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Author McDonnell, S.M. pdf  openurl
  Title Human-horse interactions: Where are the behaviorists in 2008? Type Conference Article
  Year 2008 Publication IESM 2008 Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Havemeyer Equine Behavior Program, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA 19348  
  Abstract This presentation will include commentary on work presented at this meeting as representative of the rapidly growing body of equine behavior science evidence relevant to human-horse interaction and the welfare of domestic, feral, and wild horses.

A substantial literature has accumulated detailing the behavior patterns of wild and feral equid populations, and to some extent the behavior of horses in various domestic environments. Professor Klingel“s and Professor Houpt”s work, begun nearly 40 years ago, continues to inspire colleagues around the world to qualitatively and quantitatively describe behavior of equids in a variety of environments. Several examples of the importance of this type of work to human-horse interaction and horse welfare are evident in throughout the meeting. It forms the basis for assessing the disturbance of behavior in wildlife management projects such as fertility manipulations (Hopkins; Ransom & Cade) or species reintroduction (Kaczensky et al). Study of the apparent variability in observations among the populations will lead to a better understanding of environmental and other factors, which will have fruitful application to welfare of horses both in domestic and natural environments. Unfortunately, this work always brings to mind what I perceive as a nagging threat to horse welfare and quality of human-horse interaction is misinformation concerning natural horse behavior. Natural horse behavior seems to be of great general interest, but unfortunately inaccuracies and misinterpretations are pervasive in popular “horse culture” and continue to be a conspicuous influence on management and training of domestic horses. Unfortunately, this misinformation often makes its way and influences equine education, both lay and equine science/veterinary education. Comparative observational study of behavior of horses in all settings by trained behaviorists, along with research designed to address purported implications for management of domestic horses, along with initiatives to transfer knowledge to educators at all levels should be encouraged.



Included in this meeting is considerable work addressing questions of domestic management practices such as forced weaning, transportation, stabling, and arbitrary grouping and regrouping of horses. This adds to a growing body of applied physiology and behavior research that has established trained behaviorists as a critical resource on teams making decisions on humane management.

Also well represented in work presented at this meeting is the exploration of cognition, perception, and temperament in horses. It is personally pleasing to see examples of direct investigation of the ability of the horse to respond to subtle human posture and gesture, which for many of us has represented just annoying possible confounders of earlier cognition studies. Behaviorists trained in perception and learning will no doubt contribute enormously to this exciting area of investigation.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author McDonnell, S.M. Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference IESM 2008  
  Notes Invited speaker IESM 2008 Approved yes  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4460  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author von Borstel, U. pdf  openurl
  Title An overview of educational offerings in equine science and -management in Canada Type Conference Article
  Year 2008 Publication IESM 2008 Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Equine science studies, BSc degree, diploma, certificate, University of Guelph  
  Abstract Canada has a variety of educational offerings in equine management at the diploma and certificate level offered by universities and colleges, as well as by industry supported centres. However, it was not until 2007 that the first degree-based program in equine science was launched. Offered by the University of Guelph, the Bachelor of Bio- Resource Management – Equine Management program is designed for students who do not intend to pursue post-graduate studies and are strongly focused on securing employment that makes use of the knowledge acquired in their bachelor's degree. The courses in the BSc-program include basic natural sciences as well as equine-specific courses with a focus on management of equine related businesses and events. Diploma and certificate programs usually include only specifically equine-related courses e.g. in anatomy and physiology, health, business, facility management and nutrition. All diploma and certificate programs, and to a slightly lesser extent the BSc program, have a strong focus on applied learning with the intent to provide highly trained workers for the industry. Unique in Canada are the entirely online-taught Diploma in Equine Studies, the Certificate in Equine Business Management and the Equine Science Certificate offered by Equine Guelph and the University of Guelph"s continuing education. Students of these programs have access to a virtual classroom via the internet, and therefore access to instructors and guest speakers from the industry throughout the course. The Canadian certificate programs typically take one year (two semesters), the diploma programs two years (four semesters), while the BSc program takes four years (eight semesters). The BSc program requires approximately 2000 hours of in-class time plus roughly twice the amount spent on assignments and studying, totalling to an overall workload of roughly 6000 hours. Most programs require the completion of Grade 12 or equivalent for admission, and in all programs a background and experience with horses is not required for admission, however it is usually deemed beneficial. Career options for BSc-graduates include barn management, riding instructor or coach, professional rider, judge, steward, course designer, equine-assisted therapy, veterinary assistant, event manager, nutrition consultant, retail sales in tack and equipment, equine sales and marketing, agriculture extension services, college lecturer, consultant and technical advisor, and media relations. Career options for the diploma and certificate program graduates generally include similar areas, with a focus on hands-on work and direct interaction with horses such as employment as grooms, trainers and barn managers.  
  Address Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus, Kemptville ON, K0G1J0, Canada  
  Corporate Author von Borstel, U. Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference IESM 2008  
  Notes Talk 15 min IESM 2008 Approved yes  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4472  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Nagy, K.; Bodó, G.; Bárdos, G.; Harnos, A. pdf  openurl
  Title Is modified Forssell"s operation superior to cribbing collar in preventing crib-biting in horses? Type Conference Article
  Year 2008 Publication IESM 2008 Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords stereotypic behaviour, heart-rate variability, stress, equine welfare  
  Abstract Crib-biting (wind-sucking) might be a coping response of the horses to the challenges of

