Sensory Abilities of Horses and Their Importance for Equitation Science.
Abstract: Vision, hearing, olfaction, taste, and touch comprise the sensory modalities of most vertebrates. With these senses, the animal receives information about its environment. How this information is organized, interpreted, and experienced is known as perception. The study of the sensory abilities of animals and their implications for behavior is central not only to ethology but also to animal welfare. Sensory ability, perception, and behavior are closely linked. Horses and humans share the five most common sensory modalities, however, their ranges and capacities differ, so that horses are unlikely to perceive their surroundings in a similar manner to humans. Understanding equine perceptual abilities and their differences is important when horses and human interact, as these abilities are pivotal for the response of the horse to any changes in its surroundings. This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the sensory abilities of horses. The information is discussed within an evolutionary context and also includes a practical perspective, outlining potential ways to mitigate risks of injuries and enhance positive horse-human interactions. The equine sensory apparatus includes panoramic visual capacities with acuities similar to those of red-green color-blind humans as well as aural abilities that, in some respects exceed human hearing and a highly developed sense of smell, all of which influence how horses react in various situations. Equine sensitivity to touch has been studied surprisingly sparingly despite tactile stimulation being the major interface of horse training. We discuss the potential use of sensory enrichment/positive sensory stimulation to improve the welfare of horses in various situations e.g. using odors, touch or sound to enrich the environment or to appease horses. In addition, equine perception is affected by factors such as breed, individuality, age, and in some cases even color, emphasizing that different horses may need different types of management. Understanding the sensory abilities of horses is central to the emerging discipline of equitation science, which comprises the gamut of horse-human interactions. Therefore, sensory abilities continue to warrant scientific focus, with more research to enable us to understand different horses and their various needs.
Copyright © 2020 Rørvang, Nielsen and McLean.
Publication Date: 2020-09-09 PubMed ID: 33033724PubMed Central: PMC7509108DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00633Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This research article discusses the sensory abilities of horses, particularly vision, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. It highlights the significance of these abilities in equitation science, the field encompassing horse-human interactions, and their role in dictating a horse’s response to environmental changes. An evolutionary and practical perspective is provided to understand possible ways to improve horse welfare and mitigate risk of injury.
Sensory Abilities of Horses
- The researchers delve into an extensive overview of horses’ sensory abilities. They note that while horses have the same five primary senses as humans, the range and capacity of these senses differ significantly.
- These differences in sensory abilities mean that horses perceive their surroundings differently to humans. Understanding these perceptual abilities is crucial when interacting with horses.
Specific Sensory Capacities of Horses
- Horses possess a panoramic visual capacity with acuities similar to those of red-green color-blind humans. Their aural abilities, in some respects, exceed human hearing, and they have a highly developed sense of smell. Each of these influences the way horses react to various situations.
- The sense of touch in horses is not as studied as the other senses, even though it forms a crucial interface in horse training. The paper hints at the potential of sensory enrichment or positive sensory stimulation through touch, smell, or sound to enhance a horse’s welfare.
Factors Influencing Equine Perception
- Beyond the basic sensory abilities, various other factors can affect a horse’s perceptual experiences. These include the horse’s breed, individual characteristics, age and sometimes color. Understanding these factors is crucial in determining the unique management requirements of different horses.
Equitation Science and Importance of Further Research
- Equitation science, the discipline focused on horse-human interactions, relies heavily on understanding the sensory abilities of horses. Since these abilities dictate how horses respond to environmental changes, they form a central topic in this emerging field.
- The researchers emphasize the need for continuous scientific focus and research on equine sensory abilities to better understand the varying needs of different horses. This will enhance interactions and improve overall horse welfare.
Cite This Article
APA
Rørvang MV, Nielsen BL, McLean AN.
(2020).
Sensory Abilities of Horses and Their Importance for Equitation Science.
Front Vet Sci, 7, 633.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00633 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Biosystems and Technology, Alnarp, Sweden.
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR Modélisation Systémique Appliquée aux Ruminants, Paris, France.
- Equitation Science International, Tuerong, VIC, Australia.
