed between riding schools, trekking centres and livery yards throughout the Northern counties of England along with horse owning BSc Equine students at Myerscough College, Lancashire. Of the total, 200 were distributed by post and the remainder researcher administered.

Oxidative stress occurs when antioxidant defence mechanisms are overwhelmed by free radicals and may lead to damage to DNA, which has been implicated in processes such as ageing and cancer. The Comet assay allows detection of oxidative DNA damage in individual cells. As horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) have been shown to demonstrate low antioxidant status and oxidative stress, we hypothesised that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of horses with RAO would demonstrate increases in DNA damage following natural allergen challenge.

Six horses (mean age 15 years, range 8-23 years) diagnosed with RAO (in remission) and 6 healthy breed matched controls (mean age 9 years, range 5-15 years) were studied. Blood samples were collected 7 days prior to challenge and immediately and 3 days after stabling on mouldy hay and straw for 24h. All animals were kept at grass prior to and after the challenge period. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed and neutrophil counts determined.

A greater understanding of the population characteristics of sport horse populations is required to enable potential breed improvement programmes to be formulated correctly and be effective in their outcomes. To date limited research has been conducted into the UK sport horse population.

A selected group of progeny (n=339) sired by elite eventing stallions was examined. In the context of this study elite sires were defined as those that were ranked 1-10 by total lifetime points won by competing progeny up to the end of 2000 (British Horse Database, 2000). Comparative analysis was undertaken between the selected group and all competing eventing horses in 2000 (n=9387) (British Horse Database, 2000). Data collected for both groups included, total lifetime points won at eventing and dressage and total lifetime money won at show jumping. Basic descriptive statistics were produced for each data set (Table 1). Product moment correlations were performed for all discipline areas (Table 2). Data transformation was applied using LOG+1(Hassenstein, Roehe, and Kalm, 1996).

The UK currently has limited success at producing show jumping horses of international standard (WBFSH, 2002). For improvement to occur a greater understanding of the population dynamics of the show jumping population is required

A selected group of progeny (n=304) sired by elite show jumping stallions was examined. Elite sires were defined as those that were ranked 1-10 in the 2001 Sport Horse Annual (British Horse Database, 2000) by total lifetime earnings of progeny competing in 2000. Comparative analysis was conducted with all competing show jumping horses (n=22421) in 2000 (British Horse Database, 2000). Data collected comprised of total lifetime money won at show jumping, total lifetime points won at eventing and dressage. Descriptive statistics were produced for each data set (Table 1). Product Moment Correlations were performed for all discipline areas (Table 2). Data transformation was applied using LOG+1(Hassenstein, Roehe and Kalm, 1996) to account for the skewness in all data sets.

Multiple pregnancies (MP) are almost always the result of multiple ovulations (MO) (Ginther and Bergfelt, 1988). Twinning is the most common non-infectious cause of abortion in the mare (Roberts and Myhre, 1983) and represents a significant economic loss. As a consequence, further investigation into its occurrence and outcome is warranted in order to determine effective management practices.

Ultrasonic scanning was used to monitor and classify ovulation in 1582 Thoroughbred mares. Further ultrasonic scanning at Day 13 was used to identify and classify the resulting pregnancies (single pregnancy (SP), or MP)) in varying samples of mares. All MP mares underwent manual reduction of the smallest embryo at Day 13. 1170 mares, both SP and crushed MP, were monitored for the remainder of pregnancy with regard to pregnancy failure or success. Chi squared was used to test for significance throughout.

Horses and their owners participate in an increasingly diverse range of equestrian pursuits including such activities as racing, show-jumping, endurance riding, carriage driving, dressage, hunting, pony club games, polo and leisure trekking. The majority of owners and riders within the disciplines of equitation appear to have a general preference toward using male horses as the chosen competition animal. Although not exclusively so, stallions and geldings are quite often physically bigger and stronger than fillies and mares and may enjoy some athletic advantage as a result. However, it is known from studies involving humans and small laboratory animals (mice and rats) that some gender differences in cognitive function may also affect performance where tasks involve 3-dimensional objects and elements of depth perception (Morris, Garrud, Rawlins, and O’ Keefe, 1982). The horse has laterally placed eyes (Budiansky, 1997 and Figure 1) and therefore a stereoscopic (binocular) visual field of approximately 65-70°.

