Hi All,
Welcome to topic 2 for 624EHS - Contemporary Issues in Equine Science.
This topic is all about competition horse welfare. Make sure that you look at the launch powerpoint, which has been posted in the Classroom. DL students (and Jasmine Pook) are required to contribute to this blog as part of their CW3 assessment. All students have from now until 11:59 pm on Friday 20th of November 2020 to contribute to this blog, to debate the issues surrounding the welfare of the competition horse. Ensure you can also evidence your opinions and remember that you are also required to submit a reference list (word document emailed to module leader) by 11.59 pm on Friday 20th of November 2020. You will be graded on the quality and quantity of both your blog contributions and your reference list. Remember, the point of this is to debate the issues, so you should be replying to each other's posts. I will be keeping an eye on the blog, but if you have any issues, you should email me. Please remember to register your name with your comments so that I know who has contributed with which comment. FT students can contribute to the blog in preparation for the in-class debate but will not be assessed on this.
Rosa
When looking at the welfare of horses, the five freedoms must be looked at. However the framework was produced for farm animals as well as to be used for horses, this makes them very vague when being used in the equine industry. It only focuses on the negative rather than the positives of welfare (McCulloch, 2013), which would include veterinary attention to any diseases or injuries, appropriate housing and nutrition, appropriate skilled care and interactions between both horses and owner (Hockenhull and Whay, 2014). Without including the positive and more specific factors of welfare, the term ‘as free as possible...’ isn’t promoting the welfare of equine athletes (Campbell, 2016).
ReplyDeleteAs well as considering how the five freedoms are important to in management. Travelling is a necessity within competition and can have implications on welfare. Andronie et al., (2017) tracked a total of 3196 horses to the slaughterhouse on a journey that did not exceed 8 hours. The results suggested that risk factors such that lack of experience of both horses and transporters increased the chance of welfare being compromised, however the paper was looking at the effects of travelling and taking horses to slaughter house on welfare so it is not specifically about competition horses but can suggest that certain times of travelling (i.e. loading) can increase the stress of the horse potentially implicating welfare.
DeleteFurthermore, Padolino (2017) conducted a questionnaire to determine the prevalence of transport related issues and found that 67% experienced issues, and found that transport was not often compliant with The Australian Code (Chapter 3.1), it was also found that there was a significant association between management and development of transport related health problems. Issues such as heat stroke and diarrhoea were more likely too occur when the journeys were organised by amateurs rather than professionals. More stronger rules need to be implemented to ensure codes are followed and welfare is not impacted. Overall, the questionnaire highlighted the need for new welfare indicators, for horses moved over long distances and for identifying horses at risk of respiratory diseases.
Jasmine Pook
Yorke et al., (2017) reviewed the literature surrounding travelling and its impact on welfare. The results indicated that methods are needed to be established to minimise the incidence of transport-related problem behaviours (TRPBs) in horses. From the literature, TRPBs are common in the equine industry, and is often a popular search on YouTube, this demonstrates that there is quite a lot of interest in this topic. The review demonstrates that correct training and application of habituation to loading and unloading can minimise the risk of TRPBs. This review indicates that further research and education is needed regarding transport management are essential y decrease the incidence of TRPBs in horses. Moreover, the author reviewed the literature so the author could have misinterpreted the results so consideration should be held.
ReplyDeleteJasmine Pook
Another, aspect of management which is important to consider is turnout. Turnout can easily be related to the five freedoms, specifically when allowing the horse to exhibit natural behaviours. Caston et al., (2018) utilised a survey to data collect data surrounding demographics and training programmes, The results suggested that 6% horses were on some form of turnout for 4 hours or less. Turnout enclosures varied but paddocks 2 acres or less accounted for 58% of cases and only 38% were more than 2 acres. However, this paper clearly indicates a lack of turnout and this could potentially implicate and comprises the animals five freedoms.
ReplyDeleteDittman et al., (2020) conducted an online questionnaire, the results showed that leisure horses were kept in more natural conditions compared to competition horses, however, there was no significant differences in weekly frequency and duration of turnout, but, competition horses were more likely to have individual turnout than groups. The use of a questionnaire provides a good overview of data and demonstrates that turnout is restricted, individual turnout is unnatural to the horses natural behaviour and could hinder the horses ability to perform natural behaviours and could implicate the horses welfare. However, scepticism is needed as participants could have mitigated results potentially skewing the data and conclusions.