References
This article includes 182 references
- College OS.nSensation and Perception [WWW Document]. Introduction to Psychology. Available online at: http://cnx.org/contents/Sr8Ev5Og@5.49:K-DZ-03P@5/Sensation-versus-Perception (accessed March 13, 2020).
- OIE nTerrestrial Animal Health Code 25/07/2017. Section 7 Animal Welfare, Chapter 7.1 (2017). Available online at: http://www.oie.int/fileadmin/Home/eng/Health_standards/tahc/current/chapitre_aw_introduction.pdf (accessed January 22, 2018).
- McGreevy PD. The advent of equitation science.. Vet J 2007 Nov;174(3):492-500.
- Blake H. Thinking with Horses. London: Souvenir Press Ltd; (1977).
- Saslow CA. Understanding the perceptual world of horses. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2002) 78:209–24.
- Doherty O, Casey V, McGreevy P, Arkins S. Noseband Use in Equestrian Sports - An International Study.. PLoS One 2017;12(1):e0169060.
- Evans D, McGreevy P. An investigation of racing performance and whip use by jockeys in thoroughbred races.. PLoS One 2011 Jan 27;6(1):e15622.
- Carroll J, Murphy CJ, Neitz M, Hoeve JN, Neitz J. Photopigment basis for dichromatic color vision in the horse.. J Vis 2001;1(2):80-7.
- Hanggi EB, Ingersoll JF, Waggoner TL. Color vision in horses (Equus caballus): deficiencies identified using a pseudoisochromatic plate test.. J Comp Psychol 2007 Feb;121(1):65-72.
- Macuda T, Timney B. Luminance and chromatic discrimination in the horse (Equus caballus).. Behav Processes 1999 Mar 1;44(3):301-7.
- Pick DF, Lovell G, Brown S, Dail D. Equine color perception revisited. Appl Anim Behav Sci (1994) 42:61–5.
- Grzimek B. Versuche über das Farbsehen von Pflanzenessern. Z Tierpsychol (1952) 9:23–39.
- Timney B, Macuda T. Vision and hearing in horses.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001 May 15;218(10):1567-74.
- Hanggi EB. Interocular transfer of learning in horses (Equus caballus). J Equine Vet Sci (1999) 19:518–24.
- Hanggi EB, Ingersoll JF. Stimulus discrimination by horses under scotopic conditions.. Behav Processes 2009 Sep;82(1):45-50.
- Knill LM, Eagleton RD, Harver E. Physical optics of the equine eye.. Am J Vet Res 1977 Jun;38(6):735-7.
- Roberts SM. Equine vision and optics.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 1992 Dec;8(3):451-7.
- Hughes A. The topography of vision in mammals of contrasting life style: comparative optics and retinal organization. In: Crescitelli F, editor. The Visual System in Vertebrates, Vol. 7/5. Handbook of Sensory Physiology. New York, NY: Sringer-Verlag; (1977). p. 613–756.
- François J, Wouters L, Victoria-Troncoso V, de Rouck A, van Gerven A. Morphometric and electrophysiologic study of the photoreceptors in the horse.. Ophthalmologica 1980;181(6):340-9.
- Hebel R. Distribution of retinal ganglion cells in five mammalian species (pig, sheep, ox, horse, dog).. Anat Embryol (Berl) 1976 Dec 22;150(1):45-51.
- Timney B, Keil K. Local and global stereopsis in the horse.. Vision Res 1999 May;39(10):1861-7.
- Stachurska A, Pieta M, Ussing AP, Kaprón A, Kwiecinska N. Difficulty of cross-country obstacles for horses competing in three day events. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2010) 123:101–7.
- Stachurska A, Pieta M, Nesteruk E. Which obstacles are most problematic for jumping horses?. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2002) 77:197–207.
- Harman AM, Moore S, Hoskins R, Keller P. Horse vision and an explanation for the visual behaviour originally explained by the 'ramp retina'.. Equine Vet J 1999 Sep;31(5):384-90.
- McGreevy P. Equine Behavior, Equine Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians and Equine Scientist. Sydney: Elsevier; (2004).
