Equine Socialization, Behavior Modification, and Training

Question 1

What are the 6 benefits to non-confrontational horse handling?

Answer 1

1. safety
2. promote horse + owner compliance
3. improve animal welfare
4. increase clinical practice efficiency
5. set an example
6. strengthen human-animal bond

Question 2

When handling horses, the goal is always for them to be ‘relaxed’.
Describe the appearance / behavior of a relaxed horse. (7 things)

Answer 2

• muscles relaxed
• soft eyes
• relaxed muzzle and jaw
• head and ears neutral position
• curious and interactive
• easily stands at rest
• takes treats and enjoy scratches

Question 3

What FAS score is described below:
- relaxed standing rest
- head, neck, and ears in neutral position, relaxed muscles, soft eyes, and normally responsive to environmental stimuli
- solicits interaction, appears curious about and willing to interact with team members when approached

Answer 3

FAS 0 (relaxed)

Question 4

What FAS score is described below:

• increased ear rotation, slightly raised neck, small hoof movements, self-grooming behaviors, increased head movements toward or away from team members, but not moving body away
• might solicit treats/scratching and interacting with team members or appear curious of them

Answer 4

FAS 1 (mild/subtle signs)

Question 5

Which FAS score is described below:

• frequent ear rotation, raised head and neck, increased tail movements, increased restlessness and muscle tension
• reduced interest in interacting or in treats/scratching, but without active escape or avoidance behaviors

Answer 5

FAS 2 (mild/moderate)

Question 6

Which FAS score is described below:

• frequent ear rotation, raising head and neck, white of eye showing, snapping tail movements, increased restlessness and muscle tension.
• freezing behavior with reduced movement but increased full-body tension
• refuse treats/grabs treats roughly, unlikely to interact and may begin showing restlessness fidgeting or active escape/avoidance and intolerance of procedures

Answer 6

FAS 3 (moderate)

Question 7

What FAS score is described below:

• ears pinned back, raised head and neck, whites of eyes showing, increased respiration, snapping tail, constant movement, fully body muscle tension, distant calling/snort/blow vocalization
• avoidance of touch, constant fidgeting, stomp, pawing, animated escape/avoidance behaviors (rearing, bolting, barging)
• ignores team members

Answer 7

FAS 4 (severe without aggression)

Question 8

What FAS score is described below:

• ears pinned back, raised head and neck, whites of eyes showing, increased respiration, snapping tail, constant movement, fully body muscle tension, distant calling/snort/blow vocalization
• avoidance of touch, constant fidgeting, stomp, pawing, animated escape/avoidance behaviors (rearing, bolting, barging)
• active aggression towards team members (striking, kicking, barging, or biting)

Answer 8

FAS 5 (severe with aggression)

Question 9

What are the 5 components of non-confrontational horse handling?

Answer 9

1. handlers promote relaxation
2. positive reinforcement/distraction
3. appropriate and considerate restraint
4. safety and environmental awareness
5. handlers stay calm and relaxed

Question 10

Describe the avoidance cycle in horse behavior

Answer 10

1. human applies a mildly aversive stimuli
2. horse performs avoidance behavior
3. aversive stimuli is interrupted and goes away
4. horses avoidance behavior is reinforced (negative reinforcement)

repetition of this cycle trains a horse to perform avoidance behaviors. This cycle must be broken!

Question 11

What are some things you can do to modify non-desirable behavior in horses?

Answer 11

1. rule out pain first
2. systematic desensitization and counterconditioning
3. control the environment / consider protected contact
4. keep training sessions short
5. give homework to clients.