Jasmine Pook
When observing the turnout patterns and restrictions of sports horses, I agree with the above comment regarding the average turnout time of four hours or less. Lesimple et al (2020) says despite the negative impacts on the horse it is commonly accepted to stable sports horses for 20 plus hours a day. reasons for doing this include fear of injury and the impairment of future performance if turned out. it is also accepted in the industry that one hour of exercise is enough to meet the locomotion needs of the horse per day.
DeleteLesimple et al (2020) undertook study in which the aim was to access the feasibility of allowing some adult sports horses who had always been confined to stables to have daily turnout in paddocks, and to evaluate the behaviour of the horses and the consequences of these turnout sessions. Findings show that the horses quickly become habituated to the turnout and the regular time for free movement has a clear and positive impact on the horse welfare and emotional state.
limitations to this study suggest that the horses became so quickly acclimatised to the turnout because of hay in the paddock.
Further experimentation should include longer paddock sessions for sports horses, with emphasis on the occurrence of field injury and its affect on performance.
Is there a requirement to include the free movement of horses in regulations for welfare?
During a survey of racehorse stakeholders Butler et al. (2019) identified several welfare problems within the racing industry. The most highlighted and contentious issue discussed by participants was turnout. When out in the field most horses will spend their day with their heads down eating and moving around. Continuous access to good quality grass pasture is viewed as ideal in the prevention against gastric ulcers and in the beneficial stretching of the soft tissue along the horses’ pack. Racehorses typically do not get access to turnout. While some participants agreed that turnout was in the horse’s best interests, others said the risk of injury, especially in young horses outweighed the benefits that turnout offered.
DeleteLeanne Ward
Spur use within elite competition is common practice, dressage riders require spurs from advanced medium and above (British Dressage 2019)
ReplyDeleteSpurs are used by riders to reinforce the riders leg aids prompting the horse to move, either forwards in a quicker pace, or lateral movements as we see in dressage test movements.
Over recent years the use of spurs in equestrianism has attracted a negative public attention, on occasions where the spur has injured the horse’s side and induced a production of visible blood (Jones, 2018)
(Lemon et al. 2020) undertook a questionnaire based research to record the use and type of spurs across the UK equine disciplines and relate these findings to the frequency of equine injury associated with their use.
628 participants and 19 types of equestrian activity were reported.
47% used spurs. 60% of the professional riders used spurs and were 1.5 times more likely to use spurs than not. 34% of spur users reported skin abrasions because of spur use. With affiliated riders 3.57 times more likely to have experienced this. the majority agreed with the current FEI regulations of elimination for both excessive use of spurs and the presence of blood on a horse.
The public opinion of spur use being negative may have impacted the participants of this study, and had influence on the answers they gave. More research using a larger sample size, and a scientific review of current spur regulations and sanctions be implemented for a more in depth view on how spurs affect the welfare of the horse.
As well as the use of spurs, in equestrian sport it is becoming more common to tighten the noseband especially in dressage (Fenner et al, 2016). Evidence has suggested that very tight nosebands can have an impact on the physiological stress response and compromise their welfare. The idea of nosebands is to prevent the horse from opening their mouths to allow an increase in control (Casey et al, 2016). The most common noseband is the caveeson however other nosebands such as the crank can be used in many competition disciplines and complies with competition rules; Crank nosebands have a mechanism that allows the noseband to have doubled the tension on the nose, causing an excessive amount of pressure on the nose and jaw. The uses of these nosebands however are a concern for equine scientists and the public because they can cause discomfort, tissue damage and pain (Casey et al, 2016). By reducing the tightness of nosebands during competitions by making sure that the noseband is causing no pain and making sure that the tightness is between 1-2 fingers will reduce the pressure on the jaw and nose so that it’s not causing any internal issues.
DeleteThe study by Casey et al, (2016) found out that 23% of competitors had the tightness of one finger and 18% had 1.5 fingers. Eventers were identified to have the highest levels of tightness, followed by dressage and hunter classes with the lowest. It is understandable that eventers had their nosebands the tightest as they need the control when doing cross country and tend to have horses that have the stamina to compete in three disciplines, therefore may be stronger and need a stronger noseband and bit.
