• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.119-130
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• 2017

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine, by conducting a 10 week hippotherapy, the effects on the physical, cognitive and psychological factors of children with intellectual disabilities. METHODS: As an intervention method, intervention was based on a program from the American Hippotherapy Association and was modified and enhanced. 16 children with intellectual disabilities was conducted horse riding intervention program and Intervention was conducted once a week for a total of 10 weeks with each session lasting 30 minutes. A doctor of rehabilitation medical treatment of D rehabilitation center, physical therapist and occupational therapist evaluated the upper limbs test, balance, gait function, Korea-mini mental state examination (MMSE) before and after hippotherapy intervention. Self-esteem scale and aggression scale was evaluated by Psychology Counseling of C psychological clinic before and after hippotherapy intervention. RESULTS: The results of this study reveal that first, there was a positive effect. Second, statistically significant differences were found in BBS, TUG, K-MMSE, 10m walking test, 6 min walking test, self-esteem scale and aggression scale (p<.05). However no statistically significant differences were found in upper limbs function and good balance analysis before and after intervention. CONCLUSION: The hippotherapy is effective way to improve the physical, cognitive and psychological factors of children with intellectual disability.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.63-70
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• 2010

Purpose: In this study, children with cerebral palsy were treated for 8 weeks using horse riding trunk proprioception, stability and posture to investigate the effect of hippotherapy in the field of physical therapy. Methods: A total of 18 subjects were divided into an experimental group treated by horseback riding and a control group. Both groups were evaluated pre- and post-treatment. Trunk proprioception was measured three times in the sitting position with their eyes and ears closed to reach the target position the angle error of the mean was calculated. Trunk stability was measured using a forceplate and the data were used to calculate the postural sway path & postural sway velocity. Posture was evaluated using the Posture Assessment Scale (PAS). Results: After hippotherapy, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in trunk proprioception, stability and posture (p<0.05), but the control group improved in posture only (p<0.05). Trunk proprioception, stability and posture was significantly different between the two groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Eight weeks of hippotherapy is effective in improving trunk proprioception, stability, and posture. Research using this therapy should be studied further as a possible new therapeutic approach in the field of physical therapy.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.131-140
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• 2015

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to analyze the coordination of the trunk tilting angle and bilateral lower limbs according to the stirrups length during trot in equestrian. Methods : Participants selected as subject were consisted of adult male(n=7, mean age: $45.00{\pm}3.78yrs$, mean height: $172.50{\pm}2.44cm$, mean body mass: $76.95{\pm}4.40kg$, mean, mean leg length: $97.30{\pm}2.60cm$). They were divided into 3-types of stirrups lengths(67 cm, 72 cm, 77 cm) during trot. The variables analyzed were consisted of the trunk front-rear angle, lower limb joint(Right Left hip, knee, ankle), overall movement index(OMI) of the lower limbs(thigh, shank, foot) and asymmetry index(AI%) during trot. Results : The average angle in hip and knee joint showed more extended posture according to the increase of stirrups lengths and ankle angle showed more plantarflexion posture according to increase of stirrups length during 1 stride in trot. Also, average angle showed more extended posture in right hip and ankle joint than that of left. The angle of knee joint didn't show significant difference statistically between right and left. Also asymmetric index in average angle of hip, knee and ankle joint didn't show significant difference statistically in between lower limbs, but hip joint showed higher asymmetric index in stirrup length of 77 cm and ankle joint showed higher asymmetric index in stirrup length of 67 cm than that of the others respectively. The FR angle in trunk of horse-rider showed relative backward leaning motions at stirrup length of 67 cm and 77 cm than that of stirrup length of 72 cm during stance and swing phase. OMI in thigh, shank, and foot limbs didn't show significant difference statistically according to the stirrups length of right and left lower limbs, but left lower limbs showed higher index than that of right lower limb. Stirrup length of 72 cm in shank and foot limbs showed higher index than that of stirrup length of 67 cm and 77 cm. But stirrup length of 72 cm showed higher asymmetric index than that of stirrups length of 67 cm and 77 cm. Conclusions : When considering the above, 72 cm(ratio of lower limb 74.04%) stirrup lengths could be useful in posture correction and stabilization than 67cm(ratio of lower limb 68.69%) and 77 cm(ratio of lower limb 79.18%) stirrup lengths during trot in horse back riding.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.287-295
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• 2016

