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Author Cooper, J.J. openurl 
  Title Comparative learning theory and its application in the training of horses Type Journal Article
  Year 1998 Publication (down) Equine veterinary journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl  
  Volume Issue 27 Pages 39-43  
  Keywords Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Conditioning (Psychology); Horses/*psychology; *Learning; Reinforcement (Psychology)  
  Abstract Training can best be explained as a process that occurs through stimulus-response-reinforcement chains, whereby animals are conditioned to associate cues in their environment, with specific behavioural responses and their rewarding consequences. Research into learning in horses has concentrated on their powers of discrimination and on primary positive reinforcement schedules, where the correct response is paired with a desirable consequence such as food. In contrast, a number of other learning processes that are used in training have been widely studied in other species, but have received little scientific investigation in the horse. These include: negative reinforcement, where performance of the correct response is followed by removal of, or decrease in, intensity of a unpleasant stimulus; punishment, where an incorrect response is paired with an undesirable consequence, but without consistent prior warning; secondary conditioning, where a natural primary reinforcer such as food is closely associated with an arbitrary secondary reinforcer such as vocal praise; and variable or partial conditioning, where once the correct response has been learnt, reinforcement is presented according to an intermittent schedule to increase resistance to extinction outside of training.  
  Address Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
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  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:10485003 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 846  
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Author Goodwin, D. openurl 
  Title The importance of ethology in understanding the behaviour of the horse Type Journal Article
  Year 1999 Publication (down) Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl  
  Volume Issue 28 Pages 15-19  
  Keywords *Animal Husbandry; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Bonding, Human-Pet; Evolution; *Horses; Social Behavior  
  Abstract Domestication has provided the horse with food, shelter, veterinary care and protection, allowing individuals an increased chance of survival. However, the restriction of movement, limited breeding opportunities and a requirement to expend energy, for the benefit of another species, conflict with the evolutionary processes which shaped the behaviour of its predecessors. The behaviour of the horse is defined by its niche as a social prey species but many of the traits which ensured the survival of its ancestors are difficult to accommodate in the domestic environment. There has been a long association between horses and man and many features of equine behaviour suggest a predisposition to interspecific cooperation. However, the importance of dominance in human understanding of social systems has tended to overemphasize its importance in the human-horse relationship. The evolving horse-human relationship from predation to companionship, has resulted in serial conflicts of interest for equine and human participants. Only by understanding the nature and origin of these conflicts can ethologists encourage equine management practices which minimise deleterious effects on the behaviour of the horse.  
  Address Anthrozoology Institute, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton S016 7PX, UK  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
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  Notes PMID:11314229 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 1920  
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Author Mills, D.S. openurl 
  Title Personality and individual differences in the horse, their significance, use and measurement Type Journal Article
  Year 1998 Publication (down) Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl  
  Volume Issue 27 Pages 10-13  
  Keywords Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Horses/*psychology; Personality  
  Abstract The biological diversity of a species gives rise to individual differences in behavioural tendency. Traditionally, this variation has been considered to be of little scientific importance or value, but the description and quantification of the fundamental basis of this variability is relevant to many aspects of equine science. The reliable identification of these features may allow the development of more accurate diagnostic and prognostic indicators for a range of clinical diseases. Biologically based traits also provide a more rational basis for selective management and breeding programmes in which specific behavioural tendencies are sought. Individual differences in behaviour also reflect the range of subjective feelings experienced by animals and therefore need to be understood by those concerned with animal welfare. Psychometric techniques concerned with the assessment of personality may provide a suitable basis for scientific study in this field. Potentially methodologies include: behavioural tests, objective behaviour measures or the quantification of reports from those familiar with the subjects. The assessment of the validity and reliability of the variables measured in these tests is an integral part of their development. Interobserver correlation in an experiment based on the subjective rating of 20 horses with respect to 14 familiar terms used to describe horse personality was generally low. This suggests that, with the exception of the terms 'flighty' and 'sharp', the empirical terminology commonly used to describe horse personality is unreliable.  
  Address De Montfort University Lincoln, School of Agriculture and Horticulture, Caythorpe, Lincs, UK  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
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  Notes PMID:10484996 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 1932  
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Author Cooper, J.J.; Mason, G.J. openurl 
  Title The identification of abnormal behaviour and behavioural problems in stabled horses and their relationship to horse welfare: a comparative review Type Journal Article
  Year 1998 Publication (down) Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl  
  Volume Issue 27 Pages 5-9  
  Keywords *Animal Welfare; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Horses/*psychology; *Housing, Animal/standards; *Stereotyped Behavior  
  Abstract Many behaviours in domestic animals, such as the 'stable vices' of horses, are treated because they are considered undesirable for economic or cultural reasons, and not because the activity affects the horse's quality of life. The impact of a behaviour on the human reporter is not a function of its impact on the animal performer, and an understanding of the causes and effects of the particular activity is necessary to assess the costs and benefits of treatment. Where the behaviour is a sign of poor welfare, such as an inadequate environment, treatment can best be achieved by removing these underlying causal factors. Pharmacological or physical prevention of a behaviour can be justified only if the behaviour causes harm to the performer or to others. In these cases, prevention of the behaviour without addressing its causes is no cure and may result in its perseverance in a modified form or the disruption of the animal's ability to adapt to its environment. Where the behavioural 'problem' causes no harm and is not related to poor housing, then the education of the reporter, rather than treatment of the performer, may be the best solution.  
