Equine psychology, or understanding how horses think and function, enables humans to interact more effectively and harmoniously with these creatures. This introductory examination of equine behavior focuses on the innate flight instinct of horses, their capacity for perception, and the influences of human behavior on their responses. The Horse as a Flight Animal Horses are…
Horses bob their heads as a means of communication, to maintain balance, and in response to physical discomfort. This behavior can be observed in various situations, such as during grazing, riding, or resting. In the following paragraphs, we will delve deeper into the reasons behind this peculiar motion and discuss how to better understand and…
Horses mature mentally at around 4-6 years of age, which is when they are considered to have reached their full cognitive and emotional maturity. However, this estimate varies among breeds and individuals. In this article, we will go over crucial components of a horse’s mental development, including their emotional and cognitive growth, breed-specific differences, and…
While not all horses will respond the same way, numerous studies and anecdotal evidence suggest horses can indeed experience sadness or related emotions when their environments change dramatically, such as when they’re sold. Understanding Horse Emotions Horses, much like people, have a range of emotions that allow them to interact with their environments. They feel…
Horses roll in the dirt for various reasons such as relieving discomfort, removing parasites, grooming, and social behavior. In this article, we will explore these causes in-depth and explain other factors that can contribute to this natural equine behavior. Relieving Discomfort Rolling in the dirt is one way horses can ease various forms of physical…
Horses show their teeth as a form of communication and due to various physiological conditions; understanding these cues can assist in better identifying their needs and overall wellbeing. Communications and Behavior Primarily, when horses show their teeth it’s often a part of their body language communication. This communication can be broken down into three key…
Horses primarily snort to clear their nasal passages of obstructions or excess mucus, but snorting can also indicate various emotional states like contentment, excitement, or alarm. Traditionally, it has been viewed as a way for horses to adjust their breathing, but recent studies suggest that snorting is often associated with positive emotional conditions, indicating a…
Horses often engage in an unusual behavior known as coprophagy, or the eating of feces, due to nutritional needs, habits established during infancy, or as a result of certain disease conditions. Nutritional Needs Horses are hindgut fermenters, meaning they have a large cecum (part of the large intestine) where fibrous feeds are broken down by…
Horses let us ride them due to a combination of careful training, behavioral conditioning, domestication, and a patient relationship built on trust with their human handlers. History of Horse Domestication Horses have been bred and domesticated by humans for thousands of years, which has made them more adaptable and tolerant to carrying the weight of…
Horses chew on wood due to a variety of reasons, including dietary deficiencies, boredom, or discomfort. The behavior, commonly referred to as “wood chewing” or “cribbing,” is not only a potential damage to your stables or fences, but also poses health concerns for the animal itself. Nutritional Reasons for Wood Chewing A primary reason horses…