- Bartos L, Bartosová J, Starostová L. Position of the head is not associated with changes in horse vision.. Equine Vet J 2008 Sep;40(6):599-601.
- McGreevy PD, Harman A, McLean A, Hawson L. Over-flexing the horse's neck: a modern equestrian obsession?. J Vet Behav (2010) 5:180–6.
- Rørvang MV, Christensen JW. Attenuation of fear through social transmission in groups of same and differently aged horses. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2018) 209:41–6.
- Wouters L, De Moor A. Ultrastructure of the pigment epithelium and the photoreceptors in the retina of the horse.. Am J Vet Res 1979 Aug;40(8):1066-71.
- Ollivier FJ, Samuelson DA, Brooks DE, Lewis PA, Kallberg ME, Komáromy AM. Comparative morphology of the tapetum lucidum (among selected species).. Vet Ophthalmol 2004 Jan-Feb;7(1):11-22.
- Berger J. Wild Horses of the Great Basin: Social Competition and Population Size. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press; (1986).
- Mayes E, Duncan P. Temporal patterns of feeding behaviour in free-ranging horses. Behaviour (1986) 96:105–29.
- Saslow CA. Factors affecting stimulus visibility for horses. Appl Anim Behav Sci (1999) 61:273–84.
- Roth LS, Balkenius A, Kelber A. The absolute threshold of colour vision in the horse.. PLoS One 2008;3(11):e3711.
- Hanggi E. Equine cognition and perception: understanding the horse. In: Fujita K, Itakura S, editors. Diversity of Cognition: Evolution, Development, Domestication, and Pathology. Kyoto: Kyoto University Press; (2006). p. 98–118.
- Geisbauer G, Griebel U, Schmid A, Timney B. Brightness discrimination and neutral point testing in the horse. Can J Zool (2004) 82:660–70.
- Roth LS, Balkenius A, Kelber A. Colour perception in a dichromat.. J Exp Biol 2007 Aug;210(Pt 16):2795-800.
- Smith S, Goldman L. Color discrimination in horses. Appl Anim Behav Sci (1999) 62:13–25.
- Stachurska A, Janczarek I, Wilk I, Kedzierski W. Does music influence emotional state in race horses?. J Equine Vet Sci (2015) 35:650–6.
- Paul SC, Stevens M. Horse vision and obstacle visibility in horseracing.. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020 Jan;222:104882.
- Austin NP, Rogers LJ. Asymmetry of flight and escape turning responses in horses.. Laterality 2007 Sep;12(5):464-74.
- De Boyer Des Roches A, Richard-Yris MA, Henry S, Ezzaouïa M, Hausberger M. Laterality and emotions: visual laterality in the domestic horse (Equus caballus) differs with objects' emotional value.. Physiol Behav 2008 Jun 9;94(3):487-90.
- Farmer K, Krueger K, Byrne RW. Visual laterality in the domestic horse (Equus caballus) interacting with humans.. Anim Cogn 2010 Mar;13(2):229-38.
- McGreevy PD, Rogers LJ. Motor and sensory laterality in thoroughbred horses. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2005) 92:337–52.
- Murphy J, Sutherland A, Arkins S. Idiosyncratic motor laterality in the horse. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2004) 91:297–310.
- Heffner HE, Heffner RS. Sound localization in large mammals: localization of complex sounds by horses.. Behav Neurosci 1984 Jun;98(3):541-55.
- Heffner RS, Heffner HE. Localization of tones by horses: use of binaural cues and the role of the superior olivary complex.. Behav Neurosci 1986 Feb;100(1):93-103.
- Heffner RS, Heffner HE. Hearing in large mammals: horses (Equus caballus) and cattle (Bos taurus). Behav Neurosci (1983) 97:299–309.
- Fletcher NH. Sound production and hearing in diverse animals. Acoustics Australia (1985) 13:49–53.
- Fletcher NH. A simple frequency-scaling rule for animal communication.. J Acoust Soc Am 2004 May;115(5 Pt 1):2334-8.
