A pilot study investigating the relationship between perceived and actual workload and estimated energy intake in riding centre horses

Abstract

Feeding regimens for horses are usually based on perceived workload (PW) together with body condition. This can lead to inappropriate energy intake and, in particular, excess weight. Therefore, a more detailed understanding of the factors influencing individual energy needs under practical field conditions would be valuable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate to what extent the variations in actual versus PW may influence the estimated energy intake required to maintain body weight (BW) in individual animals. Eight mature, experienced riding school horses, chosen at random and maintaining a constant BW, were observed in standard flat work lessons with four different instructors at an equine training college. Heart rate (HR) and the structure of the lessons were recorded. Relative workload (RW) was determined for each horse by dividing its average HR per lesson by its estimated maximum HR (HR_max). PW was estimated by each instructor for each horse using a scale of 1–5. One-way ANOVA and t-test were used to determine the differences and Spearman's and Pearson's correlations were used to determine the correlations. The mean estimated RW was 39.1% of the estimated HR_max ( ± 5.7%) and was not significantly different between instructors (P>0.05). Rider weight as a percentage of BW showed a weak but statistically significant positive correlation with mean HR (r² = 0.14, P < 0.05). Estimated energy intake was negatively correlated with BCS (r² = 0.65, P < 0.001) and differed significantly (P < 0.05) between light (BW = 455–532 kg) horses (mean 0.18 ± 0.04 MJ kg^− 1 BW) and heavy (BW = 622–660 kg) horses (mean 0.15 ± 0.03 MJ kg^− 1 BW). No difference was found in estimated energy intake between different workloads (flat work only or flat work and jumping) (P>0.05). When BW was compared with estimated energy intake, no relation was found either (P>0.05). These results suggest that the amount of energy needed to maintain BW in individual horses cannot necessarily be estimated simply on the basis of the intensity and the duration of structured exercise. Other factors including age, individual digestive and metabolic efficiency, body condition and possibly the energy utilized through non-structured activity (e.g. box walking) may need to be taken into account.