Indici fisiologici e comportamentali in cavalli gestiti da persona conosciuta e sconosciuta

Aim of this work was to evaluate the heart rate (HR) and behaviours during routine horse handling. Tests were performed on 25 horses. Horses were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (10 horses that were usually handle by know person) and 2 (15 horses that were usually handle by differt persons in the same day). Group 1 performed two test on separate days by know (t1A) and unknown person (t1B), group 2 performed only one test by unknown person (t2). A heart rate recorder was applied to the horse and behaviors recorded by videocamera. The beginning of test coincided with the start of recording of HR and video, synchronized with a manual chronometer. The horse was then brought to the paddock/box and it was freed and left quiet for 10 min. Then the person entered the paddock and took the horse. In the test sequence the following reference points were identified 1) closing of the gate after the person entering the paddock/box, 2) halter fastened, 3) starting grooming and 4) end grooming, 5) positioning of the saddle, 6) throat strap of bridle fastened. Chronometer revealed the time in which each reference point occurred from the beginning of test. The average value of the HR of horses was calculated corresponding to the time of each reference point. Behaviors (aggressive/defensive behaviours to the person, relax/pleasure behaviours to the person) were evaluated from video by two person. Results showed a higher HR for t1B than t1A and t2 with statistically significant differences in each reference points (t-Student’s test, P