The assessment of ridden horse behaviour by twelve equestrian professionals (instructors n=4, riders n=4, veterinary surgeons n=4) was compared with observed behaviour and physiological measures (salivary cortisol and eye temperature). Horses (n=10) were ridden at walk, trot and canter in a pre-defined test of approximately 2-3 minutes. Video footage of the ridden test (RT) was observed by the professionals who scored the horses on seven performance parameters derived from the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules for dressage and the training scale of the German National Equestrian Federation (relaxation, energy, compliance, suppleness, confidence, motivation and happiness). The same video footage was analysed using Observer XT 10 and duration of behavioural states/events recorded. Saliva was collected prior to and throughout the RT and analysed for changes in cortisol concentration (ng/ml). Eye temperature was measured using an infrared thermal camera (MobIR® M8), using static images before and after the RT, and video footage during the test. Mean maximum eye temperatures during ridden work were calculated. Correlations between behavioural and physiological measures were investigated (Spearman`s Rank Order Correlation). Increases in salivary cortisol positively correlated with the duration of low head carriage (nose below abdominal line: P<0.05). Increased eye temperature positively correlated with duration of nose carried behind the vertical when ridden (P=0.02) and negatively correlated with duration of nose carried in front of the vertical (P=0.01). Higher percentage durations of high head carriage (nose above the withers: ranging from 0-50.75% of RT) and the nose carried at an angle in front of the vertical (0-74.29% of RT) correlated with overall less favourable assessment by the equestrian professionals (P<0.05) and only the instructors associated neutral head carriage (nose between withers and abdominal line: 32.76-91.92% of RT) and vertical nasal angle (0.97-68.90% of RT) as a positive sign (P=0.03 and P=0.04 respectively). Some discrepancy between physiological evidence and professional assessment, and by different professionals, was evident. Further evaluation of the association between behavioural signs in ridden horses and physiological measures is now required. LP: The interpretation of ridden horse behaviour by equestrian professionals (vets, trainers and riders) was found to differ from that suggested by physiological evidence. Vets scored high head carriage negatively but low head carriage resulted in increased physiological signs of stress. Only trainers scored neutral head carriage (nose between withers and abdominal line) positively. Further investigation is required to accurately evaluate ridden horse behaviour.
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