Abstract :
[en] Background and Objectives
The early training phase in young jump racehorses represents a critical period of physical and psychological demands potentially compromising welfare. This longitudinal field study aimed to track changes in welfare-related measures during training of jump racehorses in France using the Annan et al. (2023) protocol.
Material and Methods
Welfare measurements were taken from 16 two- and three-year-old racehorses in October 2023, November 2023, and February 2024, prior to being engaged in racing. In addition to management factors, standardised physical and behavioural indicators were recorded, including body condition score, body weight, mucosal lesions, grimace scores, approach tests, and behavioural time budgets. Repeated measures were analysed using linear and logistic mixed-effects models.
Results
Overall, horses had adequate management conditions (e.g. forage availability, clean water and, bedding). However, turnout and physical social contact remained limited. Body condition score declined significantly over time (p<0.001), particularly in horses with the least training prior to study inclusion. External and internal lip commissure lesions were
present in 65% and 75% of observations, respectively. Grimace scores increased significantly by the final assessment (p<0.001). While behavioural time budgets remained stable, a reduction in standing rest time was observed. Horses with physical social contact exhibited lower grimace scores but a paradoxical increase in stereotypic behaviours. No
changes were found in approach test responses over time.
Discussion and Conclusion
Early race training affects measurable welfare indicators. Combining welfare assessment with medico-sportive evaluations could offer valuable insights into training adaptation and athlete management, supporting both performance and well-being.
