Assessing the suitability of Thoroughbred horses for equestrian sports after their racing careers

Abstract The first aim of this study was to analyze the behavioral traits and heart rate (HR) parameters in Thoroughbreds soon after the horses had finished their racing careers. The second aim was to select those traits, from those previously analyzed, which that would indicate the horses' further suitability for equestrian sports. The study was performed on 25 two-year-old Thoroughbred mares and geldings that had finished their racing careers. An initial observation was made by a jockey on the racing track. The first test evaluation was carried out on the 10th day after their return from the track to their home studs and the next 2 evaluations took place 1 and 2 months after the first assessment. The last (verifying) evaluation was performed 12 months after the first test evaluation. Between the first and last assessments, the horses were systematically trained to prepare them for equestrian sports. The first 3 assessments were based on behavioral observations and HR parameters. The verifying examination of a horse's suitability for recreational purposes with regard to its behavior was performed by a test rider. The results showed that it was possible to initially assess the suitability of a Thoroughbred for recreational purposes according to 2 groups of attributes: behavioral and HR and heart rate variability parameters. The behavioral analysis focused on the behavior of a horse when a person enters the box and when a horse faces an unknown object. HR and heart rate variability parameters assessed included HR measurements when a person enters the box and during bridling and root mean square of successive differences measurements when a person enters the box and when a horse faces an unknown object. This second assessment occurred 1 month after a horse returned from the racing track to the mother stud. As indicated by the results, 1 month is the critical period needed to adjust to new circumstances after being on the racetrack. Earlier examination might not be accurate.