uncontrolled environmental events. Prevention of this stereotypic behaviour evokes

physiological responses consistent with increased stress. Reducing the incidence of cribbiting,

however, is important in order to prevent undesirable physical and behavioural

consequences (tooth erosion, altered gut function, gastric inflammation/ulceration, colic, etc.).

Common treatment of crib-biting is the application of a cribbing collar, which limits the

flexion of the neck making this stereotypic movement uncomfortable and difficult. Another

method, the modified Forssell“s operation, is becoming more and more popular amongst the

horse owners. It is based on the removal of the muscles used in crib-biting (m.omohyoideus,

m.sternohyoideus, m.sternothyrohyoideus) and the ventral branches of the spinal accessory

nerves. Surveys on the success of this surgical procedure have revealed inconsistent results,

and, contrary to the cribbing collar, its effect on the stress level have not been studied either.

The aim of our study was to determine whether the modified Forssell”s procedure is superior

to the cribbing collar treatment.

Differences in stress management was tested by a crib-biting provoking test, in which

surgically treated horses, crib-biting horses, crib-biting horses with cribbing collar, and

normal horses (those showing no stereotypies), altogether 56 horses were compared. In this

test, a food bucket had been placed out of the reach of the animal, from which titbits were

given 3 times. Behaviour and heart rate variability (HRV) of the horses were recorded and

analysed throughout the test. Hypotheses were tested by linear mixed model.

According to our results, both prevention methods (collar or surgery) inhibited crib-biting

successfully though not totally. Regarding behaviour and heart rate variability, horses

prevented from crib-biting (by collar or surgery) differed significantly from crib-biting and

normal horses but not from each other.

Normal horses were usually trying to reach the food-bucket while present and were standing

still afterwards, whereas the other three groups had not really made efforts to reach the

bucket, spent less time with resting, and performed or tried crib-biting. During the stress-test,

normal and crib-biting horses had shown good stress-adaptation to the challenge since their

HRV, after an initial increase, returned to the basal value by the end. On the contrary, HRV of

the two prevented groups remained elevated and showed large oscillations throughout. They

had not found a successful coping behaviour either.

Our results suggest that since prevention may significantly increase distress, the treatment in

itself, without changing the motivation of the horse to perform the replacement behaviour – it

seems to be unsatisfactory and insufficient. After prevention the motivation of the horse to

perform crib-biting should be addressed. In addition, considering that prevention by collar and

surgery had not resulted in any significant behavioural or physiological differences, the

superiority of the modified Forssell"s procedure might be questioned. However, the surgery

might be recommended if treatment with collar is ineffective.
 
