Applying Equine Science : Research into Business [1 ed.] 9781907284496, 9781904761143

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Applying Equine Science: Research into Business

Cover photograph by Catherine Hale

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Applying Equine Science: Research into Business

Edited by L. Clarke, P. Harris, S. Tracey, M. Moore-Colyer and A. Hemmings

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Nottingham University Press Manor Farm, Main Street, Thrumpton Nottingham, NG11 0AX, United Kingdom NOTTINGHAM First published 2006 © British Society of Animal Science All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (including photocopying or storing in any medium by electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally to some other use of this publication) without the written permission of the copyright holder except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Applications for the copyright holder’s written permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be addressed to the publishers. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data Applying Equine Science I. Clarke, L., II. Harris, P., III. Tracey, S., IV. Moore-Colyer, M., V. Hemmings, A. ISBN:

978-1-904761-14-3

Disclaimer Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the material in this book is true, correct, complete and appropriate at the time of writing. Nevertheless, the publishers and authors do not accept responsibility for any omission or error, or for any injury, damage, loss or financial consequences arising from the use of the book.

Typeset by Nottingham University Press, Nottingham

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CONTENTS

Foreword 1.

Buying and selling the sport horse

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G. K Crossman and R. E. Walsh The Royal Agricultural College, Stroud Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6JS, UK 2.

Genetic improvement and relative evaluation of competition performance within the UK sport horse population

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T.C. Whitaker Centre for Equine and Animal Science, Writtle College, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3RR 3.

Equine hair analysis: a non-invasive technique for identifying exposure to drugs and toxins

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M. Dunnett1, S. Tracy2 and P. Lees1 Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Campus, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts., AL9 7TA, UK; 2 Centre for Equine and Animal Science, Writtle College, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 1RR, UK 1

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Equine passports and the National Equine Database – current situation and future prospects

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R H Graham Suggett Director of Equine Development, British Equestrian Federation, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2RH 5.

Scientific methods used to measure the efficacy of alternative therapies in animals

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A. D. Ellis, L. Hopegood and K. Hunter Nottingham Trent University, School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Science, Brackenhurst, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0QF, UK 6.

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Osteopathy and its application in the treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction in horses J Brooks and AG Pusey Awbrook Lodge, Lewes Rd., Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 7TB UK

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Table of contents

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Nutritional supplements in support of equine welfare



P Harris Equine Studies Group, WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Melton Mowbray, Leics.

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Laminitis and grass carbohydrate levels

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A.C.Longland ELNS, Pantafallen Fach, Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6NG 9.

Equine behavioural science: perspectives on problems

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H. Randle School of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drakes Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA 10.

Behavioural reactivity and ensuing temperamental traits in young thoroughbred racehorses (Equus caballus)



S. McGee School of Psychology, Aras an Phiarsaigh, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland

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Laterality and visuo-spatial ability in the equine: Functional measures of sport horse selection?

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Jack Murphy and 2Sean Arkins F1-145, Foundation Building, Department of Life Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland; 2SR2022, Schrödinger Building, Department of Life Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland. 1 1

Posters

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311

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Index

Foreword

Increased dissemination of applied equine research via the lay press, has fostered a new level of awareness amongst the horse owning community. As a result, successful products must first demonstrate a robust development phase. Research into Business, the second BSAS equine conference brought together researchers, legislators and industry figures to illustrate the process through which an effective product emerges from well targeted experimentation, conducted with horse well-being a priority. This publication reflects the afore mentioned amalgam of disciplines, taking the horse itself as perhaps the most important product – a function of genes and environment. As such, the proceeding pages deal with issues surrounding genetic selection of performance traits vital to the sports horse, applying state of the edge research to gauge the influence of genes on the all important behavioural phenotype. Moreover, to realise genetic excellence, requires optimisation of environmental factors such as food intake. On this note, key nutritionists contribute herein, to advise on the nourishment of the performance horse, mindful of the metabolic disorders that result from improper management of a trickle feeding herbivore. Additional phenotypic tuning may be accomplished through the use of complimentary therapies, so long as we strive to design studies to properly validate and understand mechanisms of action. Indeed, as long a demand exists for efficient well developed horse products, the equine research community will form an important foundation of an expanding equine industry. Andrew Hemmings

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G.K. Crossman and R.E. Walsh

1 Buying and selling the sport horse G. K Crossman and R. E. Walsh The Royal Agricultural College, Stroud Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6JS, UK. [email protected]

Abstract The sport horse industry in Great Britain is fragmented and serendipitous. However, there are many opportunities available for it to develop and grow. The research this paper is based upon was carried out in conjunction with British Breeding, to improve and develop the marketing of the British sport horse. The research was carried out through an online questionnaire (a paper version was also available) and semi-structured interviews. Both research methods contained questions aimed specifically at breeders or buyers, as well as general questions. Once the data had been collected it was analysed to discover where any trends, relationships or discrepancies existed between the groups. Recommendations were then formulated. Specifically, this paper considers the profiles of breeders and buyers of the sport horse, the reasons for breeding horses or ponies, the characteristics of horses valued by breeders and buyers and the methods of sale and purchase used. The significant difference between the horse purchase price of different categories of buyers, for example the leisure rider and professional rider, or eventers and show jumpers, are discussed. Profitability in relation to the reasons people breed horses or ponies is analysed. The definition of the sport horse is also examined. In conclusion, there is much work that needs to be completed to enable the sport horse industry in this country to be fully understood, from both the perspective of the breeder or producer and the buyer. However, there are opportunities available for the British sport horse industry to move forward.

Introduction For many years the British led the way in the breeding of the sport horse. The Thoroughbred is the foundation for many breeds, whether they be British or internationally bred. Defra, in the Strategy for the Horse Industry in England and Wales (2005: 89) state: 1

Buying and selling the sport horse

Although the UK remains a world leader in Thoroughbred breeding, it has slipped to third position in terms of sales. Competitive dressage and show jumping horse-breeders now purchase a large proportion of their horses from overseas competitors, who market them more effectively. The UK’s native and indigenous horses and ponies are still supreme, and representative eventing riders are mostly mounted on horses bred in the UK, but overseas breeders are gaining ground in both areas. A great deal of attention has been centred on the way in which European horses appear to be much more popular in this country than homebred horses. The research this article is based upon aimed to gain an understanding of the buying and selling of sport horses in Britain, to try to help all of those involved with the industry.

The current sport horse market The market for sport horses is global. Horses frequently move worldwide to compete or change home. Revolutions in the techniques used to breed horses, for example artificial insemination and the introduction of embryo transfer, have enabled the breeding industry to become a truly global business. However, for some in the sport horse industry these global phenomena have not been a positive experience, leading to a loss in market share and increased competition.

The research The research was carried out at the Royal Agricultural College, in conjunction with British Breeding, a part of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF). The aim was to gather new information that would be useful to the industry. Initially titled “Marketing the British Non Racehorse”, it commenced in March 2004, with the final report being completed in January 2005. Both questionnaires and informal and formal semi-structured interviews, alongside an extensive literature review, were utilised to gain data. The questionnaire was online between May and August 2004. In order to gain a wide range of responses it was also available in a paper format. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: two general sections, one section aimed specifically at breeders of horses, and another aimed specifically at buyers of horses. It was publicised through industry websites and magazines, email and word of mouth. The results from both the questionnaire and informal interviews led to some of the areas explored through the 16 semi-structured, formal, interviews that were carried out, and the results were derived from a 2

G.K. Crossman and R.E. Walsh

combination of both. A number of statistical tools were used to analyse the results. Where applicable the probability levels were P=