科研之友
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摘要
Very little scientific evidence exists to quantify differences in trainability and personality between sex of horses in spite of numerous industry stereotypes. It could be of great benefit to the horse industry to categorize personality differences and isolate strengths and weaknesses of each sex. This could potentially lead to modifications of training programs based on sex differences. There are multiple methods of personality evaluation used in equine studies including measurement of physical reactions (e.g., heart rate), measurement of learning ability, or utilization of a personality questionnaire. The current study was undertaken to determine if personality and trainability differences do exist between mares (intact female horses) and geldings (castrated male horses) based on a previously validated handler questionnaire. Eighteen yearling horses were used in a paired t-test study performed in conjunction with an undergraduate course offered at the University of Georgia. Each student in the class was randomly assigned two yearling horses to handle for the semester (15 weeks). Nine students were assigned one mare and one gelding to handle for the semester, while two students were assigned two horses of the same sex. All students were given surveys at the midpoint and end of the semester to assess personality traits and skill levels of mares and geldings. Students were not told of the purpose of the surveys, and surveys were given in conjunction with a written exam. All students filled out surveys but results were only used from the nine students who worked with both a mare and a gelding. These measures were taken to avoid the chance that students may guess the purpose of the study. The survey asked handlers to rate their horses on personality traits that can be grouped into the following main factors: anxiety, trainability, and affability. Handlers also rated their horses on their first reaction, quickness to learn, and retention of concepts for skills typical of a yearling horse in training. After analyzing survey results for individual personality traits from the midpoint of the study, mares were found to be more aggressive, tense, and excitable as well as panic easier as compared to geldings at the P<0.05 level, as well as showing a trend toward being more skittish (P<0.10). When grouped into personality factors, mares showed more anxiety and less affability than geldings at the P<0.05 level at both the midpoint and end of the study. The results for the anxiety factor were still significant after adjustment using Bonferroni's correction. When skills were grouped into classifications of sensitizing and desensitizing skills, geldings rated higher on skills that required desensitizing in the areas of first reaction, quickness to learn, and retention of concept at the midpoint of the study (P<0.05). These were still significant after adjustment using Bonferroni's correction. By the end of the study, geldings still rated more favorably than mares in desensitizing skills in the areas of first reaction and retention of concepts (P<0.05). However, when adjusted using Bonferroni's correction, only differences in retention of concept were significant. Differences noted in personality as well as trainability could be potentially utilized to modify common training regimes used in the horse industry. Published by Elsevier B.V.
- 出版日期2010-12
