OCTOBER 2024 THE RIDER /31 Is My Horse In Pain? How Veterinarians Assess Equine Pain


By Camryn McNeill, B.B.R.M. As a leader in equine nutri-


tion science, Mad Barn thanks The Rider for featuring this story. To read the full version of this article, visit https://mad- barn.com/pain-assessment-for- horses/. Pain in horses is an uncom-


fortable sensory and emotional experience resulting from tis- sue damage or the anticipation of tissue damage. It can stem from a variety of causes, such as injuries, diseases, or surgical procedures. Early recognition and inter-


vention are critical to direct ap- propriate treatment and prevent minor issues from escalating into serious health problems. The distinction between


normal and painful behaviors is often subtle, and horses are nat- urally stoic, frequently masking their discomfort. This makes it difficult for owners and care- takers to detect less obvious signs of pain. Regular veterinary evaluations and the use of pain assessment tools can provide insight into a horse’s condition.


Signs of Pain in Horses Interpreting pain in animals


is inherently challenging be- cause they cannot verbally ex- press their discomfort. This difficulty is amplified in prey species like horses, who in- stinctively hide pain and weak- ness to avoid appearing vulnerable to predators. Severe pain is generally eas-


ier to identify, but it can be life- threatening if not addressed promptly. Early detection of pain, even when subtle, is cru- cial to prevent minor issues from escalating into critical, life-threatening situations. This highlights the need for


vigilant monitoring and regular veterinary assessments to en- sure timely intervention if a


horse is experiencing pain. Recognizing pain in horses in- volves observing both physical and behavioral signs. Indica- tions of pain vary significantly depending on the location, type and severity of discomfort.


Behavioral Changes Pain can cause a range of al-


tered behaviors in horses, in- cluding:


· Changes in Demeanour · Social Withdrawal · Restlessness


· Changes in Eating or Drink- ing Habits


· Reluctance to Move Physical Changes Key physical indicators of pain include:


· Lameness or Altered Gait · Changes in Posture · Sweating Without Exertion · Teeth Grinding


Changes in Vital Signs Monitoring your horse’s


heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature can help you track changes in health and as- sess pain severity.


· Heart Rate (HR): A normal resting heart rate for a horse


ranges from 28 to 44 beats per minute (bpm). An elevated heart rate beyond this range can indicate pain or discomfort.


· Respiratory Rate (RR): A normal resting respiratory rate


for a horse is between 10 and 24 breaths per minute. An ele- vated respiratory rate can indi- cate pain, especially when accompanied by signs of dis- tress or agitation.


· Temperature: Normal body temperature for a horse ranges


between 99°F and 101.5°F (37.2°C to 38.6°C).


Equine Pain Assessment Subjective pain assessment


involves evaluation based on an observer’s interpretation of a horse’s behaviour, appear- ance, and reactions, such as


changes in movement, posture, and demeanour.


Pain Faces in Horses A pain face is a specific, ob-


servable facial expression that indicates discomfort or pain in animals, such as horses. The Horse Grimace Scale (HGS) is a standardized tool developed to assess pain in horses through the analysis of their facial ex- pressions. The Horse Grimace Scale


(HGS) uses a scoring system to assess pain. It rates each Facial Action Unit (FAU) based on its deviation from normal expres- sions, typically on a scale from 0 to 2 or 0 to 3. (See Table at Top Right)


Assessment Tools for Colic The Equine Acute Abdomi-


nal Pain Scale (EAAPS) is a systematic tool used to evaluate and quantify pain levels in horses with acute abdominal conditions like colic. It catego- rizes pain based on observable behaviors. (See Table at Bottom Right)


Evaluating Chronic Pain The Horse Chronic Pain Composite Pain Scale (HCPS) is designed to evaluate and quantify chronic pain in horses. This scale integrates multiple indicators, such as facial ex- pressions and behavioural changes, helping veterinarians better understand and manage long-term discomfort in horses.


Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHPE) The Ridden Horse Pain


Ethogram (RHPE) is a detailed observational tool used by rid- ers, trainers, and veterinarians to identify and assess muscu- loskeletal pain and lameness in horses during ridden work. It focuses on specific behavioural and physical indicators to pro- vide a comprehensive evalua-


Mark Your Calendars: The Canadian Na- tional Dressage And Para Dressage Championships Are Back!


this prestigious event will shine a spotlight on Canada’s exceptional riders and horses, uniting the dres- sage community in a cele- bration of skill and passion. Two premier Cana-


Equestrian Canada is thrilled to announce the re- launch of the Canadian Na- tional Dressage and Para Dressage Championships! Kicking off in 2025,


After a long hiatus, Quebec


two full-size indoor arenas, six outdoor rings with fibre footing, indoor stabling for 500 horses, and convenient amenities including a bistro, restaurant, and trailer hook- up capabilities.