  Address Szent István University, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Budapest, István u. 2, H-1078, Hungary;Eötvös Loránd University, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Budapest, Pázmány P. stny. 1/C, H-1117, Hungary  
  Corporate Author Nagy, K. Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference IESM 2008  
  Notes Talk 15 min IESM 2008 Approved yes  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4492  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Krueger, K. (ed) pdf  isbn
openurl 
  Title Proceedings of the International Equine Science Meeting 2008 Type Conference Volume
  Year 2008 Publication IESM 2008 Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Equine Ecology; Equine Sociality; Equine Learning; Equine Cognition; Equine Welfare  
  Abstract Target group: Biologists, Psychologists, Veterinarians and Professionals

Meeting target: Because the last international meeting on Equine Science took place a couple years ago, there is an urgent need for equine scientists to exchange scientific knowledge, coordinate research provide knowledge for practical application, and discus research results among themselves and with professionals who work with horses. Additionally, dialog concerning the coordination of the study “Equitation Science” in Europe is urgently needed. Coordination and cooperation shall arise from the meeting, enrich the research, and advance the application of scientific knowledge for the horses` welfare.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Xenophon Verlag Place of Publication Wald Editor Krueger, K.  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) ISBN 978-3-9808134-0-2 Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4508  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author McGreevy, P.D.; McLean, A.N. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Roles of learning theory and ethology in equitation Type Journal Article
  Year 2007 Publication Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 2 Issue 4 Pages 108-118  
  Keywords ethological training; equine ethnology; equitation; horse behavior; learning theory  
  Abstract By definition, ethology is primarily the scientific study of animal behavior, especially as it occurs in a natural environment; applied ethology being the study of animal behavior in the human domain. The terms equine ethology and ethological training are becoming commonplace in the equestrian domain, yet they seem to be used with a conspicuous lack of clarity and with no mention of learning theory. Most of what we do to train horses runs counter to their innate preferences. This article summarizes the ethological challenges encountered by working horses and considers the merits and limitations of ethological solutions. It also questions the use of terms such as “alpha” and “leader” and examines aspects of learning theory, equine cognition, and ethology as applied to horse training and clinical behavior modification. We propose 7 training principles that optimally account for the horse's ethological and learning abilities and maintain maximal responsivity in the trained horse. These principles can be summarized as: (1) use learning theory appropriately; (2) train easy-to-discriminate signals; (3) train and subsequently elicit responses singularly; (4) train only one response per signal; (5) train all responses to be initiated and subsequently completed within a consistent structure; (6) train persistence of current operantly conditioned responses; and (7) avoid and disassociate flight responses. Adherence to these principles and incorporating them into all horse training methodologies should accelerate training success, reduce behavioral wastage of horses, and improve safety for both humans and horses.  
  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 (up) ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4511  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Grogan, E.H.; McDonnell, S.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Mare and Foal Bonding and Problems Type Journal Article
  Year 2005 Publication Clinical Techniques in Equine Practice Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 4 Issue 3 Pages 228-237  
  Keywords Equine; bonding; behavior; mare; neonatal; foal; inadequate maternal behavior; orphan foal; nurse or foster mare  
  Abstract A number of specific behavioral responses have been identified in mares and foals as the presumed behavioral interactive sequences supporting bonding. With the exception of the severely physically compromised foal, most failures of the mare foal bond appear to result from inadequate behavior of the mare. Six distinct forms of maternal behavior problems include ambivalence of the mare toward her foal, fear of the foal, nursing only avoidance of the foal, extreme protectiveness of the foal that becomes problematic in domestic confinement, savage attack (true rejection), and stealing or adoption of an alien foal. Management of maternal behavior problem cases in which the pair cannot be salvaged include foster (or nurse mares) and hand-rearing methods. Also presented are current practical resources related to managing certain types of inadequate maternal behavior and for rearing the orphaned foal.  
  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 (up) ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4671  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hartmann, E. url  openurl
  Title Managing horses in groups to improve horse welfare and human safety Type Manuscript
  Year 2010 Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords equine, behaviour, welfare, housing, mixing, aggression, injury, separation, habituation, learning  
  Abstract Managing horses in groups to improve horse welfare and human safety

:

reactions to mixing and separation

Hartmann, Elke (2010) Managing horses in groups to improve horse welfare and human safety . Doctoral diss. Dept. of Animal Environment and Health, SLU. Acta Universitatis agriculturae Sueciae vol. 2010:87.

