The Behavior of the Horse

Horses have traditionally been used by man over the centuries for both work and rcreation. Undoubtedly it was the behavioural characteristics of horses that made them suitable for domestication. More recently, horses have been bred for both behavioural and morphological attributes that enhance their abilities as working animals or for recreational or competitive purposes. This book provides a comprehensive scientific overview of the behaviour of horses as a basis for ensuring their well-being. Chapters include: evolutionary and neurological bases of behaviour and concepts such as emotion and motivation; maintenance behaviour - body care, reactivity, sleep and feeding; male and female sexual behaviour as well as foetal, parturient and maternal behaviour; behaviour of the foal, play, general social behaviour and interactions; abnormal behaviours and how to control them; and horse welfare particularly in the context of training and overall husbandry. This book should be of interest to students and professionals in veterinary science, animal husbandry, animal behaviour and horse management.