@conference {4187,
	title = {BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Linear scoring for life after racing: A pilot study in performance trait evaluation},
	booktitle = {Hamilton},
	volume = {85},
	year = {2025},
	pages = {35-40},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {<p>Thoroughbred horses are prepared for a second career as a sport or recreation horse after completing their racing career. This study aimed to characterise and assess desirable phenotypic traits of Thoroughbreds during re-training after racing. Fourteen traits associated with equestrian sport success and market appeal were described using a linear scoring system. Thoroughbred horses (n=32) were graded both upon entry and sale from a recognised re-trainers facility. The horses were five (IQR 4-7) years old, 162 (IQR 157-165) cm high and 510 (IQR 478-539) kg on arrival. Time to sale was 17 (IQR 7-43) days. Traits associated with behaviour and trainer interaction were changeable and had a tighter distribution around the mid-point of the scale between entry and sale assessments. Body condition score increased and was collinear with body shape, indicating a change in muscle mass distribution. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) assessed the variance between the linear traits. Willingness to work (loading = 0.9), herd bound (loading = -0.7), reactivity (loading = 0.7) and response to bit (loading 0.7) contributed to most of the variation in PC1. Jump scope (loading = 0.8) was the most influential trait in PC2. When horses were grouped by sale time, ease of riding and handling appeared more desirable than high sport potential.</p>
},
	keywords = {Body condition score, Racehorse, rehoming, retraining, Thoroughbred, welfare},
	author = {K.A. Legg and M.J. Gibson and E.K. Gee and C.W. Rogers}
}
