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Author Kaseda, Y.; Ogawa, H.; Khalil, A.M.
Title Causes of natal dispersal and emigration and their effects on harem formation in Misaki feral horses Type Journal Article
Year 1997 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 29 Issue 4 Pages 262-266
Keywords Age Factors; Animal Migration; Animals; Animals, Wild; *Behavior, Animal/physiology; Female; Horses/*physiology/psychology; Male; Reproduction; Seasons; Sexual Behavior, Animal; *Social Behavior
Abstract Misaki feral horses were separated into 2 herds and the difference between dispersal from natal group (natal dispersal) and dispersal from natal area (natal emigration) was studied. The causes of dispersal and emigration and their effects on harem formation were studied 1979-1994. The number of horses ranged from 73 (mature males: 8, mature females: 26, young males: 8, young females: 3, colt foals: 6, filly foals: 10 and geldings: 12) in 1979 and 86 (mature males: 14, mature females: 37, young males: 12, young females: 7, colt foals: 5, filly foals: 7 and geldings: 4) in 1994 when the present study ended. All 29 males which survived to age 4 years and 58 females which survived to age 3 years left their natal or mother groups at age one to 3. Seventeen of 22 dispersing males and 29 of 39 dispersing females left their natal groups around the birth of their siblings and significant correlations were found between natal dispersal and birth of a sibling. The number of emigrating young males correlated negatively and significantly with the total number of young males in another herd and the number of emigrating young females correlated positively and significantly with the total number of young females in the natal herd. All 13 emigrating stallions which survived to age 5 years formed stable harem groups and a significant correlation was found between natal emigration and harem formation. Twenty-three of 35 resident mares formed stable consort relations with harem stallions and a significant correlation was found between residence and formation of stable consort relations.
Address Faculty of Agriculture, Miyazaki University, Miyazaki-shi, 889-21, Japan
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN (down) Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:15338905 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4630
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Author Feh, C.; Munkhtuya, B.
Title Male infanticide and paternity analyses in a socially natural herd of Przewalski`s horses: Sexual selection? Type Journal Article
Year 2008 Publication Behavioural Processes Abbreviated Journal Behav. Process.
Volume 78 Issue 3 Pages 335-339
Keywords DNA paternity analysis; Human disturbance; Male infanticide; Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii); Sexual selection
Abstract The sexual selection hypothesis explains infanticide by males in many mammals. In our 11-year study, we investigated this hypothesis in a herd of Przewalski's horses where we had witnessed infanticidal attacks. Infanticide was highly conditional and not simply linked to takeovers. Attacks occurred in only five of 39 cases following a takeover, and DNA paternity revealed that, although infanticidal stallions were not the genetic fathers in four cases out of five, stallions present at birth did not significantly attempt to kill unrelated foals. Infanticide did not reduce birth intervals; only in one case out of five was the infanticidal stallion, the father of the next foal; mothers whose foals were attacked subsequently avoided associating with infanticidal stallions. Therefore, evidence for the sexual selection hypothesis was weak. The “human disturbance” hypothesis received some support, as only zoo bred stallions which grew up in unnatural social groups attacked foals of mares which were pregnant during takeovers.
Address
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
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Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4632
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Author Hedman, J.
Title Heart rate response towards fear-eliciting stimuli in horses Type Manuscript
Year 2003 Publication Sveriges lantbruksuniversitetSveriges lantbruksuniversitet Veterinärprogrammet Abbreviated Journal
Volume 2004 Issue 40 Pages
Keywords horse, fear, heart-rate, novel stimuli
Abstract Finding the right horse for each rider is a difficult task as it is just as important that the temperament of the horse fits the rider as it is that the horse is of the right size. Even though it is a commonly experienced problem, no objective method of easily measuring the horse“s temperament has yet been developed. If it is possible to test horses and get an objective measure of how reactive (emotional) they are, it could be a big help in finding the right horse for each rider. It would be desirable to have a way of testing the horse”s reaction in an unfamiliar (and potentially frightening) situation. In practice this test should be just as easy as it is getting a judgement of its conformation and gaits.

