Researchers examined 149 healthy elite and amateur sport horses in Switzerland and performed an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. In addition, data related to demographic and management factors and their horses' personality traits was also collected.

Thoroughbred and Warmblood horses displayed an increased adrenal response compared to Franches-Montagnes horses. Horses with several riders had a less pronounced reaction than horses with one rider, and horses that spent more time outside had a decreased response compared to horses that were stabled most of the time. 

No significant associations with personality traits were found, and neither the use as elite or as amateur sport horses nor the discipline.

This suggests that optimizing husbandry conditions may be more important for improving equine welfare than changing their use.

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Effects of breed, management and personality on cortisol reactivity in sport horses.