Stereotypes in stabled horses into an equestrian club in Buenos Aires

Abstract

Behavioral alterations are the modifications of natural behaviors and the appearance of unwanted behaviors. Stereotypies can be found within these alterations, which are those learned behaviors that are repeated and do not have a specific-apparent function. In equine production, stabling is a common practice used in many breeds and different disciplines. The design of the housing facilities, the nutritional management and the training routines. But this has a direct impact on animal welfare and the prevalence of stereotypes. The different types of stereotypies affect the health and sporting performance of the horse, with the additional aggravation that some of these cannot be reversed. In this study we analyzed by observation (inside the box, in palenque and pickets) 15 horses that were housed in an equestrian club in Buenos Aires. Likewise, the design of the facilities, their nutritional management and their training were taken into account. The objective of this work was to identify the presence and types of stereotypes in stabled horses and proposing possible solutions to these altered behaviors. We detected that all the horses presented one or more stereotypes and most of them were of the oral type. Recommendations were established to minimize the effect of management and facilities on the natural behavior of the horses.