Locomotor activity analysis based on habitat, season and time of the day in Polish Konik horses from reserve breeding using the Global Positioning System (GPS)

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyze the locomotor activity of horses living under near-natural conditions using the Global Positioning System (GPS). The study was conducted on the pack of 15 Polish Konik horses in 2018. Three habitats (forest, meadows and hay), two seasons (winter and spring) and four times of the day were distinguished. Significant effects of habitat (p<0.0000) and time of the day (p<0.0000) on locomotor activity were found. In addition, a significant influence of the interactions between habitat and season as well as habitat and time of the day was observed. It can be concluded that the basic factor affecting the locomotor activity of Polish Konik horses kept under the reserve system was the availability of the feed base.