Influence of rider-to-horse body weight ratio and horse conformation on competition results at the 2023 World Championships for Icelandic horses, and a survey on horses’ training and health backgrounds

The Icelandic horse is a small-sized riding breed, making rider weight a relevant welfare concern. This study examined rider weight (RW), horse weight (HW), tack weight (TW), rider-to-horse body weight ratio (BWR), and conformational measurements in Icelandic horses competing at the 2023 World Championships in Oirschot, the Netherlands. The aims were to quantify these parameters, evaluate their associations with competition results, and describe horses’ training and health backgrounds. Rider weight, HW, and TW were measured for 94 rider-horse combinations. Two-sample t-tests were used to compare combinations placing in the top 10 with those ranking lower. Responses from 85 riders in a survey were analysed using descriptive statistics. Mean HW was 355 ± 23 kg, RW 67 ± 11 kg, and TW 8.5 ± 0.7 kg, with an average BWR of 21.3 ± 2.9%. Ninety percent of combinations had a BWR ≤ 25%, and 99% ≤ 30%. No associations were found between RW or BWR and competition ranking (P > 0.05). Horses higher at the withers, with wider chests, longer legs, and a more uphill conformation were more likely to place in the top 10 (P < 0.05). All horses passed health inspections before and after competition. According to riders, 85% of horses had been in training for four years or more, and most (68%) had no history of injury or sickness. These results indicate that elite Icelandic horses can perform at international level with a BWR averaging about 21% and reaching up to 31%, while maintaining health.

Author dc:creator

• Johannes Amplatz 1995-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskólinn á Hólum

• Hestafræði

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1946/53561

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/53561