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Author | VanDierendonck, M.C.; de Vries, H.; Schilder, M.B.H.; Colenbrander, B.; Þorhallsdóttir, A.G. and Sigurjónsdóttir, H. | ||||
Title | Interventions in social behaviour in a herd of mares and geldings | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2009 | Publication | Applied Animal Behaviour Science | Abbreviated Journal | Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume | 116 | Issue | 1 | Pages | 67-73 |
Keywords | Horses; Social relationships; Interventions; Mares; Geldings; Play; Allogrooming; Social network | ||||
Abstract | Social dynamics and maintenance of social cohesion were studied by analysing social interventions in two groups of horses consisting of adult mares, their offspring, adult geldings and sub-adults. The animals were observed for a total of 1316 h. All relevant dyadic and triadic social interactions, including initial behaviour, possible intervention and outcome, were recorded. The main question was: do horses use interventions in affiliative interactions to safeguard their social network? Horses were significantly more likely to intervene in allogrooming or play interactions that involved a preferred partner. The stronger the preferred association in allogrooming, the higher the likelihood the intervener took over allogrooming with an initial dyad member. Interveners originating from two newly introduced groups (n = 3 and 5), intervened significantly more often when a member of their own group allogroomed with an unfamiliar horse. In play, no correlation with unfamiliarity was found. Overall, the intervening horses stopped more than half of the initial allogrooming interactions, and a third of all interactions. Therefore, social facilitation cannot sufficiently explain interference behaviour. This study shows that maintaining relationships with preferred partners is important to horses and has implications for equine husbandry and management. | ||||
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ISSN | 0168-1591 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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Notes | Approved | no | |||
Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4766 | ||
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Author | Goodwin, D.; McGreevy, P.; Waran, N.; McLean, A. | ||||
Title | How equitation science can elucidate and refine horsemanship techniques | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2009 | Publication | The Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Special Issue: Equitation Science |
Volume | 181 | Issue | 1 | Pages | 5-11 |
Keywords | Horse; Training; Equitation; Learning theory; Ethology; Cognition | ||||
Abstract | The long-held belief that human dominance and equine submission are key to successful training and that the horse must be taught to [`]respect' the trainer infers that force is often used during training. Many horses respond by trialling unwelcome evasions, resistances and flight responses, which readily become established. When unable to cope with problem behaviours, some handlers in the past might have been encouraged to use harsh methods or devices while others may have called in a so-called [`]good horseman' or [`]horse whisperer' to remediate the horse. Frequently, the approaches such practitioners offer could not be applied by the horse's owner or trainer because of their lack of understanding or inability to apply the techniques. Often it seemed that these [`]horse-people' had magical ways with horses (e.g., they only had to whisper to them) that achieved impressive results although they had little motivation to divulge their techniques. As we begin to appreciate how to communicate with horses sensitively and consistently, misunderstandings and misinterpretations by horse and trainer should become less common. Recent studies have begun to reveal what comprises the simplest, most humane and most effective mechanisms in horse training and these advances are being matched by greater sharing of knowledge among practitioners. Indeed, various practitioners of what is referred to here as [`]natural horsemanship' now use techniques similar to the [`]whisperers' of old, but they are more open about their methods. Reputable horse trainers using natural horsemanship approaches are talented observers of horse behaviour and respond consistently and swiftly to the horse's subtle cues during training. For example, in the roundpen these trainers apply an aversive stimulus to prompt a flight response and then, when the horse slows down, moves toward them, or offers space-reducing affiliative signals, the trainer immediately modifies his/her agonistic signals, thus negatively reinforcing the desired response. Learning theory and equine ethology, the fundamentals of the emerging discipline of equitation science, can be used to explain almost all the behaviour modification that goes on in these contexts and in conventional horsemanship. By measuring and evaluating what works and what does not, equitation science has the potential to have a unifying effect on traditional practices and developing branches of equitation. | ||||