The aim of the present study was to measure individual variation in HR response to different novel objects in horses of the same age, breed and reared in the same environment. We wanted to see whether certain horses (i.e. more emotional horses) react more to novel stimuli, in general, than other horses (i.e. less emotional), irrespective of the type of stimulus. We also wanted to see if different novel stimuli elicited different responses within individuals. The hypothesis was that individuals will react in a similar way to various stimuli.

Twenty four Danish warmblood horses were included in this study. All horses were 2 year-old stallions, reared under similar environmental conditions. They had received a minimum of handling prior to the experimental period. Three different stimuli were used. They were chosen because they were novel to the horses and would elicit measurable fear-reactions in all horses, but not so much that the horses did not approach the feed within the duration of the test. The visual stimulus consisted of a 1meter high orange traffic cone with reflex stripes, placed 1 m in front of the tub, the olfactory stimulus was eucalyptus oil and the auditory stimulus was a radio tuned to white noise. The control was an empty arena.

The result was that only the HR response to the auditory and visual stimuli differed significantly from the control days. The olfactory stimulus did not seem to alarm the horses the way the other stimuli did. We found a tendency towards a correlation in reaction between the olfactory and auditory stimuli and between the auditory and visual stimuli within individuals. These results indicate that horses do not generalize completely in their reaction between different stimuli.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis Bachelor's thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Dept. of Animal Environment and Health, SLU. Examensarbete / Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Veterinä Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1650-7045 ISBN (down) Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4652
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Author Rozempolska-Ruciń ska, Iwona; Trojan, Maciej; Kosik, Elż bieta; Próchniak, Tomasz; Górecka-Bruzda, Aleksandra
Title How “natural” training methods can affect equine mental state? A critical approach -- a review Type Journal Article
Year 2013 Publication Animal Science Papers & Reports Abbreviated Journal
Volume 31 Issue 3 Pages 185
Keywords HORSES -- Training; HORSEMANSHIP; HUMAN-animal relationships; LEARNING in animals; ANIMAL psychology; ANIMAL intelligence; ANIMAL welfare
Abstract Among equestrians the “natural” training methods of horses are gaining widespread popularity due to their spectacular efficiency. Underlying philosophy of trainers – founders of different “natural horsemanship training” (NHT) schools, along with other not well documented statements includes argumentation of solely welfare- and human-friendly effects of NHT in the horse. The aim of this review was to screen scientific papers related to NHT to answer the question whether „natural“ training methods may actually exert only positive effects upon equine mental state and human-horse relationship. It appears that NHT trainers may reduce stress and emotional tension and improve learning processes as they appropriately apply learning stimuli. Basing on revised literature it can be concluded that training is successful provided that [i] the strength of the aversive stimulus meets sensitivity of an individual horse, [ii] the aversive stimulus is terminated at a right moment to avoid the impression of punishment, and [iii] the animal is given enough time to assess its situation and make an independent decision in the form of adequate behavioural reaction. Neglecting any of these conditions may lead to substantial emotional problems, hyperactivity, or excessive fear in the horse-human relationship, regardless of the training method. However, we admit that the most successful NHT trainers reduce aversive stimulation to the minimum and that horses learn quicker with fear or stress reactions, apparently decreasing along with training process. Anyway, NHT should be acknowledged for absolutely positive role in pointing out the importance of proper stimulation in the schooling and welfare of horses.
Address
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
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Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5726
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Author Gatta, D.; Baragli, P.; Ferrarini, N.; Ciattini, F.; Sighieri, C.; Colombani, B.