Full text available as:

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Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to investigate whether specific anecdotal concerns related to keeping horses in groups are supported by science and, if so, provide scientifically based recommendations that could be implemented in practice.

The aim of studies I and II was to identify methods for mixing unfamiliar horses that could minimise aggressive interactions and associated risk of injury. Results of study I revealed that pre-exposure of young horses in neighbouring boxes tended to lower contact-aggression (e.g. kicks, strikes) and biting behaviour in particular was reduced when the same pair of horses subsequently met in a paddock. This was not found when older horses were mixed (study II). Aggressive behaviour received by a new horse was not significantly different in meetings when it met one other horse compared to meeting two unfamiliar horses at the same time.

Removing a horse from a group of four in study III was generally unproblematic. Most horses approached the handler when she was catching the horse and while standing with it in the middle of the paddock. Thus, potential risk may be higher in situations when the handler remains relatively stationary, as other horses of the group have time to approach. Rank did not influence the number of horses following to the paddock gate and interactions between horses were rare.

Since horses naïve to social separation may be more difficult to handle away from the group, the objective in study IV was to investigate whether the initial presence of a companion horse would modify responses to separation. Results revealed no significant differences in heart rates and the number of training sessions required when the horses were subsequently trained in the absence of the partner compared to horses trained alone from the start.

In summary, results give little support for the original areas of concerns about mixing and separating horses. Risk of injury to both horses and humans should not be overestimated when handling horses in groups, but being aware of potential risk situations and being able to react accordingly is likely to increase horse welfare and human safety.

Faculty: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science

Keywords:

equine, behaviour, welfare, housing, mixing, aggression, injury, separation, habituation, learning

Agrovoc terms:

horses, behaviour, bites, injurious factors, animal learning, animal welfare, sweden

ISBN: 978-91-576-7532-3

Series.: Acta Universitatis agriculturae Sueciae

ISSN: 1652-6880

Volume: 2010:87

Papers/manuscripts:

I. Hartmann, E., Winther Christensen, J., Keeling, L.J. (2009). Social interactions of unfamiliar horses during paired encounters: Effect of pre-exposure on aggression level and so risk of injury. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 121, 214-221.

II. Hartmann, E., Rundgren, M., Keeling, L.J. (in press). Comparison of 3 methods for mixing unfamiliar horses (Equus caballus). Journal of Equine Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research.

III. Hartmann, E., Søndergaard, E., Keeling, L.J. Identifying potential risk situations for humans when removing horses from groups. Manuscript.

IV. Hartmann, E., Christensen, J.W., Keeling, L.J. (in press). Training young horses to social separation: Effect of a companion horse on training efficiency. Equine Veterinary Journal.