This study was conducted of students in their youth, who were having behavioral and emotional problems, anxiety, depression, and ADHD in their school. The participants took part in equestrian sports programs(equestrian program and apparatus program) twice a week, for 60 minutes each. To make progress in the study, mainly 4 scales are used as the standards of preliminary and post inspections : emotional and behavioral development scale, anxiety scale, depression scale, and ADHD scale. After conducting two-way ANOVA analysis, the conclusion was made as follows. The equestrian sports and horse riding exercise program which were used in this study did had an positive effect on emotional and behavioral scale, depression scale, anxiety scale, and ADHD scale. Moreover, it is determined that the equestrian sports had more positive effects than the equestrian sports which used apparatus. However, to precisely compare and contrast the effects of equestrian sports programs and apparatus programs, the follow-up studies need to limit the control group.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.111-117
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• 2024

Reproductive research such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer is necessary to produce high-quality riding horses. In this study, we investigated the effects of estrus synchronization and ovulation induction methods, which can be considered the basis of artificial insemination in horses, on the hormone concentration and artificial insemination pregnancy rate of mares. For the purpose of synchronization of estrus in horses, Cidr-plus insertion method, Regumate feeding method, and 150mg progesterone + 10mg estradiol mixed administration method were used. In the Cidr-plus insertion method and the Regumate feeding method, the progesterone concentration reached the appropriate level for ovulation induction on the 8th day of administration. The mixed administration method of 150mg progesterone + 10mg estradiol maintained the progesterone concentration at an appropriate level immediately after administration. With the administration of PGF2a and hCG, progesterone concentration decreased rapidly, making ovulation induction possible. As a result of comparing the pregnancy rate between natural estrus and estrus synchronization, the pregnancy rate was found to be higher in estrus synchronization and ovulation induction. From the results of this study, it is insufficient to judge the effect of the pregnancy rate due to the small number of tests, but in terms of usability, estrus synchronization and ovulation induction were useful. Therefore, it is expected to contribute to improving the efficiency of future roadster production.

• Journal of the Health Care and Life Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.149-153
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• 2023

This study conducted an eight-week equestrian exercise for 20 adults aged 20 or older to find out the effect of equestrian exercise on the flexibility of the human body.As a result of the experiment, the range of flexion-tension in the waist joint motion increased from an average of 120.2° to an average of 132.5° before the experiment, and the range of lateral bending increased from an average of 65.8° to an average of 67.3°. In the Sit and reach Test, it increased from 2.94 mm to 4.97 mm before the experiment. It was found that the range of motion of the joint increased during flexion and extension of the waist, and as the range of lateral bending increased, the flexibility of the human body increased. To confirm this, a flexibility test was conducted, and I believe that riding equipment exercise is a physiotherapy intervention that prevents back pain and increases flexibility in the human body, I would like to suggest that it can be used to promote health not only for patients with diseases such as back pain but also for the healthy general public.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.58 no.11
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• pp.40.1-40.5
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• 2016

Background: Currently about 26,000 horses are breeding in Korea and 57.2% (14,776 horses) of them are breeding in Jeju island. According to the statistics published in 2010, the horses breeding in Jeju island are subdivided into Jeju horse (6.1%), Thoroughbred (18.8%) and Halla horse (75.1%). Halla horses are defined as a crossbreed between Jeju and Thoroughbred horses and are used for horse racing, horse riding and horse meat production. However, little research has been conducted on Halla horses because of the perception of crossbreed and people's weighted interest toward Jeju horses. Method: Using 17 Microsatellite (MS) Markers recommended by International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG), genomic DNAs were extracted from the hair roots of 3,880 Halla horses breeding in Korea and genetic diversity was identified by genotyping after PCR was performed. Results and conclusion: In average, 10.41 alleles (from 6 alleles in HTG7 to 17 alleles in ASB17) were identified after the analysis using 17 MS Markers. The mean value of $H_{obs}$ was 0.749 with a range from 0.612(HMS1) to 0. 857(ASB2). Also, it was found that $H_{\exp}$ and PIC values were lowest in HMS1 (0.607 and 0.548, respectively), and highest in LEX3(0.859 and 0.843, respectively), and the mean value of $H_{\exp}$ was 0.760 and that of PIC was 0.728. 17 MS markers used in this studies were considered as appropriate markers for the polymorphism analysis of Halla horses. The frequency for the appearance of identical individuals was $5.90{\times}10^{-20}$ when assumed as random mating population and when assumed as half-sib and full-sib population, frequencies were $4.08{\times}10^{-15}$ and $3.56{\times}10^{-8}$, respectively. Based on these results, the 17 MS markers can be used adequately for the Individual Identification and Parentage Verification of Halla horses. Remarkably, allele M and Q of ASB23 marker, G of HMS2 marker, H and L of HTG6 marker, L of HTG7 marker, E of LEX3 marker were the specific alleles unique to Halla horses.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.147-153
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• 1993

