02202nas a2200217   4500000000100000000000100001008004100002260007000043653001000113653001100123653001300134653001000147653001300157653001200170100001300182700001300195245006000208490000800268520169400276022001401970       2017                            d  c01/2017bSchlütersche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KGaHannover10ahorse10astress10atraining10ablood10acortisol10awelfare1 aP Cwynar1 aR Kolacz00aEffect of riding training on stress reactions in horses0 v1303 aPreparing horses for riding should be based on the analysis of their state of training (physical state) and also on the control of the behavioural reactions (mental condition) of these animals. This article presents mechanisms of stress accompanying riding, which enables optimization of training methods by taking into consideration the maintenance of a high level of welfare of horses, simultaneously improving their riding and sport achievements. The aim of the study was to assess the stress in horses connected with daily riding comprising the intensity of stress reactions during pre-training, training and post-training recovery. The study included 20 riding horses. The experiment was carried out in four stages (I – resting stage, II – preparation for training, III – training, IV – post-training stage) during which basic physiological indicators, analysis of hematological and clinical chemistry values as well as electrocardiographic examination were assessed in horses. The examination showed that the preparatory action for training results in an increase of the values of the basic physiological indicators, i.e. the pulse, the frequency of breathing and rectal temperature, which indicates the body mobilization (conditioned stimulus). These efforts also caused a significant increase in the heart rate. Physiological processes proportional to the effort made show the correct adaptation of horses to riding. The observed stress reactions were short term and were the symptom of physiological stress connected with physical effort. None of the studied horses experienced long-term stress; therefore the level of welfare of the studied animals was assessed as high.   a0005-9366