Number of pages: 75

Year of publication: 2010

Language: eng

ID Code: 2396

Deposited By: Hartmann, Elke

Deposited On: 08 November 2010
 
  Address Dept. of Animal Environment and Health, SLU. Acta Universitatis agriculturae Sueciae  
  Corporate Author Thesis Ph.D. thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN (up) ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5307  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Carter, C.; Greening, L. url  openurl
  Title Auditory stimulation of the stabled equine; the effect of different music genres on behaviour Type Manuscript
  Year Publication Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords equine, behaviour, music, environmental enrichment, auditory  
  Abstract Having a radio playing during the daytime at some equine establishments is common practice, but few studies have investigated whether particular music genres could be enriching for stabled horses or whether they may be perceived as aversive. This study aimed to establish whether behavioural responses differed when exposed to musical genres (Classical, Country, Jazz and Rock) and when compared to a control (no music). Eight Thoroughbred geldings (age range 8-10 years, average 8.9 years) were exposed to four musical environments and the control environment (no music) and observed in their usual stable, using instantaneous focal sampling every thirty seconds according to a pre-determined ethogram. Each horse was exposed to each genre for an hour in total, at a time when there was no human traffic or interference on the yard. All horses had been stabled for three hours before the study began. The association between genres and behavioural frequencies recorded for each environment was tested using Fisher’s Exact test of association (P<0.01), IBM SPSS21. No statistically significant associations (P=1.0) were recorded between alert or relax behaviours in Country, Classical, and Control environments. Significant associations (P<0.001) between frequency of alert behaviours and Jazz and Rock environments were noted. The latter genres appeared the most aversive which may be due to fast tempo and minor key, especially in the Jazz piece used. Country and Classical genres were slow tempo with a major key and appeared to result in more restful behaviours than Jazz or Rock. Further research is needed to; assess whether music could be used as an enriching tool, and investigate equine emotional capabilities to understand the emotional effects of music. Future studies could also consider how music impacts upon the behaviour of the human handler and whether this influences equine behaviour.  
  Address aCentre for Performance in Equestrian Sports, UWE Hartpury, Hartpury College, Gloucester, GL19  
  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 (up) ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5745  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gibbs, P.G.; Cohen, N.D. openurl 
  Title Early management of race-bred weanlings and yearlings on farms Type Journal Article
  Year 2001 Publication Journal of Equine Veterinary Science Abbreviated Journal J. Equine Vet. Sci.  
  Volume 21 Issue 6 Pages 279-283  
  Keywords Equine, management, growth, nutrition, marketing  
  Abstract A total of 58 Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse farms

that managed 1,987 weanlings and yearlings responded to

a survey designed to better characterize early management

of racing prospects. Average age at weaning was 5.5 months

and over half of all farms kept almost three-fourths of all

weanlings to be placed in pre-race training. Variation in

feeding practices was evident and while well over half

of all farms provided balanced nutrient supply to young

horses, 20% to 40% likely fed unbalanced diets. An obvious

preference existed for semi-confinement in young horses

with plenty of free exercise. The majority of farms reported

that young prospects were fed and managed for a moderate

rate of growth. Forced exercise occurred to a much larger

extent with yearlings than weanlings and 40% of farms

described the footing as soft, but not deep. Response to the

prevalence of developmental orthopedic diseases appeared

somewhat guarded, and average injury rate was low on

farms that attributed much of injury to horses playing too

hard. Technological advancements such as photoperiod

manipulation in broodmares were widely used, while

valuable tools such as body condition scoring were utilized

to a lesser extent.
 
  Address  
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  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
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  ISSN (up) ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5758  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hampson, B.A.; Zabek, M.A.; Pollitt, C.C.; Nock, B. url  openurl
  Title Health and behaviour consequences of feral horse relocation Type Journal Article
  Year 2011 Publication Rangel. J. Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 33 Issue 2 Pages 173-180  
  Keywords equine, GPS, movement, range.  
  Abstract Despite ongoing projects involving the breeding and release of equids into semi-wild and wild environments, insufficient information is available in the literature that describes strategies used by equids to adapt and survive in a novel environment. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of naïve, feral Equus caballus (horse) mares to cope in a novel feral horse environment and investigate possible reasons why some may not survive this challenge. Four mares taken from a semi-arid desert environment remained in good health but significantly changed their movement behaviour pattern when surrounded by prime grazing habitat in a mesic temperate grassland. Three of the four mares captured from the prime grazing habitat and released in the semi-arid desert habitat died, apparently due to stress and/or starvation, within 8 weeks of release. The fourth mare survived 4 months but lost considerable weight.The group of mares relocated to the semi-arid desert environment had difficulty adapting to relocation and did not take up the movement behaviour strategy of local horses, which required long distance treks from a central water hole to distant feeding areas at least 15 km away. The movement behaviour, range use and health consequences of relocating equids may be of interest to wildlife ecologists, animal behaviourists and horse welfare groups. The observations may be used to guide those intending on relocating managed domestic and native horses to novel habitats.  
  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 (up) ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 6210  
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