Title Fitness evaluation in endurance horses by standardised exercise test on treadmill Type Journal Article
Year 1998 Publication Ippologia Abbreviated Journal Valutazione dello stato di allenamento del cavallo da endurance mediante test standardizzato su trea
Volume 9 Issue 4 Pages 57-69
Keywords Endurance; Horses; Treadmill
Abstract Endurance horses, like marathon runners, undertake sub-maximal, longterm physical exercises and in both cases thermoregulation plays a critical role. A standardised sub-maximal treadmill test was used to assess fitness and training state in endurance horses. Literature reports that trained human athletes dissipate head load better than not trained ones; in this study parameters related to thermoregulation were recorded together with other haematologic and metabolic ones. Six endurance horses, divided into two groups according to their training state, performed two submaximal tests at a distance of one week. Blood samples were collected at rest, during exercise, at the end and during recovery (10, 30 and 60 minutes after work). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal (RT) and skin (ST) temperatures were monitored through the exercise (and recovery for HR). HR resulted significantly lower (P<0.01) in trained horses than in untrained ones, especially during recovery. Also rectal and skin temperatures resulted significantly lower (P<0.05) in trained horses and ST increased more gradually during exercise. The values of haematocrit and haemoglobin resulted significantly lower (P<0.05) at rest, during exercise and recovery samples. In this study, the parameters related to thermoregulation, in accordance with data from human athletes, resulted significantly different in trained and untrained horses, while other parameters didn't vary significantly between the two groups. Thermoregulatory responses to exercise-generated heat load in a standardised test, studied by simple parameters, can thus offer useful information about fitness and training state of endurance horses.
Address Dipto. Anat., Biochim. Fisiol. Vet., Univ. degli Studi di Pisa
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Notes Cited By (since 1996): 2; Export Date: 13 November 2008; Source: Scopus Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4655
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Author King, S.R.B.
Title Home range and habitat use of free-ranging Przewalski horses at Hustai National Park, Mongolia Type Journal Article
Year 2002 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
Volume 78 Issue 2-4 Pages 103-113
Keywords Przewalski horse; Equus przewalskii; Takhi; Home range; Re-introduction; Habitat use
Abstract Przewalski horses (Equus ferus przewalskii), also known as takhi, were first re-introduced to the wild in Hustai National Park, Mongolia, in 1994. Since then the number of free harems increased to a maximum of seven; there are currently six (October 2000). The size of the home range of each of the harems changed among years and among seasons. The horses tended to settle in a home range close to where they were released although they explored the surrounding area. The use of the habitat within each home range changed through the day, with the horses grazing in the valleys during the morning and evening, and moving to higher places to stand rest and use as a refuge from heat and flies during the middle of the day. Range establishment and area, as well as habitat use are discussed.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0168-1591 ISBN (down) Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4682
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Author Cameron, E.Z.; Linklater, W.L.; Stafford, K.J.; Minot, E.O.
Title Maternal investment results in better foal condition through increased play behaviour in horses Type Journal Article
Year 2008 Publication Animal Behaviour. Abbreviated Journal Anim. Behav.
Volume 76 Issue 5 Pages 1511-1518
Keywords Equus caballus; feral horse; maternal investment; play
Abstract Play behaviour is widespread in mammals, but benefits to play have been difficult to demonstrate. Physical training is one of the many proposed hypotheses, suggesting that males and females should play differently, that increased maternal investment should lead to increases in play, and that increases in play should result in physical advantages. In a population of feral horses, Equus caballus, males and females did not differ in their play behaviour except that males initiated more of their play bouts than females. Maternal condition influenced play behaviour only in males, with sons of mothers in good condition playing more. However, when we controlled for maternal effects by comparing a son and a daughter of the same mother, daughters played more when their mother was in poor condition and sons played more when their mother was in good condition. Mothers of foals that played more lost more condition. Therefore, the difference in play behaviour could not be explained by offspring sex or maternal condition alone, but play behaviour mirrored variation in maternal investment. In addition, those individuals that played more survived better and had better body condition as yearlings despite weaning earlier. Since increased activity has been linked to enhanced musculoskeletal development in domestic horses, we suggest that play provides a link between increased maternal investment, increased body condition and future reproductive success in feral horses, and probably in other species.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-3472 ISBN (down) Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4709
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Author Lansade, L.; Bouissou, M.-F.