As well as looking at teh use of spurs in the equine imdustry it was also beneficial to look at feeding methods. Bull et al., (2019) investigated the feeding routines of horses participating in the Chilean rodeo. Feeding practices varied greatly but horses received forage (alfalfa or hay) and energy feeds (oats, corn or concentrate) while protein and lipid supplements were less common. The literature suggests that concentrate feeds ca increase the risk of gastric ulcers, which would need treatment and can implicate welfare. Furthermore, alternatives to concentrates could perhaps be lipids and this a form of slow release energy which would not increase the risk of ulcers. Again, the results where concluded from a questionnaire, so participants could mitigate responses and perhaps it could be biased.
ReplyDeleteWagner et al., (2019) found that 23 mature competition horses were screened for gastric ulcers via an endoscope following a 12 to 14hr fast. Vets who performed endoscopes and were blinded to the study design, competition horses are at an increased risk of development of ulcers due to having to go without food for long periods and high concentrations of hard feed compared to forage. The results indicate that providing at risk performance horses with supplements with gastric prevention supplements to aid ulceration. However, because of the field like trial design which included environmental stressors further investigation is warranted.
Jasmine Pook
Alongside the use of training aids (i.e spurs) it is also important to consider the effects of inadequate training on the welfare of the horse.
ReplyDeleteMcCutcheon et al., (1996) investigated the effects of speed and Endurance exercise test (SEET). These tests simulated running speeds and distances required for each phase of an Olympic level (CCI****) 3‐day‐event in cool and hot conditions and calculate ion losses associated with these activities. The results suggested that the differences in ion losses correspond with increased sweating rates (higher core temperatures) during moderate to high intensity exercise. This implies that training can cause imbalances within horses so perhaps supplements should be given to prevent this, perhaps electrolytes could be administered to horses, not the paste as this could further dehydrate the horse, but adding electrolytes to feed and water may aid depleted ion losses.
Furthermore, Gregić et al., (2017) aimed to demonstrate different types of adaptions in young and old horses during the competition season. Physiological parameters of the horse groups decreased at the end of the competition seasons. Furthermore, heart rate decreased in both groups the parameters in saliva were higher in the younger group of horses compared to the older ones. The research indicates that saliva could be implemented as a method to evaluate the horses condition, this could aid training and ensuring the horses welfare is of upmost importance. However, a larger sample size is needed to determine reliability, more research could be done looking at environmental temperatures and the effect on these parameters
Noleto et al., (2016) measured blood samples from 82 thoroughbreds, which was collected the morning of training. The results demonstrated that after training there was elevated levels of lactate, aspartate, aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, urea, creatine, phosphorus, and potassium. The paper suggested that biochemical variation was observed between groups 1 and 2, it was concluded that this was relative to the physical condition of each horse. Perhaps, when implementing training sessions routinely measuring the biochemical variations could be useful to monitor training and ensure the welfare of the animal is of upmost importance.
Jasmine Pook
DeleteWhen looking into the training methods of performance horses and the welfare issues surrounding, it is important to consider the implications of the racehorse industry.
DeleteOne common welfare issue within the race industry welfare lobby groups and by extension the equestrian community is the racing of two year olds.
Rogers et al. (2020) say that epidemiological studies have shown that 2 year old racehorses have a longer time from initial entering into training to the first race. This is due to the horse taking more time to learn how to train and the impact of dorsal metacarpal disease, which is caused by the early loading of naïve tissue. At 14 months old a thoroughbred will be around 90% of its adult height, and 85% of its adult weight. They report that horses raced at two years old are less likely to experience tendon and ligament injuries, increasing only with age.
Flash (2017)also report a positive association between early exercise and the longevity of the horses career and success. A study of 117,088 Australian racehorses found the risk of retirement from racing decreased with a younger age of first start. The adaptive ability of specific tissues in the horse are greatest when young, especially tendons.
Studies have also reported a negative correlation for racing two year olds, and they have found a high incidence of low grade disease and injury. 85% of thoroughbreds in the study experienced at least one incidence of injury or disease by the end of the season, contradicting the positive association previously mentioned. The most common type of injury causing lameness was dorsal metacarpal disease or shin soreness. As this is a low grade injury and not a retirement or fatality resulting injury that could explain why the link between career longevity and two year old races exists.
To understand the negative public perception of racing two year olds it is important to look at the sources of the information they are viewing. Public access to more scientific research will help in this area. Racing industries need to actively engage with the community to educate and ensure the correct information is getting through.
Bacon et al (2020) used 19 equine welfare experts to look at all the welfare issues in the equine industry. They found that the stereotypical behaviour, horse transport and health related issues are the most common.
