In the high-stakes world of competitive equestrian sports, the well-being of elite sport horses has long been a topic of intrigue. Are these magnificent athletes truly happy, thriving in their rigorous careers? This burning question prompted a groundbreaking study, appropriately named ‘Happy Athlete,’ led by equine ethologist Romane Phélipon. As we delve into the fascinating findings of this research, we discover the three fundamental pillars of equine happiness: forage, freedom, and friends. Moreover, we unveil surprising statistics and insights into the lives of these remarkable animals, shedding light on their unique needs and desires. 

Investigating Equine Well-being in the World of Competitive Sports

In the pursuit of high-performance equine athletes, a groundbreaking study named “Happy Athlete” is shedding light on the well-being of top-level sport horses. Conducted by Romane Phélipon, a doctoral candidate in equine ethology, under the guidance of renowned ethology researcher Léa Lansade, this study is a collaborative effort with EquiAction, FFE’s endowment fund, and the support of IFCE and INRAE. The study aims to investigate the compatibility of well-being and elite competition among equine athletes.

Examining the Fundamentals

The cornerstone of equine well-being revolves around the “3F” concept: forage, freedom, and friends. Forage, emphasizing the importance of fibrous food in a horse’s diet, should be available continuously due to their herbivorous nature. Freedom speaks to the necessity of unhindered movement; limiting a horse’s ability to roam can have detrimental health effects. Lastly, the social nature of horses, described as “friends,” highlights their need for social interactions within their species.

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Six Months of Intensive Observation

To assess the well-being of elite sport horses, Romane Phélipon conducted extensive fieldwork, spending six months in 13 high-level show jumping and eventing stables. A staggering 3,327 observations were made, evaluating the well-being of over a hundred sport horses.

Connecting Abnormal Behaviors to the 3Fs

Phélipon’s methodology involved correlating abnormal behaviors observed with the 3Fs. Abnormal behaviors encompassed apathy, hyper-vigilance, aggression, and stereotypies (repetitive, purposeless movements). Surprisingly, nearly three-quarters of high-level sport horses showed no signs of stereotypies, reflecting positively on their well-being.

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Insights from Observations

• On the aspect of forage, 43% of horses had unlimited access to forage, resulting in fewer abnormal behaviors than their restricted counterparts.
• Concerning freedom, nearly 75% of horses were given the opportunity to roam at least six times a week, with 64% enjoying daily freedom. These horses exhibited fewer abnormal behaviors.
• For “friends,” four levels of contact were identified, with more interaction resulting in fewer abnormal behaviors. Notably, no injuries were observed during these interactions, showcasing the attention given by riders and teams to fostering compatible social bonds.

Exploring Training Conditions

In addition to the 3Fs, Phélipon delved into training conditions. Notably, around 90% of high-level sport horses were ridden with simple bits, such as snaffle bits, and 73% without any auxiliary reins. While these findings remain inconclusive, they serve as a foundation for the study’s upcoming phases.

Looking Ahead

The “Happy Athlete” study, though familiar to some, lays the groundwork for future research. The next objective is to correlate equine well-being with sporting performances and objectively characterize behaviors and facial expressions during competition. Romane Phélipon will analyze an extensive collection of images and videos from 2023, with plans to develop a performance index connecting stable observations with competitive results.

In a world where equine athletes strive for excellence, “Happy Athlete” provides valuable insights into ensuring the well-being of our four-legged champions as they aim for sporting glory. Stay tuned for more discoveries in the exciting journey towards harmonizing horse welfare and elite competition.

What are your thoughts on the ‘Happy Athlete’ study? Share your insights in the comments below. We’d love to hear from fellow horse enthusiasts!