Avaliação do comportamento e bem-estar de cavalos de hipismo

Abstract

Horses are monogastric herbivorous animals that emerged approximately 4.5 million years ago during the Eocene period. About eight thousand years ago, they were domesticated by humans, and over time, this relationship has undergone transformations influenced by events that directly affect the well-being and behavior of these animals. Management issues, prolonged stabling, intense exercise, and lack of veterinary care are factors that impair the health of horses and compromise their well-being, as well as diminishing the performance of athletic horses in their sport. The aim of this study was to provide visual feedback, based on the Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) for equines, on the environmental conditions of a population of individuals. This protocol is based on animal welfare principles and the five freedoms. The present study was conducted at an riding club housing in the state of Ceará, which houses 26 horses, using an adaptation of the AWIN protocol for horses, with an emphasis on assessing and recognizing pain in these animals. Although one animal exhibited behavioral changes, the results obtained demonstrate that 100% of the evaluated animals live in an appropriate environment that allows social interaction, enabling them to express their natural behavior. Therefore, the importance of meeting the basic needs of hipism horses is emphasized in order to ensure satisfactory sports performance, quality of life, physical and psychological health, and economic benefits for breeders. This work proposes an adaptation to the AWIN protocol for horses in the context of equestrianism, based on international principles of animal welfare and the "Five Freedoms." We will delve into this study to understand how we can maintain the quality of life and health for both parties.