Reatividade e habituação de éguas Quarto de Milha na presença de estímulo físico-sonoro desconhecido

Abstract

The study of equine behavior provides valuable information for the development of good management practices and innovations for work, leisure, and sporting activities. This study aimed to evaluate the reactivity and habituation of Quarter Horse mares trained for Ranch Sorting when exposed to an unfamiliar physical-auditory stimulus. Ten mares were evaluated using a plastic bottle filled with stones as the physical-auditory stimulus. The variables analyzed were the time required to approach the object and the time required to re-approach it after it had fallen. The median approach time was 100.0 seconds, whereas the median re-approach time was 232.5 seconds, indicating a significant increase in latency after the auditory stimulus (Wilcoxon signed-rank test: W = 1.0; p = 0.046). A strong positive correlation was also observed between approach and re-approach times (Spearman's rs = 0.914; p = 0.0002), indicating consistent individual behavioral responses. During the habituation test, the median approach times increased progressively (87.3, 193.0, and 300.0 s), as did the median re-approach times (157.5, 300.0, and 300.0 s) over three consecutive days, indicating a reduction in behavioral responsiveness to the stimulus and characterizing the habituation process. In conclusion, although trained mares retain their natural caution toward unexpected stimuli, repeated exposure promotes habituation, potentially improving responsiveness to the handler's commands and increasing the safety of the horse, rider, and handler.