Study finds correlation between pony weight and behaviour
A study conducted by Dr Petra Buckley from the Charles Sturt University of Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia has detected a correlation between the weight of a pony and misbehaviour. A prospective longitudinal study of 84 Pony Club horses saw families keeping diaries recording the behaviour of their ponies over one year. Veterinary examinations were undertaken once a month to track the animals' health and welfare over that time.
The study found that misbehaviour was noted on 3% of days on which the ponies were ridden, but animals that were fat or obese had a greater risk of misbehaviour than those that were at a more healthy weight. No significant associations between back pain and misbehaviour were found.
The data collected implies that a link exists between misbehaviour, body condition scores and nutrition. If this is proven, body condition scores could be used in future to assess adequacy of exercise regimen and diet, with higher scores being able to serve as a warning of the greater risk of misbehaviour.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
