An exploratory study of competition scores and salivary cortisol concentrations in Warmblood horses

The main objective of this explorative study was to describe the relationship between competition scores and salivary cortisol concentrations in young horses during dressage and showjumping competitions. The study also investigated whether the diurnal rhythm of salivary cortisol concentrations was affected by competition over consecutive days compared to the home environment. Saliva samples were collected from 126 dressage horses and showjumpers in their home environment and at three different events.
Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Source Type: research