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ISSN | 1090-0233 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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Notes | Approved | no | |||
Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4826 | ||
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Author | Kay, R.; Hall, C. | ||||
Title | The use of a mirror reduces isolation stress in horses being transported by trailer | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2009 | Publication | Applied Animal Behaviour Science | Abbreviated Journal | Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume | 116 | Issue | 2-4 | Pages | 237-243 |
Keywords | Horse; Isolation; Transport; Trailer; Mirror; Stress | ||||
Abstract | Horse trailers are a common form of transportation for horses and ponies and often require the animal to travel alone or with a single companion. The current study investigated the effect of transporting horses alone, in company or with an acrylic safety mirror (measuring 81cm61.5cm) that provided surrogate companionship. The behavioural and physiological responses of 12 mature horses during a 30-min journey by trailer under the three treatments were compared. Behaviours (vocalisation, eating, head-tossing, pawing, and head-turning) were recorded. In order to assess circulatory changes that occur as part of the response to transport, heart rate (HR), rectal (Tr) and ear-pinna (Tp) temperatures were recorded. When travelling with a live companion significantly less time was spent vocalising (p<0.001), head-turning (p<0.001), head-tossing (p<0.01) and pawing (p<0.01); eating behaviour increased (p<0.05). Physiological responses (increases in HR and Tr and decreases in Tp) were also significantly reduced when travelling with a live companion (p<0.01). Travelling with the mirror did not significantly affect physiological responses compared with travelling alone, but the rise in Tr and fall in Tp was reduced (p=0.052 and p=0.051, respectively) and can be considered a trend. When travelling with a mirror significantly less time was spent turning the head (p<0.01), vocalising (p<0.05) and head-tossing (p<0.05); eating behaviour increased (p<0.05). The only significant difference between travelling with a live companion and a mirror was that the time spent turning the head round was less with a live companion (p<0.05). The provision of surrogate companionship in the form of a mirror was found to be preferable to travel alone, but where possible a live companion is recommended. Isolation during transportation was found to suppress feeding behaviour. Although peripheral blood flow (Tp) has been used to assess transport stress in other species it has not previously been used in the horse. Further evaluation of this non-invasive measure is now required. | ||||
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Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
ISSN | 0168-1591 | ISBN | Medium | ||
Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
Notes | Approved | no | |||
Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5097 | ||
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Author | Jørgensen, G.H.M.; Borsheim, L.; Mejdell, C.M.; Søndergaard, E.; Bøe, K.E. | ||||
Title | Grouping horses according to gender--Effects on aggression, spacing and injuries | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2009 | Publication | Applied Animal Behaviour Science | Abbreviated Journal | Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume | 120 | Issue | 1-2 | Pages | 94-99 |
Keywords | Horse; Group housing; Gender; Injuries; Social behaviour | ||||
Abstract | Many horse owners tend to group horses according to gender, in an attempt to reduce aggressive interactions and the risk of injuries. The aim of our experiment was to test the effects of such gender separation on injuries, social interactions and individual distance in domestic horses. A total of 66 horses were recruited from 4 different farms in Norway and Denmark and divided into six batches. Within each batch, horses were allotted into one mare group, one gelding group and one mixed gender group, with most groups consisting of three or four animals. After 4-6 weeks of acclimatisation, a trained observer recorded all social interactions using direct, continuous observation 1 h in the morning and 1 h in the afternoon for three consecutive days. Recordings of the nearest neighbour of each horse were performed using instantaneous sampling every 10 min. The horses were inspected for injuries before grouping, day 1 after grouping and after 4-6 weeks. No significant effect of gender composition was found on social interactions (P > 0.05), spacing (P > 0.07) or injuries (P > 0.23). Eighty percent of all aggressive interactions recorded were threats, not involving physical contact. Horses with the smallest space allowance showed the highest mean number of aggressive interactions (28.6 ± 6.1 interactions per 6 h) compared to the mean of all the other batches (8.3 ± 1.0 interactions per 6 h). Very few injuries were found and most were superficial. In conclusion, gender composition does not seem to have any effect on aggression level, spacing or injuries. However, the early social experience of horses, management of feeding and space allowance probably represents more important factors for successful group housing of domestic horses. | ||||
