ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR - Equine Behaviour Flashcards
What are the features of a relaxed horse?
Ears forward and relaxed
Head at shoulder level
No sclera showing
No nostril flaring
Relaxed tail
What are the six features of an excited horse?
Ears pinned forward
Furrowed brows
Some sclera showing
Nostril flaring
Slightly raised tail
Tense muzzle
What are the features of a nervous horse?
Ears pinned towards source of concern
Head above shoulder level
Visible sclera
Flared nostrils
High tail carriage
What are the six features of a stressed/aggressive horse?
Ears pinned back
Furrowed brows
Tense neck
Tense muzzle
Flared nostrils
High or swishing tail
Which breed of horse has a naturally raised tail?
Important to be aware of this when reading equine body language
Arabian
What are the three basic needs of horses?
Companionship
Forage
Freedom
What are the consequences if the three basic needs of horses are not fulfilled?
Restriction of any of these basic needs can cause a physiological stress response in horses
Which component of companionship is particulary beneficial for horses?
Mutual grooming
What is the optimal herd size for horses to allow for companionship but prevent competition?
4 - 6 horses is the ideal herd size to allow for companionship but prevent competition
For how many hours do horses forage daily?
Horses forage for 16 hours daily
What is post inhibitory rebound in horses?
Post inhibitory rebound is a behaviour that occurs in horses that have been stabled for long periods of time where when they are at last turned out, they will feel the need to run and play at a high intensity which can increases their risk of injury
What are stereotypies in horses?
Stereotypies in horses are repetitive actions or sounds which can arise as a response to stress and/or boredom
What are five common stereotypie behaviours seen in horses?
Yawning
Crib biting
Wind sucking
Box walking
Weaving
What can be indicated by yawning in horses?
For horses, yawning can be indicative of stress/mild pain
What is the difference between crib biting and wind sucking?
Crib biting is when a horse repeatedly bites something such as a stable door or fence post. Wind sucking is when a horse crib bites followed by sucking air into their stomach
What is one of the main risks of crib biting?
Crib biting can cause damage to the incisors
How can wind sucking increase the risk of a horse developing colic?
When a horse is wind sucking, they are sucking air into their stomach which can cause gastric ulcers, simple colonic obstruction, distention and epiploic foramen entraption - all of which can cause colic
What is box walking?
Box walking is repetitive walking, often in circles or up and down the fence line, in the stable or a small paddock
What is one of the main risks of box walking?
Box walking can cause or exacerbate lameness. This is particularly important as horses are often put on box rest because of lameness or because they are at a high risk of laminitis, so it is important to prevent box walking behaviour as this could worsen the lameness or stimulate laminitis
What is weaving?
Weaving is when a horse remains stationary but repeatedly shifts it’s weight between their forelimbs whilst laterally swaying their head
What is one of the main risks of weaving?
Weaving puts pressure on the horse’s feet which can cause or exacerbate lameness
What is the best way to prevent stereotypie behaviours in horses?
The best way to prevent stereotypie behaviours in horses is to provide them with a stimulating and interesting environment
List five methods that can be used to provide horses with an interesting environment and prevent stereotypie behaviours
Provide companionship
Stick to a routine
Regular supply of forage
Toys in stable
Mirror in stable
What are five horse behaviours that owners often perceive as ‘bad’ behaviour?
Bucking
Rearing
Napping
Spooking
Girthy