  Address Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK  
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  Notes PMID:10484995 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 1933  
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Author Houpt, K.A. openurl 
  Title Why horse behaviour is important to the equine clinician Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication (down) Equine veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 38 Issue 5 Pages 386-387  
  Keywords Accidents, Occupational/prevention & control; Aggression; Animals; *Behavior, Animal/physiology; Clinical Competence; Fear; Horses/*physiology; Humans; Veterinarians/psychology; Veterinary Medicine/*standards  
  Abstract  
  Address Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-6401, USA  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:16986596 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 30  
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Author Virga, V.; Houpt, K.A. openurl 
  Title Prevalence of placentophagia in horses Type Journal Article
  Year 2001 Publication (down) Equine veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 33 Issue 2 Pages 208-210  
  Keywords Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Colic/epidemiology/*veterinary; Exploratory Behavior; *Feeding Behavior; Female; Horse Diseases/*epidemiology; Horses; Incidence; New York/epidemiology; *Placenta; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Questionnaires  
  Abstract  
  Address Animal Behavior Clinic, Cornell University Hospital for Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
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  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes PMID:11266073 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 31  
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Author Houpt, K.A.; Eggleston, A.; Kunkle, K.; Houpt, T.R. openurl 
  Title Effect of water restriction on equine behaviour and physiology Type Journal Article
  Year 2000 Publication (down) Equine veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 32 Issue 4 Pages 341-344  
  Keywords Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Blood Proteins/analysis; Energy Intake; Female; Horse Diseases/physiopathology; Horses/*physiology; Osmolar Concentration; Pregnancy; Stress/veterinary; Video Recording; Water Deprivation/*physiology  
  Abstract Six pregnant mares were used to determine what level of water restriction causes physiological and/or behavioural changes indicative of stress. Nonlegume hay was fed ad libitum. During the first week of restriction, 5 l water/100 kg bwt was available, during the second week 4 l/100 kg bwt and, during the third week, 3 l/100 kg bwt. Ad libitum water intake was 6.9 l/100 kg bwt; at 3 l/100 kg bwt water intake was 42% of this. Daily hay intake fell significantly with increasing water restriction from 12.9 +/- 0.75 kg to 8.3 +/- 0.54 kg; bodyweight fell significantly for a total loss of 48.5 +/- 8.3 kg in 3 weeks. Daily blood samples were analysed; osmolality rose significantly with increasing water restriction from 282 +/- 0.7 mosmols/kg to 293.3 +/- 0.8 mosmols/kg bwt, but plasma protein and PCV did not change significantly. Cortisol concentrations fell from 8.1 ng/ml to 6.4 ng/ml over the 3 week period. Aldosterone fell from 211.3 +/- 74.2 pg/ml to 92.5 +/- 27.5 pg/ml at the end of the first week. The behaviour of 4 of the 6 mares was recorded 24 h/day for the duration of the study. The only significant difference was in time spent eating, which decreased with increasing water restriction from 46 +/- 3% to 30 +/- 3%. It is concluded that water restriction to 4 l/100 kg bwt dehydrates pregnant mares and may diminish their welfare, but is not life- or pregnancy-threatening.  
  Address Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-6401, USA  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
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  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes PMID:10952384 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 32  
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Author Shaw, E.B.; Houpt, K.A.; Holmes, D.F. openurl 
  Title Body temperature and behaviour of mares during the last two weeks of pregnancy Type Journal Article
  Year 1988 Publication (down) Equine veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 20 Issue 3 Pages 199-202  
  Keywords Animals; *Behavior, Animal; *Body Temperature; Circadian Rhythm; Eating; Female; Horses/*physiology; Labor, Obstetric/*physiology; Motor Activity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal/*physiology  
  Abstract Average daily core body temperature and behavioural patterns of pregnant mares were studied, in search of definitive signs of parturition within 24 h of the event. Nineteen pony mares were sampled twice daily for core body temperature. A significant temperature drop, averaging 0.1 degrees C (0.2 degrees F) was observed during the day prior to parturition. Between 18.00 h and 06.00 h, during the two weeks before parturition, Thoroughbred and Standardbred mares (n = 52) spent an average 66.8 per cent of their time standing, 27.0 per cent eating, 4.9 per cent lying in sternal recumbency, 1.0 per cent lying in lateral recumbency, and 0.3 per cent walking. On the night before parturition, mares spent significantly less time lying in sternal recumbency than on previous nights and on the night of parturition all behaviour patterns except eating were significantly different from the nights of the two weeks before parturition. There was an increase in walking (5.3 per cent), lying in sternal recumbency (8 per cent) and lying in lateral recumbency (5.3 per cent) whereas standing (53.3 per cent) was decreased. In 58 observed pregnancies, 54 mares (97 per cent) foaled in a recumbent position and 50 mares (86 per cent) foaled between 18.00 h and 06.00 h.  
