Equine Behavior Flashcards
What are harems?
One mature breeding stallion, several mature mares and their immature offspring
What are bachelor bands?
all male non-breeding groups
What is the approximate weaning period of horses?
1-3 years
What is the pace of weaning? Time period?
Gradual; 6-12 months
What does it mean for foals to be precocial?
They can see. hear, stand, move upon birth
What are the average time budgets for foraging and resting?
Foraging 50-80%
Resting 20-30%
What do horses do when the weather changes?
Play
Activities are done in a ________.
group
How can horses rest?
lateral recumbency or standing
How often do horses trek to water?
daily or every other day, strict order
What is the order of horses?
Mare leads, stallion follows behind
What can foals do within one hour?
Stand and nurse
What can foals do in one day?
run, play, explore, groom
How long do foals stay close to their mom?
2 weeks
How often does nursing occur?
3-6 per hour
When do foals forage?
2 weeks
How do horses communicate visually?
Subtle cues
When does the foal receive colostrum?
8-24 hours
How do horses communicate with touch?
touch head or neck as pass
How do horses communicate with smell?
breath, urine, feces, flehmen (curling lip)
How do horses communicate with sound?
Long and close range vocalizations, hoof sounds
Describe the features of a stall kept horse?
Isolation, On bedding, diet on grain, time budget VERY different
Best way to pet a horse?
With strokes
Describe the features of a pasture kept horse?
Mares act as would in harem, gelding like in lead stallion, gelding group like bachelor band
