Physiological Evaluation of Quarter Horses Undergoing Five-Month Taming Focused on Hippotherapy

Preparing horses for hippotherapy programs requires management approaches that prioritize animal welfare and facilitate adaptation to novel stimuli. This study monitored physiological responses during the implementation of a progressive taming protocol for Quarter Horses intended for hippotherapy. Seven animals were monitored over a five-month period, including an acclimation phase and three taming stages. Continuous heart rate, plasma cortisol concentration, and ocular infrared thermography were assessed before and after exercise. Baseline (p = 0.0466) and minimum (p = 0.0095) heart rate values decreased over time, suggesting progressive physiological adaptation. Maximum heart rate (HR_Max) was higher during the initial phases, coinciding with the introduction of novel stimuli, and decreased in subsequent months (p = 0.0272). Lacrimal caruncle temperature increased at the beginning of taming (p = 0.002), followed by stabilization throughout the experimental period. Plasma cortisol concentrations did not differ between sampling times or among months (p ≥ 0.05). Taken together, the physiological indicators evaluated suggest that the progressive taming protocol supported gradual physiological adaptation throughout the taming period. These findings indicate that a progressive approach may be useful for preparing horses intended for hippotherapy, although additional studies incorporating behavioral and welfare assessments are warranted.