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Kampmann, S., Hampson, B. A., & Pollitt, C. C. (2013). Population dynamics of feral horses (Equus caballus) following above-average rainfall in a semi-arid environment of Australia. Aust Vet J, 91(11), 482–487.
Abstract: Background Recent record rainfall in much of semi-arid Central Australia is the most likely reason for a feral horse population increase in excess of normal. Uncontrolled numbers of feral horses have habitat degradation and animal welfare implications. Objectives The aims of this study were to investigate the social structure of feral horses and assess their population growth rate following unseasonably high rainfall. Methods The study area was 4000 km2 of unmanaged, semi-arid country in Central Australia (latitude 24.50°S, longitude 132.10°E). Horses were identified by descriptive features from ground searches, movement-activated cameras and ‘hides’ positioned at key water holes. Wherever possible, sex and age categories were documented. Population growth rate was estimated by the number of foals divided by the number of horses older than 1 year in the observed population. Results A total of 1424 horses were identified and categorised, of which 335 were foals born within the current year. Only 123 juveniles were identified. Of the adult horses, 53.4% were male and 46.6% were female and this differed from parity (P = 0.04). Of the mares, 71.9% had a foal at foot and the population growth rate was 29.5%. Conclusions With a sustained population growth rate of 29.5%, this population of feral horses will more than double within 3 years. The high population increase will likely have a detrimental effect on native fauna and flora and the fragile, semi-arid ecosystems of Central Australia. After a period of high rainfall and plentiful resources, ‘normal’ drought conditions will return and many feral horses will starve and die as they compete for limited resources.
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Keeling, L. J., Jonare, L., & Lanneborn, L. (2009). Investigating horse–human interactions: The effect of a nervous human. Vet J, 181(1), 70–71.
Abstract: The heart rates (HR) of horses and the people leading them (10 horses, 20 people), and riding them (17 horses, 17 people), were recorded in an indoor arena. The horses were Swedish leisure horses of mixed ages, sex and breed. All except two of the people were female and all were of mixed age and riding experience. Each horse–human pair walked or rode between points A and B (30 m) four times on each test occasion. However, just before the fourth pass, participants were told that an umbrella would be opened as they rode, or led, the horse past the assistant. The umbrella was not opened, so this pass was no different to the previous control occasions, but nevertheless there was an increase in HR for both the person (leading, P = 0.06; riding, P < 0.05) and the horse (being led, P < 0.05; being ridden, P < 0.05). The findings indicate that analysis of HR recorded simultaneously from people and horses under different experimental handling or riding conditions presents a useful tool to investigate horse–human interactions.
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Collery L,. (1969). Sexual and social behaviour of the Connemara pony. Br Vet J, 125, 151–152.
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DREVEMO S et al,. (1980). Equine locomotion: The analysis of linear and temporal stride characteristics of trotting standardbreds. Equine Vet J, 12, 60–65.
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Francis-Smith, K., & Wood-Gush, D. G. M. (1977). Copropgagia as seen in thoroughbred foals. Equine Vet J, 9(3), 155–157.
Abstract: Four Thoroughbred foals were seen to quickly eat part of the faeces deposited by their own dams on some 40 per cent of the mare-defaecating occasions observed between the second and fifth week after birth. They did not do it before or after this period. This behaviour was thought to be a feeding pattern which formed a normal part of the foal's development.
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KYDD J et al,. (). Transfer of exotic equine embryos to domestic horses and donkeys. Equine Vet J, Suppl 3, 80–83.
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Ödberg Fo,. (1976). A study on eliminative and grazing behaviour – the use of the field by captive horses. Equine Vet J, 8, 147–149.
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Rossdale Pd,. (1967). Clinical studies on the newborn thoroughbred foal.I. Perinatal behaviour. Brit Vet J, 123, 470–480.
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Rossdale Pd,. (1968). Abnormal perinatal behaviour in the thoroughbred horse. Brit Vet J., 124, 540–553.
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Tutt Jb,. (1944). Vet J, 100, 69–80.
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