Horse Behavior and Training

Horse Behavior and Training

• Horses are social animals and are most comfortable when they can maintain visual contact with other horses.
• Exhibiting imitation behavior is common, especially between young and old horses.

Nature vs. Nurture in Horse Behavior

• Genetic behaviors:
  • Some behaviors are instinctual, allowing horses to interact with their environment for survival.
• Learned behaviors:
  • Many behaviors develop as horses respond to their surroundings.

Types of Horse Behavior

• Reactive Behavior:

  • Ensures harmony with the environment; involves quick responses to potential dangers.
  • Includes:
  • Reflex actions
  • Communication (vocalization)
  • Seeking shelter

• Ingestive Behavior:

  • Encompasses eating, drinking, food preferences, and daily feeding routines.

• Eliminative Behavior:

  • Refers to urination and defecation patterns.

• Sexual Behavior:

  • Involves courtship and maternal activities, influenced by hormones and some learned actions.

• Epimeletic Behavior:

  • Caregiving behavior among horses, such as mutual grooming to remove flies or a mare licking her foal after birth.

• Agonistic Behavior:

  • Related to conflict: includes fighting, fleeing, and establishing dominance.

• Allelomimetic Behavior:

  • Imitative behavior where one horse copies another, particularly in group settings (e.g., approaching water).

• Investigative Behavior:

  • Curiosity about new environments; exploration declines with familiarity but returns with environmental changes.
  • Foals are typically more curious than older horses.

• Grooming Behavior:

  • Involves both mutual grooming and self-grooming techniques (rolling, shaking off dirt).
  • Horses alleviate insect irritation through muscle contractions and using their tails to swat.

• Sleep and Rest Behavior:

  • Sleep restores physiological health; horses often rest while standing to conserve energy.

Recognizing Abnormal Behaviors

• Normal Behavior Patterns: Essential for identifying issues such as:
  • Weaving, pacing, self-mutilation, and other compulsive actions.

Training Environment and Safety

• Human Safety First: Priority in all equine interactions.

• Calm Training Environment: Avoid sudden movements and loud noises to prevent startling horses.

• Proper Handling: Use of halters and lead ropes correctly is crucial, avoiding hooks and loops around the body.

Training Techniques

• Learning Through Cues: Horses learn through repeating cues that become associated with specific responses.

• Clear Communication: Ensure cues are distinct to avoid confusion during training.

Best Practices in Horse Training

• Always reinforce positive interactions; every interaction is a learning experience.
• Assess the horse's current training level to set achievable goals.
• Written Plans: As part of training, keep records to see progress and adjust as necessary.

Manners Training

• Horses should walk calmly beside the handler without pulling or pushing.

• Regular hoof care is crucial; train horses to accept hoof handling.

• Teach important commands like ‘wait’ for safe maneuvering through gates or doors.

Training Young Horses

• Start young but keep sessions short and engaging.
• Allow foals to bond with mothers for security during early training.

Proper Mounting Techniques

• Always mount and dismount carefully; train your horse to accept being mounted.

• Monitor horse's movements closely to ensure safety during mounting.

Senses Affecting Behavior

• Vision: Horses have approximately a 220-degree field of view but have blind spots directly in front and behind.
• Hearing: Horses excel in hearing, responding well to high-pitched sounds but may react adversely to loud noises.
• Touch: Sensitive areas include mouth and flanks; proper grooming tools are necessary to prevent discomfort.
• Smell: Important for social interactions, especially in mating behaviors and foraging.

Feeding Treats to Horses

• Treats can motivate training but should be healthy and given in moderation.
• Examples include apple slices, carrots, and specialized horse treats that promote good digestive health.