Visuo–spatial ability has been defined as the mechanism that allows individuals to keep track of their changing spatial relationships as they move through their environment (Farrell and Robertson, 2000). In many species, moderate to large differences in visuo–spatial ability have been reported between genders, with superior visuo–spatial ability being reported in males of all species investigated to date (Masters and Sanders, 1993). There is an acknowledged preference among trainers and owners toward male horses in several disciplines of equitation. While this preference for male horses may be partially explained by physical differences, visuo–spatial ability is important in many aspects of equitation. The objective of this study was to determine if visuo–spatial ability differed between male and female horses.

Visuo–spatial ability was investigated in a sample of 62 horses (males* = 34 and females = 28) at two equestrian centres using a novel test and test apparatus. The apparatus and test procedures required the horses to use elements of spatial awareness and the ability to differentiate elements of distance and depth perception to complete a series of six tests.

Previous work has shown that an increase in readily fermentable carbohydrates (CHO) in the diet of pigs is reflected by a decrease in faecal pH (Canh et al., 1998). It is well documented that a similar increase in CHO in the diet of equids is reflected by a decrease in caecal pH (McLean et al., 2000). Little work has been undertaken to determine if such a relationship exists in equids or indeed if there is a correlation between dietary pH and faecal pH.

The feed pH and faecal pH of six groups, each of 8 horses, receiving a variety of diets were examined. The dietary groups covered a wide range of feeds from purely forage based to predominantly concentrate based. Diet 1 consisted of 100% Hay (Hy), diet 2 of 100% grass (Gr), diet 3 of a 70:30 mix of Haylage (Hg) and grass (Gr): stud nuts, diet 4 of a 50:50 mix of haylage and competition mix, diet 5 a 30:70 mix of haylage to race mix and diet 6 a 60:40 mix of haylage, alfalfa and sugar beet pulp: rolled oats.

Many dietary oils have used in equine feeds primarily to improve joints and coat. Studies in rats have demonstrated the importance of dietary lipids in maintaining the normal discoid shape of the erythrocyte (Escadero et al., 1998). It is not yet known whether the addition of lipids to the diet can change the physiology of equine erythrocytes. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of sunflower oil (SF), green–lipped mussel oil (GLM), linseed oil (LN) and soya oil (SY) on erythrocyte shape and tendency to form rouleauxs in the horse.

Two New Forest ponies of similar age and weight and on clinical screening were used in the study. They were fed either the control diet (C) of silage ad libithum or the control diet plus 50ml of either SF, GLM, LN or SY. Bloods were taken prior to the start of dietary manipulation and at the end of the two–week experimental period.

Cyathostome nematodes have become the central focus of concerns related to internal parasites of horses due to their pathological and persistent effects on the growing and mature horse (Murphy and Love, 1997). Current anthelmintic treatments have, however, led to resistance and alternative control measures are required. Glucosinolate hydrolysis derivatives have a wide range of biological activities, and have previously been shown to inhibit root nematodes (Brown and Morra, 1997). The aim of the study was to examine whether cyathostome nematode eggs could be inhibited by glucosinolate hydrolysis products.

An in vitro egg hatch assay was set up using eggs extracted from the faeces of naturally infected horses (Kassai, 1999). The egg suspension (containing approximately 100 eggs) were incubated with nine different concentrations (range: 20-10,000 ppm) of the glucosinolate hydrolysis products (allyl isothiocyanate (C), allyl nitrile (N) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (P). A control was set up in which water replaced the hydrolysis product. The number of eggs and larvae were counted using an inverted microscope. Statistical differences between treatments were assessed using General Linear Model, ANOVA.

