Lesson 8 & 9 - Equine Behavior & Welfare Flashcards
What are the 6 basic needs of a horse?
Hint: “the 6 F’s” - some do not start with F and only have an F somewhere in the word
Forage, freedom, friends, safety, comfort, fun
How do free-roaming domestic horses spend most of their time budget in comparison to stalled horses?
Free-roam: 60% eating
(20% standing, 10% lying down, 10% other)
Stalled: 65% standing
(15% eating, 15% lying down, 5% other)
Give some reasons why socializing/interaction is important amongst horses
- Social groups = anti-predation/safety
- Pair bonding is very common and normal for them
- Horses tend to show more aggression when housed alone
What do horses need, in terms of their environment?
- Variation (more than stall walls)
- Soft/comfortable resting areas
- Good ventilation
True or False: Horses can thrive with performing the same tasks and exercise day after day with no variation
False; horses NEED variety and mental stimulation as much as they need exercise - ability to perform slow, unrestricted movement as well as having variation in day to day training/schedule are very important
What are some consequences of a horse becoming bored with their routine?
Irritability, malaise, fatigue, reduced interest in training, poor performance, reduced body weight, immune suppression
What are some common maintenance behaviors in horses?
Stretching, grooming (self), allogrooming, rolling, rubbing, scratching, licking/nibbling coat
Extra note: grooming in withers area reduces HR
What facial cues indicate that a horse is in pain?
Ears tilted back/rotated outward, tension in muscles above/around eyes, flared nostrils, tension in muzzle, head tilted downward
True or False: Horses have poor long-term memory and do not recognize commonly seen humans or show preference for individuals
False; horses have an average long term memory of 22 months, recognize familiar humans, and show preference for individuals
What are some common calming and stress signals in horses?
- Lateral movement away from threat
- Seeking distraction (sniffing, staring into space)
- Yawning
- Empty chewing
- Lowering head
- Snapping or clapping
- Lateral ears
How do horses typically prefer to handle conflict?
Fleeing
What are common conflict behaviors exhibited by horses unable to flee in response to fear (due to conflict between horse’s interests and rider’s actions)?
Bolting, rushing, napping, shying, bucking, rearing, head tossing, “reefing reins”, defecation
What benefit does the “lip twitch” have when done for 5 minutes or less?
HR decreases, salivary cortisol decreases
What can happen if a “lip twitch” is performed for longer than 5 to 10 minutes?
HR doubles, pain and stress (opposite of response for first 5 minutes)
Why is the “ear twitch” generally not recommended for horses?
- HR and salivary cortisol increase (stress)
- Subdued by fear alone, not analgesia
If all three options are available for subduing a horse, which is preferred: lip twitch, ear twitch, or chemical restraint?
Chemical restraint
What are some general herd structures for horses?
- Harem groups of 3 - 12 with a mature stallion, offspring leave the group at 2 - 4 years old
- Small bachelor groups of 2 - 5 year old stallions
- Solitary individuals
What is imprint learning and what is the significance?
Learning to recognize mother and own species in first week of life; need to be able to follow mother, also vital to social bx and reproduction later on
What are some ways to keep a solitary horse from developing problematic behavior associated w/ isolation?
- Aluminum mirror in stall
- Borrow or rent space to another horse
- Provide another animal to be w/ horse
What are some effects of separation stress in stallions?
- fence/stall walking (pace increases w/ stress)
- weaving
- abnormal sexual behavior
What factor has a direct influence on weaning age for foals?
Nutritional state of the mare (weaning age tends to be earlier for mares in managed herds than in feral horses)
True or False: Adult horses spend the majority of their time grazing
True; duration can vary though by season, time of days, and sex, plus they are selective grazers
What are some problem behaviors in horses associated with eating?
Obesity and psychogenic polydipsia (excess thirst) - often related to boredom
Name some signs of aggression in horses
Ears flat against neck, tense upper lip, teeth bared, rearing or striking with front feet, kick with one or both hind feet, lashing tail
Name some signs of fear in horses
Sclera shows, contraction in muscles above eyes, head goes up, rearing, tail in “S” shape, tail held tight against rump
True or False: Horses spend 18 - 19 hours fully awake and less than 1 hour in REM sleep
True
True or False: Horses tend to sleep in short sessions throughout the day
True
List some typical boredom behaviors in horses
Wood chewing, cribbing, tongue play, head shaking, pawing, stall walking/kicking
Name some common grooming behaviors in horses
- Allogrooming (bonding, reaching difficult areas)
- Playing in water (control insects, cooling)
What are some problems related to grooming behavior in horses?
Excessive grooming (often self-mutilation due to discomfort, boredom, anxiety)
When given the option, which do horses prefer: rest or exercise?
Resting in the stall (9 of 10 horses)
When given the option, which do horses prefer: lights on or off for a longer period of time?
Lights on (for max of 18 hours per day)
When given the option, which do horses prefer: viewing or not viewing other horses?
Viewing other horses (52%)
When given the option, which do horses prefer: shavings, straw, or concrete for bedding?
Shavings (55% over straw, and 65% over concrete)
When tested, what two things are horses willing to work the hardest for when restricted?
Food and cribbing location
What are the primary welfare issues for competition horses?
- Abusive training techniques (weighted shoes, long feet, blistering)
- Abusive training equipment (severe bits, sharp spurs, whips, tiedowns)
- Doping
- Pressure for perfection
- Genetic issues
- Trailering
What are the primary welfare issues for recreation horses?
- Gymkhana speed events
- General riding
What are the primary welfare issues for unwanted horses (specifically regarding available options)?
- Unregulated shipping to Mexico or Canada for slaughter
- Lack of funding/capacity at rescue/retirement/adoption facilities
- Expensive euthanasia and body disposal
- Environmental pollution