Title Reactivity to humans: A temperament trait of horses which is stable across time and situations Type Journal Article
Year 2008 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
Volume 114 Issue 3-4 Pages 492-508
Keywords Horse; Equus caballus; Reactivity to humans; Temperament trait; Personality; Behavioural consistency
Abstract The aim of this study was to test the existence of a “reactivity-to-humans” trait which is stable over time and across situations. For this purpose, four test situations were repeated on the same animals at 8 months, 1.5 years (N = 110 horses) and 2.5 years of age (N = 54 horses). These situations involved a “familiar passive human test” during which a familiar person stayed motionless in the test pen, a “familiar active human test” and an “unfamiliar active human test” during which a familiar or unfamiliar person attempted to touch the horse, and a “halter-fitting and heart-rate measurement test”, during which the horse was haltered and equipped with a surcingle and then had its heart-rate measured. Many behavioural variables were recorded during the tests, and correlations between ages and variables measured during other situations were investigated. When correlations were found, we concluded that the variables corresponded to temperament traits which are stable over time and across situations. The horses tested were divided into four groups according to breed (Anglo-Arab and Welsh) and year of birth (2001 and 2002). Data for each group were analysed separately with Spearman rank correlations. Regarding stability over time, there was a strong correlation between ages in the frequency of licking/nibbling the passive human, the time taken by a familiar or unfamiliar person to touch the horse, and the time taken to fit a halter (e.g. the time taken to touch the horse's muzzle was significantly correlated between ages in 7 out of the 8 possible cases: 0.40 <= R <= 0.67). Regarding stability across situations, results indicate that the more frequently a horse sniffed, licked or nibbled a passive human, the easier it was for either a familiar or unfamiliar active human to touch and halter it. Moreover, a horse which could be touched easily by a familiar human could also be touched and haltered easily by an unfamiliar human. These behaviours, which are linked directly to humans, therefore indicate good stability over time and across situations. In conclusion, this stability suggests the existence of a “reactivity-to-humans” temperament trait, whether the human is passive or active, familiar or unfamiliar. When the animals do not have frequent contact with humans, this reactivity is stable over time and can be measured as early as 8 months of age using the behavioural variables cited above.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0168-1591 ISBN (down) Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4710
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Author Verrill, S.; McDonnell, S.
Title Equal Outcomes with and without Human-to-Horse Eye Contact When Catching Horses and Ponies in an Open Pasture Type Journal Article
Year 2008 Publication Journal of Equine Veterinary Science Abbreviated Journal
Volume 28 Issue 5 Pages 309-312
Keywords Horse handling; Horse management; Eye contact; Interspecies interactions; Equine behavior
Abstract Each of 104 horses and ponies was approached for catching at pasture by the same human handler in a standard manner, either maintaining human-to-animal eye contact (EC+; n = 51) or avoiding eye contact (EC-; n = 53). A subset of 74 of these subjects were reevaluated 3 weeks later under similar standard conditions except with the eye contact condition opposite to that used in the first round. Nonparametric statistical methods were used to evaluate between subjects (round 1, n = 104) and within subjects (rounds 1 and 2, n = 74) comparisons of successful or unsuccessful catching outcome with EC+ and EC-. Catching outcomes were similar with eye contact condition. Although this study represents a single handler at one study site, results suggest that human-to-horse eye contact may not be an important influence on catching pastured horses. Certainly, further work is needed to better understand the role of eye contact in horse handling.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0737-0806 ISBN (down) Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4711
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Author Björk, N.
Title Is it possible to measure the welfare of the ridden horse? Type Manuscript
Year 2008 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords horse, welfare, training, learning, measure, assess
Abstract Since the time of domestication, humans have trained horses for the purpose of serving man. Different training methods have been developed throughout the centuries; some were developed with consideration for the horse's welfare, while others disregarded welfare to a great extent. Most present day training is based upon making the horse perform a desired behaviour through dominance and subordination. Although cooperative training techniques have gained popularity, everyday training lacks the application of learning theory or neglects the horse's learning capacities and their species' specific behaviour. Thus, the horse's welfare may be jeopardised.

The aim with this review is to consider methods that allow an objective assessment of the welfare of horses undergoing training. The review gives a brief insight into the history of horse training and handling. It proceeds with an overview of the horse"s learning abilities which is argued to be of paramount importance for effective training. The review then describes a few selected training techniques that are used today, based on negative and positive reinforcement, and discusses parameters from which it could be possible to assess the welfare of the ridden horse. The work concludes with suggestion for future
Address
Corporate Author Thesis Bachelor's thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN (down) Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4749
Permanent link to this record