Adequate feeding of a horse is essential to help sustain its health and performance in different situations. Traditionally, horses are fed hay or grazed grass without or with grains plus supplements or compound feeds. However, the practice of feeding horses varies greatly in the UK depending upon the workload of a horse, co-location of the owner and the seasonal variations mainly due to the weather and the availability of pasture or hay. Although many complete feeds are also available commercially, their nutritive values do vary and thus they may not suit a horse. Therefore, there is a need to formulate nutritious diets that are palatable for a horse and cost-effective for the owner. It is also imperative to prepare diets that are more completely digested to minimise faecal contamination the environment. This study compared the suitability of three coarsely mixed diets to improve digestion and reduce excretion in adult ponies.

Two choice preference testing is used in animals to determine food preference or taste response (Nicol, 1997). This relies upon selection from a theoretical mean of 0.5, if no preference is shown. The aims of this study were two fold: to measure the incidence of side preference in the horse when given the choice of two identical feeds; and to assess the influence of age on side preference.

18 TB x horses were used in this study. Six horses were allocated to each of the age groups; young (2-4 years), middle (8-14 years) and old (over 16 years). All horses were housed in stables of identical design. 1.5kg DM of basal feed was offered in two containers, positioned left and right, for a ten–minute period over nine days. All spillages were collected and recorded. Intake was calculated as the (amount of feed offered – amount of feed remaining – 0.5x the Spillage).

As a result of the need to excrete the waste products of protein catabolism in urine, increases in protein intake have been associated with increases in water intake in poultry (Bailey, 1990), in pigs (Brooks and Carpenter, 1990) and in ruminants (Agricultural Research Council, 1980). Whilst there is only very limited data available to support a similar relationship in horses (Meyer, 1987) it is believed that increases in protein intake in equines also result in greater water consumption when high protein diets are fed (Lawrence, 1998). The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between crude protein intake and water consumption when forage based diets were offered ad libitum to individually fed ponies. Six mature Welsh–cross pony geldings with a mean liveweight (LW) of 281 kg (s.e.d. 0.89) were individually housed in pens bedded with wood shavings and used in a changeover design experiment consisting of two 21-day periods.

Six mature Welsh-cross pony geldings with a mean liveweight (LW) of 281 kg (s.e.d. 0.89) were individually housed in pens bedded with wood shavings and used in a changeover design experiment consisting of two 21-day periods.

The water content of feedstuffs is an important factor when considering both the nutritive value of a feed for dietary rationing purposes and when assessing the functional properties associated with the practical inclusion of a feedstuff in animal diets. Water is a vital nutrient in its own right and must be supplied on a daily basis. Feed associated water provides one source of this obligatory requirement. In addition, the water holding capacity (WHC) of a feedstuff and its relationship with other constituents of the feed may have important effects. Water can be associated with feedstuff in one of three ways (Robertson and Eastwood, 1981b). Firstly, water can be bound by the hydrophilic polysaccharides of the fibre component of feeds. Secondly, water can be held within the structural fibre matrix of feeds and finally, water can be associated with feedstuff fibre other than bound or matrix water and is usually considered as water trapped within the cell wall lumen.

The equid has been estimated to derive 70% of energy from volatile fatty acids (VFA) production. Hind gut fermentation in the equid degrades structural carbohydrates to VFA's that are oxidised by the liver as a source of energy. Maximising this potential source of energy is an important consideration when attempting to improve the utilisation of fibre feeds by the equid. It is generally accepted that the acetate:propionate:butyrate are produced in a ratio of 76:18:5 by horses consuming forage diets (Moore–Colyer 2000). This optimum can be unbalanced by the inclusion of high levels of cereal–based concentrates in the diet. Therefore to maximise hindgut function it is important to maximise the use of high–energy fibrous feeds such as alfalfa and sugar beet pulp (USBP), while reducing the inclusion of concentrate feeds. This experiment sought to determine the effect of feed preparation, namely particle size on VFA profiles from a range of alfalfa : unmolassed sugar beet pulp diets.