The perception of humans and of the interaction with them was shown to have a major impact on horse welfare and safety of people. The aim of the study was to evaluate if trained assessors agree in their evaluation of human-horse relationship tests. Four observers with no experience in assessing equine welfare were trained to perform and score 3 standardized human-horse behavioural tests derived from literature: a modified Avoidance Distance test (AD), a modified Voluntary Animal Approach test (VAA) and a modified Forced Human Approach test (FHA). Tests were performed in the home box. A scoring system for each test was developed. Training procedure of observers consisted of giving a detailed verbal explanation of each test and scoring system, using PPT presentations with photographs and a written training guide, practical trials (video and live).They then conducted live assessments, paired with the trainer (silver standard), until each assessor consolidated his/her experience through applying the tests and the scoring system to a minimum of 5 correct repetitions in a row. After a final exam, the assessors tested 184 horses of 6 different stables, aged between 3 and 35 years (mean=10,3yrs). Assessors worked in pairs: each horse was scored live by the assessor performing the test and the other assessor observing from a distance. Observers did not talk or discuss during assessments. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) for k related samples from a continuous field and Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were calculated to measure inter-observer reliability. Observers significantly agreed scoring Avoidance Distance test (W<0.05),Voluntary Animal Approach test (W<0.05; ICC=0.94) and Forced Human Approach test (ICC=0.93). Our results clearly show that inter-observer reliability in scoring human-horse behavioural tests can be achieved. Sufficient theoretical and practical training of assessors should be taken into consideration for developing standardized human-horse relationship tests.
Inter-observer reliability of three human-horse relationship tests / E. Dalla Costa, C. Bonaita, S. Pedretti, E. Govoni, A. Guzzeloni, E. Canali, M. Minero - In: The road ahead : 8th International equitation science conference, 18th - 20th July 2012, Royal (Dick) Veterinary School, Edinburgh / [a cura di] H. Randle, N. Waran, J. Williams. - Penicuik : BSAS & Duchy College Print, 2012. - ISBN 978-0-906562-72-7. - pp. 170-170 (( Intervento presentato al 8. convegno International Equitation Science Conference tenutosi a Edinburgh nel 2012.
Inter-observer reliability of three human-horse relationship tests
E. Dalla CostaPrimo
;E. CanaliSecondo
;M. MineroUltimo
2012
Abstract
The perception of humans and of the interaction with them was shown to have a major impact on horse welfare and safety of people. The aim of the study was to evaluate if trained assessors agree in their evaluation of human-horse relationship tests. Four observers with no experience in assessing equine welfare were trained to perform and score 3 standardized human-horse behavioural tests derived from literature: a modified Avoidance Distance test (AD), a modified Voluntary Animal Approach test (VAA) and a modified Forced Human Approach test (FHA). Tests were performed in the home box. A scoring system for each test was developed. Training procedure of observers consisted of giving a detailed verbal explanation of each test and scoring system, using PPT presentations with photographs and a written training guide, practical trials (video and live).They then conducted live assessments, paired with the trainer (silver standard), until each assessor consolidated his/her experience through applying the tests and the scoring system to a minimum of 5 correct repetitions in a row. After a final exam, the assessors tested 184 horses of 6 different stables, aged between 3 and 35 years (mean=10,3yrs). Assessors worked in pairs: each horse was scored live by the assessor performing the test and the other assessor observing from a distance. Observers did not talk or discuss during assessments. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) for k related samples from a continuous field and Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were calculated to measure inter-observer reliability. Observers significantly agreed scoring Avoidance Distance test (W<0.05),Voluntary Animal Approach test (W<0.05; ICC=0.94) and Forced Human Approach test (ICC=0.93). Our results clearly show that inter-observer reliability in scoring human-horse behavioural tests can be achieved. Sufficient theoretical and practical training of assessors should be taken into consideration for developing standardized human-horse relationship tests.
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