Physiological evaluation of quarter horses undergoing five-month taming focused on hippotherapy

Abstract

Preparing horses for hippotherapy programs requires management approaches that pri- oritize 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 de- creased over time, suggesting progressive physiological adaptation. Maximum heart rate (HRMax) 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.