ReplyDeleteIt is found out that owner knowledge and their understanding of horses can have the most effects on welfare, this would include feeding inappropriately, training methods and poorly fitting tack.
Thompson et al (2018), found out that 19% of Australian horse owners hadn’t vaccinated their horses against tetanus and another 11% didn’t have regular dental care. This goes against the rules of five freedoms of ‘freedom from discomfort’ and ‘ freedom from pain, injury and disease’. Owners knowledge needs to improve in order to understand the clinical signs of ill health in all horses (McGowan et al, 2010) and be able to understand the needs of horses and how management is so important. By owners understanding clinical signs of ill health it will help the animal get the veterinary help it needs earlier before a major impact occurs and will reduce the pain the horse has to go through before help comes.
Eventing is considered the most dangerous of the equestrian sports (Thompson & Nesci 2013; Hennessy 2016; Foreman & Foreman 2019) fatalities to both horse and rider are well documented in news surrounding events and via social media posts on Facebook. Hennesy (2016) reports 12 fatalities in all from 2003-2013
ReplyDeleteRotational falls have a high relative risk for catastrophic injury, with about 1 in every 5 rotational falls resulting in a serious injury or fatality compared to 1 in every 54 for unseated riders. Rotational falls are defined as falls in which a horses linear momentum is arrested as it strikes an obstacle, this will cause the horse to violently rotate its haunches over its head, strike its head and neck on the ground and ultimately land on its back, often on top of the rider (Foreman & Foreman 2019)
The FEI have recommended that “everything should be done to prevent horses from falling.”
Accordingly, many eventing organisations have prioritised the reduction of rotational falls through risk management initiatives that involve enhanced training, improved assessment of qualifications, and the research and implementation of cutting-edge safety technologies (FEI 2014)
Frangible pins have been designed to reduce the risk of rotational falls. As a certain amount of force is placed on the fence the pin will break, causing the fence to collapse and remove the fulcrum point at which the horse rotates(FEI 2019)
The use of frangible pins and deformable fences would appear to have a substantial role to play in reducing risk of a horse falling.
Are frangible pins enough to reduce and prevent injury to the horse in the cross country phase of eventing. Horses will hit the fences with different variables such as speed, stride, obstacle heights and horse experience (Foreman & Foreman 2019)
Leanne Ward
Another, influencing factor which could impact injury rates and welfare could be human and rider relationships.
ReplyDeleteDashper (2014) interviewed 26 elite riders and conducted an ethnographic study of competitive equestrian sport. Dashper (2014) found that the commodity value of sport horses increases and the pressure of quick results and “quick fixes” are often used, which can sometimes hinder the welfare of the animal and threatens the bonds formed between horse and rider. Increased pressure and intense training which can often result in “quick fixes” compromises welfare, furthermore, this change has reduced the importance of the horse being a trusted partners to being a commodity which in can bought and sold for human commercial benefit.
Neumann et al., (2020) reviewed databases to investigate the consequences of the possible differences in horse performance due to the number of riders who have changed over the course of the horses career. The initial research suggested that horse performance depends upon the age of the horse and number of riders it has. Horse performance increased up to ten years of age but after it decreases. Furthermore, horses ridden by only 1 to 2 riders achieve better results. Horses can adapt to competitive situations, but horses exposed to less riders achieve better results however, this could potentially raise ethical issues, especially if the horse is competing with multiple riders on the same day. Despite this the data used could not determine whether the change of rider also meant a change in the social environment with all the contexts (moving the horse to the other stable, among other horses, the use of other training methods.)
Jasmine Pook
I agree with Leanne's comment about implementing preventative measures to reduce injury risk.
ReplyDeleteGeorgopoulo et al., (2017) conducted a retrospective study, investigating data from the equine injury databases of the data of flat racing in the US and Canada. 3,572 race starts ended with a fatal injury, (1.9 fatal injuries/1,000 race starts), the research also indicated that there was 22 risk factors associated with fatal injury (i.e. greater in stallions, increased number of previous non-fatal injuries, race withdrawals and levels of competitiveness). This research suggests that guidelines could be implemented to identify at risk racehorses allowing preventative strategies to be put in place to minimise injury risk, furthermore, another study could be conducted into determining whether there is any differences in injury rates in races in the UK.