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Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
ISSN | 0168-1591 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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Notes | Approved | no | |||
Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5093 | ||
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Author | von Peinen, K.; Wiestner, T.; Bogisch, S.; Roepstorff, L.; Van Weeren, P.R.; Weishaupt, M.A. | ||||
Title | Relationship between the forces acting on the horse's back and the movements of rider and horse while walking on a treadmill | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2009 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 41 | Issue | 3 | Pages | 285-291 |
Keywords | horse; ground reaction forces; kinematics; rider; saddle force | ||||
Abstract | Reasons for performing study: The exact relationship between the saddle pressure pattern during one stride cycle and the movements of horse and rider at the walk are poorly understood and have never been investigated in detail. Hypothesis: The movements of rider and horse account for the force distribution pattern under the saddle. Method: Vertical ground reaction forces (GRF), kinematics of horse and rider as well as saddle forces (FS) were measured synchronously in 7 high level dressage horses while being ridden on an instrumented treadmill at walk. Discrete values of the total saddle forces (FStot) were determined for each stride and related to kinematics and GRF. The pressure sensitive mat was divided into halves and sixths to assess the force distribution over the horse's back in more detail. Differences were tested using a one sample t test (P<0.05). Results: FStot of all the horses showed 3 peaks (P1-P3) and 3 minima (M1-M3) in each half-cycle, which were systematically related to the footfall sequence of the walk. Looking at the halves of the mat, force curves were 50% phase-shifted. The analysis of the FS of the 6 sections showed a clear association to the rider's and horse's movements. Conclusion: The saddle force distribution during an entire stride cycle has a distinct pattern although the force fluctuations of the FStot are small. The forces in the front thirds were clearly related to the movement of the front limbs, those in the mid part to the lateral flexion of the horse's spine and the loading of the hind part was mainly influenced by the axial rotation and lateral bending of the back. Potential relevance: These data can be used as a reference for comparing different types of saddle fit. | ||||
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Publisher | Blackwell Publishing Ltd | Place of Publication | Editor | ||
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ISSN | 2042-3306 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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Notes | Approved | no | |||
Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5822 | ||
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Author | von Borstel, U.U.; Duncan, I.J.H.; Shoveller, A.K.; Merkies, K.; Keeling, L.J.; Millman, S.T. | ||||
Title | Impact of riding in a coercively obtained Rollkur posture on welfare and fear of performance horses | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2009 | Publication | Applied Animal Behaviour Science | Abbreviated Journal | Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume | 116 | Issue | 2-4 | Pages | 228-236 |
Keywords | Horse; Coercive riding; Welfare; Rollkur; Fear; Training | ||||
Abstract | Rollkur, the usually coercively obtained hyperflexion of the horse's neck, is employed as a training method by some dressage riders; however, its use is controversial as it may cause discomfort and adversely affect the horse's welfare. The objectives of this study were to determine: (1) if horses showed differences in stress, discomfort and fear responses as measured by heart rate and behaviour when ridden in Rollkur (R) obtained by pressure on the reins compared to regular poll flexion (i.e. with the nose-line being at or just in front of the vertical; N), and (2) if they showed a preference between the two riding styles when given the choice. Fifteen riding horses were ridden 30 times through a Y-maze randomly alternating between sides. Riding through one arm of the Y-maze was always followed by a short round ridden in R, whereas riding through the other arm was followed by a short round ridden in N. Immediately after the conditioning phase, horses were again repeatedly ridden into the maze; however, riders left it to the horse to decide which arm of the maze to enter. During R, horses moved slower and showed more often behavioural signs of discomfort, such as tail-swishing, head-tossing or attempted bucks (P < 0.05), and 14 of the 15 horses chose significantly (P < 0.05) more often the maze-arm associated with N rather than R. Subsequently, eight of the horses were also subjected to two fear tests following a short ride in N as well as a ride in R. During R, horses tended to react stronger (P = 0.092) to the fear stimuli and to take longer (P = 0.087) to approach them. These findings indicate that a coercively obtained Rollkur position may be uncomfortable for horses and that it makes them more fearful and therefore potentially more dangerous to ride. Further studies need to assess horses' reaction to gradual training of Rollkur, as opposed to a coercively obtained hyperflexion, in order to decide whether the practice should be banned. | ||||
