Welfare assessment in working and breeding horses using behavioural indicators

The aim of the study was to assess the behavioural response towards humans in different horse categories - breeding and working horses. The study was carried out over a period of 10 months on 90 horses (50 breeding horses and 40 working horses). Using specific methods, the general attitude of the horses was evaluated (apathetic or alert) and their reactions (aggressiveness, fear/avoidance, indifference, friendliness) to the assessors' approach and walking besides; the attempt of touching the animal. The data were analysed using the SPSS statistical software. The value of minimal significance was considered at P < 0.05. The proportion of apathetic horses was higher than of alert horses, with no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between the two categories included in the study. For each type of behavioural response (aggressiveness, fear, indifference, or friendly response), there were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between the evaluated categories of horses. Among the behavioural indicators, a relatively high number of apathetic horses, especially in the reproduction category, indicates the need for a more detailed study of the causes.