- Basile M, Boivin S, Boutin A, Blois-Heulin C, Hausberger M, Lemasson A. Socially dependent auditory laterality in domestic horses (Equus caballus).. Anim Cogn 2009 Jul;12(4):611-9.
- Proops L, McComb K, Reby D. Cross-modal individual recognition in domestic horses (Equus caballus).. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009 Jan 20;106(3):947-51.
- Lampe JF, Andre J. Cross-modal recognition of human individuals in domestic horses (Equus caballus).. Anim Cogn 2012 Jul;15(4):623-30.
- Odberg FO. A study of the hearing ability of horses.. Equine Vet J 1978 Apr;10(2):82-4.
- Heffner RS, Heffner HE. The hearing ability of horses. Equine Pract (1983) 5:27–32.
- Wilson WJ, Mills PC, Dzulkarnain AA. Use of BAER to identify loss of auditory function in older horses.. Aust Vet J 2011 Mar;89(3):73-6.
- Mills D, Redgate S. Behaviour of horses. In: Jensen P, editor. The Ethology of Domestic Animals: An Introductory Text. Oxfordshire: CABI; (2017). p. 169–84.
- Magdesian KG, Williams DC, Aleman M, Lecouteur RA, Madigan JE. Evaluation of deafness in American Paint Horses by phenotype, brainstem auditory-evoked responses, and endothelin receptor B genotype.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2009 Nov 15;235(10):1204-11.
- APHA (2020). Coat patterns [WWW Document]. Available online at: https://apha.com/ajpha/fun-zone/coat-patterns/ (accessed November 5, 2020).
- Nielsen BL. Making sense of it all: the importance of taking into account the sensory abilities of animals in their housing and management. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2018) 205:175–80.
- Broom DM, Johnson KG. Stress and Animal Welfare. Netherlands: Springer; (1993).
- Hemsworth P. Human–animal interactions in livestock production. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2003) 81:185–98.
- Algers B, Ekesbo I, Strömberg S. The impact of continuous noise on animal health.. Acta Vet Scand Suppl 1978;(68):1-26.
- Stephens DB, Bailey KJ, Sharman DF, Ingram DL. An analysis of some behavioural effects of the vibration and noise components of transport in pigs.. Q J Exp Physiol 1985 Apr;70(2):211-7.
- Talling JC, Waran NK, Wathes CM, Lines JA. Behavioural and physiological responses of pigs to sound. Appl Anim Behav Sci (1996) 48:187–201.
- Grandin T. Factors that impede animal movement at slaughter plants.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996 Aug 15;209(4):757-9.
- Waynert D, Stookey J, Schwartzkopf-Genswein K, Watts J, Waltz C. The response of beef cattle to noise during handling. Appl Anim Behav Sci (1999) 62:27–42.
- British Horse Society (2015). Advice on Wind Turbines and Horses – Guidance for Planners and Developers. BHS.
- Burton T, Sharpe D, Jenkins N, Bossanyi E. Wind Energy Handbook. New York, NY: Wiley; (2001).
- Kenison L. The effects of classical music on dairy cattle: a thesis presented to the faculty of alfred university. Fac Alfred Univ (2016) 1–46.
- Uetake K, Hurnik JF, Johnson L. Effect of music on voluntary approach of dairy cows to an automatic milking system. Appl Anim Behav Sci (1997) 53:175–82.
- Neveux C, Ferard M, Dickel L, Bouet V, Petit O, Valenchon M. Classical music reduces acute stress of domestic horses. J Vet Behav (2016) 15:81.
- Houpt K, Marrow M, Seeliger M. A preliminary study of the effect of music on equine behavior. J Equine Vet Sci (2000) 20:691–4.
- Kedzierski W, Janczarek I, Stachurska A, Wilk I. Comparison of effects of different relaxing massage frequencies and different music hours on reducing stress level in race horses. J Equine Vet Sci (2017) 53:100–7.
- Lanier JL, Grandin T, Green RD, Avery D, McGee K. The relationship between reaction to sudden, intermittent movements and sounds and temperament.. J Anim Sci 2000 Jun;78(6):1467-74.
