International Task Force on Laterality in Sport Horses

The International Task Force on Laterality in Sport Horses is launching an exciting new research project to advance the understanding of horse and rider laterality.

An international team of researchers invites everyone who owns/leases/trains a horse to participate in the innovative research project titled “Laterality (asymmetry, side preferences, handedness, crookedness) of horses and riders in relation to training and injury.” The findings will advance knowledge on equine laterality with regard to equine welfare, health and performance.

Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire states: “This is an exciting piece of research. With the help of horse owners, it can advance our knowledge and understanding of laterality and its effect on equine health and performance.” Professor Hilary M. Clayton emphasizes that “knowledge of laterality is a key piece in understanding equine performance and improving training. To achieve this goal, we need to gather data from a large number of experienced equestrians.” Please complete this survey yourself and encourage others to participate.” Professor Sarah le Jeune adds that “identifying patterns of laterality in horses will help understand when performance issues are truly related to pain and when they are not.”

The survey is available in English, French, Spanish and German and takes between 15-20 minutes. All responses are anonymous, and there is no risk of personal data entering the public domain. By participating, you’ll be contributing to an essential piece of research, helping to improve our understanding of laterality. As a thank you for participating, participants will be entered into a draw where three winners will win £100 worth of Amazon vouchers.

The international team of researchers consists of Prof. Hilary Clayton, Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Dr David Marlin, Prof. Sarah le Jeune, Dr Nadine Blum, Dr Anna Bystrom, Prof. Agneta Egenvall, Mary Wanless, Dr Selma Latif and Gerrit-Claes Bierenbroodspot.

The International Task Force on Laterality in Sport Horses mission is to gain a deeper understanding of laterality in equestrian activities, to better differentiate physiological from pathological asymmetry in horse and rider, to prevent injury, enhance training methods and improve veterinary care.