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Language | Summary Language | Original Title | |||
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Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
ISSN | 0168-1591 | ISBN | Medium | ||
Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
Notes | Approved | no | |||
Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5096 | ||
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Author | Albright, J.D.; Mohammed, H.O.; Heleski, C.R.; Wickens, C.L.; Houpt, K.A. | ||||
Title | Crib-biting in US horses: Breed predispositions and owner perceptions of aetiology | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2009 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 41 | Issue | 5 | Pages | 455-458 |
Keywords | HORSE; BEHAVIOUR; CRIB-BITING; BREED PREVALENCE; LEARNING | ||||
Abstract | Reasons for performing study: Crib-biting is an equine stereotypy that may result in diseases such as colic. Certain breeds and management factors have been associated. Objectives: To determine: breed prevalence of crib-biting in US horses; the likelihood that one horse learns to crib-bite from another; and owner perceptions of causal factors. Methods: An initial postal survey queried the number and breed of crib-biting horses and if a horse began after being exposed to a horse with this habit. In a follow-up survey, a volunteer subset of owners was asked the number of affected and nonaffected horses of each breed and the extent of conspecific contact. The likelihood of crib-biting given breed and extent of contact was quantified using odds ratio (OR) and significance of the association was assessed using the Chi-squared test. Results: Overall prevalence was 4.4%. Thoroughbreds were the breed most affected (13.3%). Approximately half of owners believed environmental factors predominantly cause the condition (54.4%) and crib-biting is learned by observation (48.8%). However, only 1.0% of horses became affected after being exposed to a crib-biter. The majority (86%) of horses was turned out in the same pasture with other horses and extent of contact with conspecifics was not statistically related to risk. Conclusion: This is the first study to report breed prevalence for crib-biting in US horses. Thoroughbreds were the breed more likely to be affected. More owners believed either environmental conditions were a predominant cause or a combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the behaviour. Only a small number of horses reportedly began to crib-bite after being exposed to an affected individual, but approximately half of owners considered it to be a learned behaviour; most owners did not isolate affected horses. Potential relevance: Genetic predisposition, not just intensive management conditions and surroundings, may be a factor in the high crib-biting prevalence in some breeds, and warrants further investigation. Little evidence exists to suggest horses learn the behaviour from other horses, and isolation may cause unnecessary stress. |
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Notes | Approved | no | |||
Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5010 | ||
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Author | McGreevy, P.D.; Oddie, C.; Burton, F.L.; McLean, A.N. | ||||
Title | The horse–human dyad: Can we align horse training and handling activities with the equid social ethogram? | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2009 | Publication | The Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Special Issue: Equitation Science |
Volume | 181 | Issue | 1 | Pages | 12-18 |
Keywords | Horse training; Social inter- and intra-specific communication; Learning; Counter–predator behaviour | ||||
Abstract | This article examines the recently completed equid ethogram and shows how analogues of social interactions between horses may occur in various human–horse interactions. It discusses how some specific horse–horse interactions have a corresponding horse–human interaction – some of which may be directly beneficial for the horse while others may be unusual or even abnormal. It also shows how correspondent behaviours sometimes become inappropriate because of their duration, consistency or context. One analogue is unlikely to hold true for all horse–human contexts, so when applying any model from horse–horse interactions to human–horse interactions, the limitations of the model may eclipse the intended outcome of the intervention. These limitations are especially likely when the horse is being ridden. Such analyses may help to determine the validity of extrapolating intra-specific interactions to the inter-specific setting, as is advocated by some popular horse-training methods, and highlight the subsequent limitations where humans play the role of the ‘alpha mare’ or leader in horse handling and training. This examination provides a constructive framework for further informed debate and empirical investigation of the critical features of successful intra-specific interactions. | ||||