- Talling JC, Lines JA, Wathes CM, Waran NK. The acoustic environment of the domestic pig. J Agric Eng Res (1998) 71:1–12.
- Bregman MR, Iversen JR, Lichman D, Reinhart M, Patel AD. A method for testing synchronization to a musical beat in domestic horses (Equus ferus caballus). Empir Musicol Rev (2013) 7:144.
- ProductsSonicTechnology nRodent RepellerTM [WWW Document]. (2019). Available online at: https://www.sonictechnologyproducts.com/rodentrepeller-faq (accessed November 25, 2019).
- DTMcare nUltrasonic Electronic High Power Pest Repeller [WWW Document]. (2019). Available online at: http://www.dtmcare.com/pest-repeller/pestkicker-high-power-supersonic-pest-repeller/ (accessed November 25, 2019).
- Merkies K, Paraschou G, McGreevy PD. Morphometric Characteristics of the Skull in Horses and Donkeys-A Pilot Study.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Jun 8;10(6).
- Papes F, Logan DW, Stowers L. The vomeronasal organ mediates interspecies defensive behaviors through detection of protein pheromone homologs.. Cell 2010 May 14;141(4):692-703.
- Marinier SL, Alexander AJ, Waring GH. Flehmen behaviour in the domestic horse: discrimination of conspecific odours. Appl Anim Behav Sci (1988) 19:227–37.
- Briant C, Gaudé Y, Bruneau B, Yvon JM, Guillaume D, Bouakkaz A. Olfaction is not absolutely necessary for detection of the estrous mare by the stallion. In: International Symposium on Equine Reproduction, 25-31 July 2010. Lexington, KY: Animal Reproduction Science: (2010). p. 120–2.
- Jezierski T, Jaworski Z, Sobczyńska M, Ensminger J, Górecka-Bruzda A. Do olfactory behaviour and marking responses of Konik polski stallions to faeces from conspecifics of either sex differ?. Behav Processes 2018 Oct;155:38-42.
- Rampin O, Jérôme N, Briant C, Boué F, Maurin Y. Are oestrus odours species specific?. Behav Brain Res 2006 Sep 15;172(1):169-72.
- Krueger K, Flauger B. Olfactory recognition of individual competitors by means of faeces in horse (Equus caballus).. Anim Cogn 2011 Mar;14(2):245-57.
- Hothersall B, Harris P, Sörtoft L, Nicol CJ. Discrimination between conspecific odour samples in the horse (Equus caballus). Appl Anim Behav Sci (2010) 126:37–44.
- Péron F, Ward R, Burman O. Horses (Equus caballus) discriminate body odour cues from conspecifics.. Anim Cogn 2014 Jul;17(4):1007-11.
- Rubenstein DI, Hack MA. Horse signals: the sounds and scents of fury. Evol Ecol (1992) 6:254–60.
- Stahlbaum CC, Houpt KA. The role of the Flehmen response in the behavioral repertoire of the stallion.. Physiol Behav 1989 Jun;45(6):1207-14.
- Deshpande K, Furton KG, Mills DEK. The equine volatilome: volatile organic compounds as discriminatory markers. J Equine Vet Sci (2018) 62:47–53.
- Wyatt TD. Semiochemicals: pheromones, signature mixtures and behaviour. In: Nielsen BL, editor. Olfaction in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Oxfordshire: CABI; (2017). p. 26–38.
- Wyatt TD. Pheromones and signature mixtures: defining species-wide signals and variable cues for identity in both invertebrates and vertebrates.. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2010 Oct;196(10):685-700.
- Bombail V, Jerôme N, Lam H, Muszlak S, Meddle SL, Lawrence AB, Nielsen BL. Odour conditioning of positive affective states: Rats can learn to associate an odour with being tickled.. PLoS One 2019;14(6):e0212829.
- Falewee C, Gaultier E, Lafont C, Bougrat L, Pageat P. Effect of a synthetic equine maternal pheromone during a controlled fear-eliciting situation. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2006) 101:144–53.