Western Region:


dian venues have been se- lected to host regional divisions of the 2025 Cham- pionships.


Eastern Region:


Date: October 3-5, 2025 Venue: Complexe Equestre Becancour, Becancour,


Date: October 10-12, 2025 Venue: Thunderbird Show Park, Langley, BC Highlights: Popular


Highlights: Featuring


will recognize outstanding performances at all levels of competition


Dressage - Training to Grand Prix Para Dressage – Walk to Grand Prix To secure a spot in


tion of pain. If you observe signs of pain in your horse, it


is important to consult with your veterinarian to accurately diagnose the source and severity of the pain. A professional assessment is crucial to determine the appropriate treatment plan.


About the Author Cam lives in Ontario, Canada and com-


pleted her Bachelor’s of Bio-Resource Manage- ment (B.B.R.M.) at the University of Guelph with a specialization in Equine Management. She is interested in horse welfare and under- stands the importance of a healthy diet for a happy horse. She has over 15 years of horse ex- perience, having worked at lesson barns and racetracks. When she’s not studying, Cam spends the majority of her time hanging out by the lake with her dog or hitting the gym.


Three Directors Elected To Equestrian Canada Board


Ottawa, ON, Aug. 19, 2024 – The Equestrian Canada (EC) Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the results of the Board of Directors elec- tion and the three (3) Directors who will be named to the Board at the An- nual General Meeting. The three (3) candidates elected are (listed in alphabetical order):


well established venue fea- turing an indoor arena, sta- bling for 1000 horses, outdoor rings with fibre footing, and a history of hosting prestigious FEI events.


The Championships


this prestigious competition, riders will qualify through Equestrian Canada Gold and Platinum competitions. More details will follow soon, so stay tuned and start planning for an unforget- table 2025 championship season!


and elevate the sport of dressage and para dressage in Canada. We can’t wait to see you there!


Compete, celebrate


Name | Hometown | Result Marion Cunningham | West Vancou- ver, BC | Elected for a three (3) year term


There were no incumbents on the elec- tion ballot for 2024. They will join the following Directors to round out the 2024-2025 EC Board:


Audrey-Julie Dallaire – Verdun, QC Kelly Gravelle – Bethany, ON Jennifer Hodgson – Hudson, QC Gilles Levasseur – Ottawa, ON Nathan Reeve – Coquitlam, BC Lisa Robertson – Regina, SK During the call for candidates, a


Andrea Hayward | Delta, BC | Elected for a three (3) year term Todd Walsh | Edmonton, AB | Elected for a three (3) year term The Nominating Committee


will report on the election process and results to the Board of Directors on August 19 and the results will be pre- sented during the 2024 EC Annual General Meeting. For further details on the election, visit https://eques- trian.ca/governance All three (3) candidates are


joining the EC Board for the first time.


About the EC Nominating Commit- tee


The EC Nominating Committee members are as follows:


Dr. Wayne Burwash (EC Director and Chair) – Calgary, AB Kelly Gravelle (EC Director) – Bethany, ON


total of twelve (12) qualified applica- tions were received by the close of the nomination period on May 1, 2024. Following an in-depth review of all candidates, the EC Nominating Com- mittee put forward six (6) candidates to the ballot. The EC Category Voting Mem-


bers cast their ballots between July 22 and July 26, 2024. There were three (3) Director positions to be filled for 2024.


Board of Directors, visit https://eques- trian.ca/governance


For more information on the EC


Jill Barton – Odessa, ON Kris Foley – Sackville, NS Tegwyn Harper – Black Creek, BC Laurie Haughton – Rockland, ON Joan Macartney – Manotick, ON Anne Welch – Aurora, ON


The Committee members are re- sponsible for: Presenting a slate of candidates for the position of EC Board Directors in ac- cordance with EC’s Bylaws. Ensuring there is an election each year. Ensuring EC has a rigorous nomina- tion system. Recruiting qualified individuals as Di- rectors.


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