O’ Conor et al., (2017) investigated the injury rates in flat and jump races between (2011 and 2015) through using standardised injury report forms. Compared with flat racing, jump racing had significantly more falls per 1000 rides. In flat racing most injuries occurred in the lower limb (32.89%) and in jump most injuries occurred in the upper limbs (34.97%). Further research is needed to identify risk factors for injury and investigate strategies which can prevent injury and its effects of fall and injury rate.
Jasmine Pook
McLean et al., (2010) conducted a literature review and found that horse racing is the source of many welfare concerns because of the use of the whip and the physical dangers to horses involved in hurdle racing and steeplechasing. The use of the whip in racing is controversial and, because it does not always lead to acceleration, international governing bodies and national equestrian federations ought to remove any requirements to use curb bits and whips and judges should reward riders who use the most humane control devices at the higher levels of competition
ReplyDeleteRudolph, (2009) implemented a case study to determine which governing bodies are responsible for discipline. The FEI is responsible for governing the rules and regulation to protect equine welfare. Doping is restricted and the competitors are forced to receive sanctions from the FEI, for example, in the Beijing Olympics six horses were investigated for doping including a charge against Pessoa (a rider) who used nonivamide a pain reliever which can also be used to increase sensitivity on the legs in jumping – he was disqualified and received a four and a half month ban from competing. There are several conflicts between sponsorship and maintaining a horses welfare perhaps stricter guidelines between sponsorship and its implications of welfare should be implemented.
Jasmine Pook
In terms of whip use, Pinchbeck et al. (2010) looked into whether using a whip more increases the risk of horse falls in hurdle and steeplechase racing in the UK. There is a lot of focus on racing, and the law changed in 2011 limiting the amount that a jockey can use their whip. There is not as much focus on other disciplines, so it was interesting to read what they found. Horses that were being whipped and progressing through the races were at 7 times greater a risk of falling than those that were whipped a minimal amount and maintained the same sort of position throughout the race.
DeleteWhen it comes to racing, it is much more within the public eye, meaning there is far more scrutiny surrounding the welfare of the horses involved. There is also a lot of money in racing, as millions of people worldwide bet on it. Other equine disciplines are not speculated as much, therefore the welfare of these horses is not as much of a concern for the public.
Abbie
As well as the influence of governing bodies, it is important to consider the influence of social media and sponsorships as this could potential compromise welfare. Lofgren et al., (2016) conducted a survey and distributed in through Facebook, 1,997 surveys were completed and analysed. Internet was a common source of information but not a preferred source, however, vets, farriers and trainers were the preferred source of health information. The study indicates that perhaps, when designing education programmes that cater to the information sources of the equine industry learners
ReplyDeleteCarroll et al., (2018) two surveys and distributed them to professionals. Showed that like Lofgren et al., (2016) veterinary guidance is preferred over social media this is good as it reflects that owners care for their horses and think that welfare is important enough to consult the vets for guidance.
Furthermore, to conclude, maintaining the competitions horses welfare is complicated and can hindered by the nature of the disciplines, social media, sponsorships, the shift in animal human relationships, limited access to express normal behaviours. Perhaps, governing bodies such as the FEI could create a set a guidelines to ensure that guidance is available to the riders of these horses, however, this may not always be possible due to individual circumstances and restrictions in the horses housing.
Jasmine Pook
I agree with Jasmines above comment regarding the impact of social media on the welfare of horses. Many professional riders are sponsored by companies which provide everything from feed to clothing.
DeleteWhen looking at nutrition specifically a survey undertaken by Bushell and Murray (2016) also showed that owners will seek nutritional advice from vets. However, they also state that vets may not always have the most up to date and relevant information, they are more likely to have a broad overview as opposed to specific individualised advice. An equine nutritionist who works with the horse on a regular basis would be the best source of information for owners to obtain their information.
As social media influence becomes more prevalent (Diba, Vella & Abratt 2019), I believe it is important that as well as the governing bodies such as the FEI, professional riders which carry sponsorships should have a duty of care to promote those items with information as to where horse owners can get impartial advice for their own horse as to not impact on their own welfare needs.
