Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The use of horse blankets is common among horse owners and there is a wide range of blankets on the market, with different functions and in various materials. The pros and cons of blanket use have long been debated, however the question of whether blanket use can be considered good practice from the horse's perspective remains. Horses are naturally adept at thermoregulation, through physiological and behavioural adaptations, yet the use of blankets can impair this ability. Previous studies show that blankets may also cause welfare issues such as pressure sores and muscle tension, as well as make it difficult for the horse to perform behaviours that are important for body care, such as rolling. The aim of this study was to investigate if and how blankets affect horses' rolling behaviour. 12 horses were observed during rolling tests, once with a blanket and once without a blanket. The rolling tests were performed for 15 minutes and were carried out in a riding hall. Time to first roll was recorded, as well as frequency and duration of rolls. The results showed that a total of nine rolls were performed without a blanket and a total of 12 rolls were performed with a blanket. The average duration of the rolls was 15,55 seconds without a blanket and 28,43 seconds with a blanket. A potential reason why the duration was longer with a blanket, than without, could be that horses do not get the right feedback when rolling with a blanket, as dust and other particles do not penetrate the coat. Previous studies show that the functional feedback received by the animals seems to be influenced not only by the performance of certain behaviours, but also by whether they are performed in the right substrate. It is therefore possible that blankets have an impact on horses' rolling behaviour. However, there is a gap in knowledge on this topic and future research is therefore of great importance for horse welfare.