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Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
ISSN | 1090-0233 | ISBN | Medium | ||
Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
Notes | Approved | no | |||
Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5729 | ||
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Author | Whishaw, I.Q.; Sacrey, L.-A.R.; Gorny, B. | ||||
Title | Hind limb stepping over obstacles in the horse guided by place-object memory | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2009 | Publication | Behavioural Brain Research | Abbreviated Journal | Behav. Brain. Res. |
Volume | 198 | Issue | 2 | Pages | 372-379 |
Keywords | Horse place memory; Memory and hind limb stepping; Obstacle memory in horse; Obstacle stepping in horse; Place memory for stepping; Stepping in the horse; Working memory for stepping | ||||
Abstract | An animal that has stepped over an obstacle with its forelimbs uses a memory of the obstacle to guide the hind limbs so that they also clear the obstacle, even in situations in which long pauses are introduced between forelimb and hind limb stepping. To further clarify the features of hind limb obstacle clearance memory, the present study examined hind limb obstacle clearance in the horse. A rider guided horses over obstacles and paused the horse over obstacles in tests that examined the relationship between forelimb and hind limb stepping, with the following results. First, the horses displayed memory for an obstacle as measured by hind limb lifting over the obstacle for durations lasting as long as 15Â min. The response was not dependent upon ongoing visualization of the obstacle, as limb lifting was unaffected by visual occlusion with blinders, a blindfold, or by removing the obstacle during the pause. Second, previous experience of stepping over an obstacle led to pause-related hind limb lifting at the object's previous location even on trials for which there was no obstacle and so no preceding forelimb lifting. Third, whereas a horse would lift its hind limbs to clear two successively presented obstacles, replacing an obstacle before the horse after the forelimbs had cleared the obstacle prevented subsequent hind limb lifting at the obstacle's previous location. Taken together the results show that hind limb obstacle clearance is guided by a place-object memory. The results are discussed in relation to the differential sensory and memonic control of forelimb and hind limb stepping with the suggestion that place-object memory can guide hind stepping as well as overshadow working memory from front leg stepping. | ||||
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ISSN | 0166-4328 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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Notes | Approved | no | |||
Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4754 | ||
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Author | Heleski, C.R.; McGreevy, P.D.; Kaiser, L.J.; Lavagnino, M.; Tans, E.; Bello, N.; Clayton, H.M. | ||||
Title | Effects on behaviour and rein tension on horses ridden with or without martingales and rein inserts | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year | 2009 | Publication | The Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | |
Volume | 181 | Issue | 1 | Pages | 56-62 |
Keywords | Horse behaviour; Horse welfare; Equitation science; Rein tension; Martingales | ||||
Abstract | Unsteady hand position can cause discomfort to the horse, potentially leading to conflict behaviours (CB) such as head tossing or tail lashing. Some instructors feel that martingales or elastic rein inserts can reduce discomfort caused by inexperienced and unsteady hands. Others consider these devices to be inappropriate [`]crutches'. Four horses and nine riders were tested under three conditions in random order: plain reins, adjustable training martingales (TM), and elasticised rein inserts (RI). Rein-tension data (7Â s) and behavioural data (30Â s) were collected in each direction. Rein-tension data were collected via strain-gauge transducers. Behavioural data were assessed using an ethogram of defined behaviours. No differences in the number of CB were observed. Mean rein tension for TM was higher than that of RI or controls. Relative to the withers, the head was lower for horses ridden with martingales. Carefully fitted martingales may have a place in riding schools that teach novices. | ||||
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Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
ISSN | 1090-0233 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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Notes | Approved | no | |||
Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4807 | ||
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