  Address Department of Physiology, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca 14853  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
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  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:3402416 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 46  
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Author Houpt, K.A.; Wolski, T.R. openurl 
  Title Stability of equine hierarchies and the prevention of dominance related aggression Type Journal Article
  Year 1980 Publication (down) Equine veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 12 Issue 1 Pages 15-18  
  Keywords *Aggression; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Feeding Behavior; Female; *Hierarchy, Social; *Horses; Humans; Male; Maternal Behavior; *Social Dominance  
  Abstract The dominance hierarchy of a herd of 10 Thoroughbred mares was determined twice, at an interval of 18 months, using paired feeding tests. Each mare's rank was correlated significantly between the 2 tests. This indicated that the hierarchy within the herd was stable. The offspring of dominant and subordinate mares were also tested for dominance in their own age groups. The offspring of dominant mares tended to be near the top of the hierarchy while those of middle and low ranking mares were not consistently found in the middle or bottom of their own hierarchies. Paired feeding tests were carried out on 8 ponies. During tests the time that each pony spent eating and the ponies' aggressive interactions were recorded. Two situations were used. Each pony-pair was tested when both ponies were in the same paddock and also when they were separated by a rail fence. The subordinate ponies spent significantly more time eating and the domonant pony was significantly less aggressive, when the pony-pair was separated by a fence than when they were in one paddock. It was concluded that the dominance hierarchies of adult horse groups changed very little over time and that the foals of dominant mares will tend to be dominant in their own age groups. Management practices can be used to reduce aggression and consequent injury that may arise in group feeding situations.  
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  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes PMID:7189148 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 59  
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Author Waters, A.J.; Nicol, C.J.; French, N.P. openurl 
  Title Factors influencing the development of stereotypic and redirected behaviours in young horses: findings of a four year prospective epidemiological study Type Journal Article
  Year 2002 Publication (down) Equine veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 34 Issue 6 Pages 572-579  
  Keywords Age Factors; Animal Husbandry/*methods; Animal Welfare; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Female; Horse Diseases/epidemiology/prevention & control/*psychology; Horses; Housing, Animal; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; *Stereotyped Behavior; Weaning  
  Abstract Stereotypies are invariant and repetitive behaviour patterns that seemingly have no function, which tend to develop in captive animals faced with insoluble problems and may be indicative of reduced welfare. A 4 year prospective study of the factors influencing the development of stereotypic and redirected behaviours (abnormal behaviour) in a population of 225 young Thoroughbred and part-Thoroughbred horses was conducted between 1995 and 1999. Abnormal behaviour affected 34.7% of the population. Multivariable analysis showed that foals of low- or middle-ranking mares were less likely to develop abnormal behaviour than foals of dominant mares (rate ratio (RR) 0.23, P<0.01; RR 0.48, P<0.01, respectively). Weaning by confinement in a stable or barn was associated with an increased rate of development of abnormal behaviour, compared with paddock-weaning (RR 2.19, P<0.05), and housing in barns, rather than at grass after weaning, was associated with a further increase (RR 2.54, P<0.01). Specific stereotypic and redirected behaviours were then considered as separate outcomes. Crib-biting was initiated by 10.5% of horses at median age 20 weeks, weaving by 4.6% of horses at median age 60 weeks, box-walking by 2.3% of horses at median age 64 weeks and wood-chewing by 30.3% of horses at median age 30 weeks. Wood-chewing developed at a lower rate in horses born to subordinate or mid-ranking mares than in horses born to dominant mares (RR 0.29, P<0.01; RR 0.41, P<0.01, respectively), and at a higher rate in horses kept in barns or stables rather than at grass after weaning (RR 4.49, P<0.001; RR 1A6, P<0.001, respectively). Feeding concentrates after weaning was associated with a 4-fold increase in the rate of development of crib-biting (RR 4.12, P = 0.02). The results of this study support the idea that simple changes in feeding, housing and weaning practices could substantially lower the incidence of abnormal behaviour in young horses.  
  Address University of Bristol, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford, Bristol, UK  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
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  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:12357996 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 84  
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