Abstract: To achieve optimal performance in equine sports as well as in leisure not only the physical abilities of the horse should be considered, but also the horse's personality. Besides temperamental aspects, like emotionality, or the horse's reactivity towards humans in handling situations, the learning ability of the horse is another relevant personality trait. To study whether differences in learning performance are consistent over time and whether individual learning performance differs between learning tests or is affected by emotionality, 39 young horses (Dutch Warmblood) were tested repeatedly in two learning tests. An aversive stimulus (AS) was used in one learning test (the avoidance learning test) and a reward was used in the other learning test (the reward learning test). During both learning tests behaviour as well as heart rate were measured. Each test was executed four times, twice when horses were 1 year of age, and twice when they were 2 years of age. Half of the horses received additional physical training from 6 months onwards. In both tests horses could be classified as either performers, i.e. completing the daily session, or as non-performers, i.e. returning to the home environment without having completed the daily session. There were some indications that emotionality might have caused non-performing behaviour, but these indications are not convincing enough to exclude other causes. Furthermore, there seem to be no simple relationships between measures of heart rate, behavioural responses putatively related to emotionality and learning performance. Horses revealed consistent individual learning performances within years in both tests, and in the avoidance learning test also between years. There was no significant correlation between learning performances in the avoidance learning test and the learning performances in the reward learning test. It is concluded that individual learning abilities are consistent over a short time interval for an avoidance learning test and a reward learning test and over a longer time for the avoidance learning test. Furthermore, results indicate that some horses perform better when they have to learn to avoid an aversive stimulus while others perform better when they are rewarded after a correct response. It is suggested that these differences may be relevant to design optimal individual training programmes and methods.

Abstract: This paper describes how man can enter the social hierarchy of the horse by mimicking the behaviour and stance it uses to establish dominance. A herd is organised according to a dominance hierarchy established by means of ritualised conflict. Dominance relationships are formed through these confrontations: one horse gains the dominant role and others identify themselves as subordinates. This study was conducted using five females of the Haflinger breed, totally unaccustomed to human contact, from a free-range breeding farm. The study methods were based on the three elements fundamental to the equilibrium of the herd: flight, herd instinct and hierarchy. The trainer-horse relationship was established in three phases: retreat, approach and association. At the end of the training sessions, all of the horses were able to respond correctly to the trainer. These observations suggest that it is possible to manage unhandled horses without coercion by mimicking their behaviour patterns.

Abstract: Review
The coverage in the book is incredibly broad, thorough and detailed. The drawings throughout are marvelous and do a wonderful job of complementing the text. The extensive bibliography should be especially useful to biologists. “Cheryl Asa, Director of Research, St. Louis Zoo”
For those highly interested in the subject, it is unquestionably worth upgrading rrom the first edition. Written by an internationally know and respected ethologist, Horse Behavior is a sound scientific review of equine behavior.
“Nancy Kate Diehl, ”Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association," Vol. 223, No. 12, December 15, 2003
One of the people out there studying horses is Dr. Waring, a professor at Southern Illinois University. He uses big words such as polyphasic, but defines them, “The daily sleep cycle of horses is polyphasic, that is, with more than one period of sleep occurring per 24-hour period.” He gives the academically correct citations of studies, yet describes the results in language the rest of us can understand. I dare any horseperson of any experience level to read it and not learn something.
“Katherine Walcott, Eventing USA, Issue Two, 2003”
Horse Behavior, 2nd edition, is a very well researched book that addresses a through review of normal horse behavior. Dr. Waring brings together references from a wide variety of disciplines, often from very difficult to get sources, and integrates them with his own research into a comprehensive picture of the horse. Each chapter is well orgainzed in its contents, resulting in a book that will be an excellent reference. This is a “must have” for any serious student of horse behavior and for those who just enjoy the animal. “Bonnie V. Beaver, BS, DVM, MS, DACVB, Texas A&M University”
Book Description
The second edition of this important reference provides important updates, especially in the areas of activity patterns, social behavior, reproduction, animal husbandry, and management. This easy-to-read text integrates findings from hundreds of international researchers and includes an updated appendix listing behavioral symptoms and possible causes. Over 100 illustrations and photos provide excellent visual cues for those who work with horses every day.