A total of 109 heads of horses and ponies from eight horseback riding clubs nearby Central Taiwan were investigated to evaluate the blood parameters and the biochemical compositions of serum for the documentation of clinical pathological diagnosis and exercise physiology. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of resting horses. The sex difference in the blood traits were compared both in horses and in ponies. Results shows that total plasma proteins (PP) and hematocrit (PCV) were found higher in male horses than in females (p < 0.05). The sexual effect also exertes a significant influence on the leucocyte (WBC) count, but not on the erythrocyte (RBC) concentration. According to the differential counts of leucocytes, the number of monocytes and lymphocytes was higher in the male pony than that of in male horse. A close relationship Between the erythrocyte sedimention rate (ESR) and the other blood parameters were found especially in PCV, RBC concentration, and plasma protein level. The average ESR observed at 60 minutes were $21.80{\pm}21.87mm$, $39.50{\pm}18.90mm$ and $43.73{\pm}17.89mm$ in stallions, geldings, and mares, respectively. Most of the biochemical components of horse serum detected were distributed in normal ranges, although some of the items show a great variation in such a large sample size.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.63 no.2
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• pp.453-460
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• 2021

Oxytocin (OXT) and serotonin (5-HT) are essential neurotransmitters associated with the behavior of animals. Recently, we found that the plasma concentration of OXT is positively correlated with horse docility and friendliness toward humans. However, the relationships between the neurotransmitters and other temperaments such as fearfulness, dominance, and trainability are unknown. This study aimed to identify whether the plasma concentration of OXT or 5-HT is correlated with fearfulness, dominance, and trainability of horses. Blood samples of 34 horses were collected at the Horse Industry Complex Center of Jeonju Kijeon College. The concentration of OXT and 5-HT was measured in the plasma samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The fearfulness, dominance, and trainability of horses were scored by three professors who were very familiar with the horses. One-way analysis of variance with the least significant difference post-hoc analysis was used to compare the scores for fearfulness and dominance among groups. The trainability of horses was compared using the student t-test. The 5-HT was negatively correlated with dominance, but it had no relation with fearfulness. The OXT appeared to be negatively correlated with fearfulness and dominance in horses. Furthermore, OXT was positively correlated with the trainability of horses. Additionally, 5-HT appeared to enhance trainability. In conclusion, the concentration of OXT or 5-HT in horse blood plasma can be used as a biomarker to monitor the fearfulness, dominance, or trainability of horses.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.82.1-82.10
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• 2020

Background: The clinical presentation of horses with back pain (BP) vary considerably with most horse's willingness to take part in athletic or riding purpose becoming impossible. However, there are some clinical features that are directly responsible for the loss or failure of performance. Objectives: To investigate the clinical features of the thoracolumbar region associated with BP in horses and to use some of the clinical features to classify equine BP. Methods: Twenty-four horses comprised of 14 with BP and 10 apparently healthy horses were assessed for clinical abnormality that best differentiate BP from normal horses. The horses were then graded (0-5) using the degree of pain response, muscular hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness and overall physical dysfunction of the horse. Results: The common clinical features that significantly differentiate horses with BP from non-BP were longissimus dorsi spasm at palpation (78.6%), paravertebral muscle stiffness (64.3%), resist lateral bending (64.3%), and poor hindlimb impulsion (85.7%). There were significantly (p < 0.05) higher scores for pain response to palpation, muscular hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness and physical dysfunction among horses with BP in relation to non-BP. A significant relationship exists between all the graded abnormalities. Based on the cumulative score, horses with BP were categorized into mild, mild-moderate, moderate and severe cases. Conclusions: BP in horse can be differentiated by severity of pain response to back palpation, back muscle hypertonicity, thoracolumbar joint stiffness, physical dysfunctions and their cumulative grading score is useful in the assessment and categorization of BP in horses.