Leanne Ward
Ethical breeding involves the use of healthy animals which are true to their species in behaviour and physical appearance. With overbreeding of horses responsible for the abandonment and killing of horses every year, and consumers becoming more aware, it is simple to see why overbreeding is a welfare issue (Farstad 2018)
ReplyDeleteHighlighted welfare issues in breeding include, keeping stallions alone. Common practice is to isolate stallions as they may be aggressive to other horses and potentially cause injury. In doing this the stallion may experience stress and develop stereotypical behaviours (Campbell 2017)
Another welfare issue surrounds the early weaning of horses. In the wild weaning will occur when the next years foal is born, and typically the herd will run together including mares, foals, weanlings and an active ‘hareem’ stallion. Weaning horses early can cause issues with the psychological and behavioural problems in the foal. This suggests that stress at weaning is most effectively avoided if done over a gradual time frame and including a high forage diet. The presence of a unrelated adult horse may also reduce stress in the foal (Horseman et al. 2016; Campbell 2017) Horseman et al, (2016) report 85% of UK stud foals are weaned abruptly and are housed either individually or in pairs doe the process. There is a need for greater understanding of what constitutes best practice in relation to weaning, this will aid a better understanding of the welfare impact therefore informing routes of improvement.
Also with breeding horses for performance horse and competition means that horses are selectively bred for their future performance and potential for success. German warmblood horses have been increasingly used for competitive sport such as dressage, show jumping and eventing. The world breeding federation annually releases rankings of the most successful studbooks, and the German warmblood breeds such as Holsteiner, Hanoverian, Oldenburger and Trakehner are continually in the top rankings in at least one discipline (Nolte, Thaller & Kuehn 2019)
DeleteThe continued success of selective breeding means that there must be interbreeding of horses, to achieve horses which are more and more successful the horses which place the highest will be used more.
Swedish warmblood horses also use a selective breeding programme. While they do have overlapping of homozygous segments, they say this is caused by the selection for performance rather than inbreeding. They boast an inbreeding coefficient of 5%, attributing this to a semi-open studbook. They do allow some inflow of genetic material from other warmblood populations (Ablondi et al. 2019).
Leanne Ward
The Animal Welfare Act (2006) defines the five freedoms, by which equestrians are encouraged to follow when caring for their horses. Although most competition horses are cared for to a high standard to ensure maximum performance, there is doubt around whether they are able to fulfil all their needs (e.g. racehorses have minimal turnout, to minimise risk of injury).
ReplyDeleteCampbell (2016) discusses how equestrians think about the welfare of their competition horses, and how the needs of their horses may be being met, but not in traditional ways. Racehorses for example, may not have access to regular turnout, but their trainers follow strict training programmes which make sure they get enough exercise.
He then goes on to discuss how some of the freedoms are not possible to put into practice all the time, for example a life entirely free from pain, injury and discomfort may not be possible with a competition horses. For example, travelling to and from shows can cause stress, competing itself brings risk to the horse which is why its so important that the horses are fit enough to compete at the level they are. Where it is not possible to avoid stress/injury, steps need to be followed to minimise the risks.
Abbie
DeleteFor horses athletic capabilities they have an effective cardio respiratory response during exercise which will have an effect on the horses breathing when it is being restricted by impaired respiratory function (Beausoleil and Mellor, 2017). There are many parts of the bridle that can have an impact on the breathing of a horse. Rein use that can reduce the jowl angle and partially obstruct the larynx and nasopharynx, have an effect on the airflow in to the upper respiratory tract leading to an increased flow resistance (Beausoleil and Mellor, 2017). The upper airway pressure will therefore change in order to transmit to the lower airways which can overall cause pathophysiological sequelae in the alveolae, creating an increase in airflow resistance and cause respiratory gas exchange. Other times sequelae will have an impact on a healthy horse’s health during strenuous exercise by causing a decrease in respiratory minute volume and making hypoxaemia, acidaemia and hypercapnia worse (Beausoleil and Mellor, 2017). The above factors are how ridden horses experience breathlessness.
ReplyDeleteBits are another problem in equine welfare. Bits can cause changes in a horse’s behaviour; they can become painful and irritant in a horse’s mouth if not fitted correctly (too big for the mouth). They also create a potential disruption of negative pressure on the orophaynx that prevents the soft palate in the mouth from rising and preventing access to the nasopharynx (Beausoleil and Mellor, 2017). Poor performances and respiratory problems are caused by these obstructions occurring making the horse breathless. However, with the use of bitless bridles these will minimise these effects. For the welfare of horses, owners need to make sure that the equipment (bit, bridles, nosebands etc) aren’t obstructing the horses nature way of moving/breathing by making sure that the equipment fit the horse accurately and effectively, also monitoring their way of moving to see if the equipment is having a positive or negative impact.