Recent News for Behavior & Handling
Article
Study: Horses Prefer Less Rein Tension
November 08, 2010
According to a new study by European equitation scientists, horses might prefer to avoid rein tension rather than just get used to it. And beyond a certain force threshold, rein tension can cause conflict behavior. ... Read More
Article
Study: Shelter-Seeking Behavior Most Common in Poor Weather Conditions
November 06, 2010
Just because turned-out horses might not use run-in sheds often does not mean these structures are not an important part of husbandry, says Camie R. Heleski, MS, PhD, a Michigan State University instructor and researcher. ... Read More
Article
Naughty, Nipping Pony
November 01, 2010
Sue McDonnel, PhD, tells us why ponies bite and how we can put a stop to the painful behavior.... Read More
Article
Causal Relationship Between Cribbing and Colic Examined
October 18, 2010
Scientists have established the link between cribbing (also called windsucking) and colic, but a "causal" relationship between the two remains to be proven say researchers from the University of California, Davis. Colic is an important and often ... Read More
Article
Horses Reconcile, Support Each Other after Conflict
October 14, 2010
After a squabble in the field, horses might "kiss and make up"--at least in their own equine way. But even more often, post-conflict horses are visited by a "peacemaker," probably to preserve the unity of the group, accordin... Read More
Article
New Gelding Trouble
October 01, 2010
Sue McDonnel, PhD, tells us how to deal with a new gelding who won't take orders.... Read More
Article
Behavior Changes in West Nile Virus Survivors
September 20, 2010
I've heard some horses have been reported to have very different personalities after having West Nile. ... Read More
Article
Digital Image Makers Partner with American Humane Association
September 16, 2010
A California company that uses green screen technology to produce digital images of horses and other animals for use in print and film advertisements and other applications has partnered with the American Humane Association, a national organiza... Read More
Article
Kentucky Horse Council Encourages Parade Managers to Follow Protocol for Equine Entries
September 06, 2010
Parades are exciting. Children are delighted at all the sights, sounds, and the opportunity to do something different. Parents are lulled into peaceful reverie by the distraction the winding procession creates for their offspring. Organizers ar... Read More
Article
"Conflict Behavior" Evaluation Varies Among Horse Professionals
September 06, 2010
There's a new term that describes the actions of our horses in response to our unclear cues or handling: "conflict behavior." Horses showing conflict behavior might buck, rear, toss their heads, gape their mouths, or try to escape their handlers, to ... Read More
Article
Genetic Response to Training Found
September 05, 2010
Researchers measured the way muscle genes are switched on and off when a Thoroughbred exercises and found that these genes work together to adapt to exercise training. "As any trainer knows, different muscles respond and adapt t... Read More
Article
Learning to Load
September 01, 2010
At what age is it safe to start introducing a young horse to loading on a trailer? ... Read More
Article
Farm Safety Tips
September 01, 2010
How do you create the safest possible environment for your horses? First, remember you get what you pay for. When you equip your farm or pay board for your horse's living arrangements, investing in farm safety procedures can save a lot of expense... Read More
Article
Multi-Species Grazing: Horses and Cows and Goats, Oh My!
September 01, 2010
A handful of horses graze in a pasture one week; a herd of goats mow down its bushes and weeds the next. This multi-species rotational grazing system has its advantages, but whether they outweigh the disadvantages will depend on your situation... Read More
Article
Foal 'Stealing'
September 01, 2010
Our pregnant mare thinks another mare's colt is hers. Is it common for pregnant mares to adopt others' foals?... Read More
Article
Training: Food Rewards Are More Effective Than Physical Contact
August 30, 2010
Everybody loves a good back scratch, including your horse, right? Scratching of the withers has been scientifically proven to reduce a horse's heart rate, but a good scratch might not be enough to communicate to your horse that you're h... Read More
Article
Seeking Solutions to Separation Anxiety
August 26, 2010
When teaching young horses to accept separation from their pasturemates, it might seem like a good idea to train them in pairs first for a while before training them alone. However, new equitation science research suggests that pairing them up might ... Read More
Article
Bilateral Training Improves Performance, Welfare, Researchers Say
August 17, 2010
Congratulations, your horse has learned a new trick! Now, start all over again--this time on the other side. That's right; it turns out if you want your horse to learn a trick or skill correctly, you're probably going to have... Read More
Article
Study: Rein Tension Varies Between Riders, Affects Horses' Gaits
August 13, 2010
You know what it means to apply light contact with the bit, but have you ever wondered if your interpretation is the same as other riders’? And how strong is "strong contact," exactly? What kinds of effects do these different ha... Read More
Article
Spatial Reasoning and Laterality Affect Riding Horses' Behavior
August 12, 2010
"Can't go over it, can't go under it, have to go around it." No, your horse isn't on a bear hunt; he's on a bucket hunt, trying to reach his food around an experimental barrier. Italian equitation science researchers s... Read More
Article
Defensive Horsemanship Keeps Owners Safe when Working with Horses
August 09, 2010
A person who practices defensive horsemanship is less likely to be hurt while handling a horse, Robert M. Miller, DVM, of Thousand Oaks, Calif., said at the recent American Veterinary Medical Association meeting July 31-Aug. 3 in Atlanta, Ga.... Read More
Article
Equitation Science Symposium Emphasizes Horse Welfare and Human Safety
August 03, 2010
Rein tension, saddle and seat pressure, training rewards and reinforcement, and the evaluation of stress and emotions in riding horses were some of the main topics at this year's International Equitation Science Symposium held July 31&ndash... Read More
Article
Sedative, Analgesic, and Anesthetic Usage in Horses
July 27, 2010
How much do veterinarians use sedatives, analgesics (painkillers), and general anesthetics in horses? Veterinarians at The Ohio State University surveyed members of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to find out.... Read More
Article
The Equestrian Athlete (Excerpt from Riding For Life)
July 19, 2010
If you're a seasoned equestrian, you know how physically demanding and mentally challenging riding can be. Even if you're a newcomer to the sport, it probably didn't take you long to realize riding is much more than just sitting on a horse.... Read More
Article
Ways to Wean Young Horses
July 01, 2010
There are many ways to wean foals, but a method in which the foal can make a gradual adjustment to being apart from his dam or herdmates is often the least stressful. There's no best way to wean, however, because many factors enter the equation... Read More
