Reported Behavioural Differences between Geldings and Mares Challenge Sex-Driven Stereotypes in Ridden Equine Behaviour

Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
Anna AunePaul McGreevy

Abstract

Horse trainers and riders may have preconceived ideas of horse temperament based solely on the sex of the horse. A study (n = 1233) of horse enthusiasts (75% of whom had more than 8 years of riding experience) revealed that riders prefer geldings over mares and stallions. While these data may reflect different sex preferences in horses used for sport, they may also reduce the chances of some horses reaching their performance potential. Further, an unfounded sex prejudice is likely to contribute to unconscious bias when perceiving unwanted behaviours, simplistically attributing them to demographic characteristics rather than more complex legacies of training and prior learning. The current study analysed reported sex-related behavioural differences in ridden and non-ridden horses using data from responses to the pilot study of the Equine Behaviour Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ) survey. Respondents (n = 1233) reported on the behaviour of their horse using a 151-item questionnaire. Data were searched for responses relating to mares and geldings, and 110 traits with the greatest percentage difference scores between mares and geldings were selected were tested for univariate significance at p < 0.2. Multivariable mod...Continue Reading

References

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Apr 2, 2019·Journal of Equine Veterinary Science·Jill E Sackman, Katherine A Houpt

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Citations

Sep 20, 2020·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Lucia Pérez-ManriquePaul McGreevy
Jan 6, 2021·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Jessica McKenziePaul McGreevy
Dec 11, 2020·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Bibiana BurattiniPaul McGreevy

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