Welfare Assessment in Equine-Assisted Service (EAS) Horses

Equine-Assisted Service (EAS) horses can be exposed to stressors that affect their behavior and welfare. Previous studies investigated behavioral and physiological indicators (PI) only during therapy sessions. This study evaluated the frequency of stress and pain behaviors (FSPB) in horses with different riders, while assessing welfare through housing, management, and PI. Ten horses were observed during EAS sessions with three rider groups: able-bodied, clients with significant physical impairment, and clients with no significant physical impairment, totaling twenty-six riders. Behavioral data was collected using video recordings and analyzed with continuous sampling. Time-budget analysis and PI (ACTH, cortisol, WBC) were evaluated. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 45 and 90 days working on EASs. There was no difference in FSPB/sec between groups, and the clients' disability did not seem to affect the variable. Four out of ten horses had high ACTH at baseline and had their medication readjusted, highlighting the importance of periodic blood tests. Individual alterations in immune cell numbers and low cortisol could be associated with chronic stress. Horses spent 49.43% of their time budget eating, suggesting adequate feeding behavior. However, their time lying down was reduced and the effect of strong artificial lights at night needs further investigation.