- Collyer PB, Wilson HS. Does a commercial pheromone application reduce separation anxiety in separated horse pairs?. J Vet Behav (2016) 15:94.
- Berger JM, Spier SJ, Davies R, Gardner IA, Leutenegger CM, Bain M. Behavioral and physiological responses of weaned foals treated with equine appeasing pheromone : a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. J Vet Behav Clin Appl Res (2013) 8:265–77.
- Brennan PA, Kendrick KM. Mammalian social odours: attraction and individual recognition.. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2006 Dec 29;361(1476):2061-78.
- Müller-Schwarze D, Müller-Schwarze C. Olfactory imprinting in a precocial mammal.. Nature 1971 Jan 1;229(5279):55-6.
- Nielsen BL. Innateness and learning in olfactory behaviour and odour perception. In: Nielsen BL, editor. Olfaction in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Oxfordshire: CABI; (2017). p. 16–25.
- Chamaillé-Jammes S, Malcuit H, Le Saout S, Martin JL. Innate threat-sensitive foraging: black-tailed deer remain more fearful of wolf than of the less dangerous black bear even after 100 years of wolf absence.. Oecologia 2014 Apr;174(4):1151-8.
- Christensen JW, Keeling LJ, Nielsen BL. Responses of horses to novel visual, olfactory and auditory stimuli. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2005) 93:53–65.
- Christensen JW, Rundgren M. Predator odour per se does not frighten domestic horses. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2008) 112:136–45.
- Keeling LJ, Jonare L, Lanneborn L. Investigating horse-human interactions: the effect of a nervous human.. Vet J 2009 Jul;181(1):70-1.
- von Borstel UU. Fear in Horses and Riders: Two Hearts Living in Just One Mind. The Influence of Rider, Training and Genetics on Horses' Fear. Saarbrücken: Verlag Dr. Müller; (2008).
- Hama H, Yogo M, Matsuyama Y. Effects of stroking horses on both humans' and horses' heart rate responses. Jpn Psychol Res (1996) 38:66–73.
- Merkies K, Sievers A, Zakrajsek E, MacGregor H, Bergeron R, von Borstel UK. Preliminary results suggest an influence of psychological and physiological stress in humans on horse heart rate and behavior. J Vet Behav Clin Appl Res (2014) 9:242–7.
- Chamove AS, Crawley-Hartrick OJE, Stafford KJ. Horse reactions to human attitudes and behavior. Anthrozoos (2002) 15:323–31.
- Sabiniewicz A, Tarnowska K, Swiatek R, Sorokowski P, Laska M. Olfactory-based interspecific recognition of human emotions: horses (Equus ferus caballus) can recognize fear and happiness body odour from humans (Homo sapiens). Appl Anim Behav Sci (2020) 2020:105072.
- Rekwot PI, Ogwu D, Oyedipe EO, Sekoni VO. The role of pheromones and biostimulation in animal reproduction.. Anim Reprod Sci 2001 Mar 30;65(3-4):157-70.
- Dorries KM, Adkins-Regan E, Halpern BP. Sensitivity and behavioral responses to the pheromone androstenone are not mediated by the vomeronasal organ in domestic pigs.. Brain Behav Evol 1997;49(1):53-62.
- Frye CA, Edinger KL. Testosterone's metabolism in the hippocampus may mediate its anti-anxiety effects in male rats.. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2004 Jul;78(3):473-81.
- Holcombe S, Ducharme G. Chapter 26 - upper airway function of normal horses during exercise. In: Hinchcliff K, Kaneps A, Geor R, editors. Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery. London: Elsevier; (2004). p. 541–58.
- Randall RP, Schurg WA, Church DC. Response of horses to sweet, salty, sour and bitter solutions.. J Anim Sci 1978 Jul;47(1):51-5.
- Janczarek I, Wilk I, Pietrzak S, Liss M, Tkaczyk S. Taste Preferences of Horses in Relation to Their Breed and Sex.. J Equine Vet Sci 2018 May;64:59-64.
- Goodwin D, Davidson HPB, Harris P. Selection and acceptance of flavours in concentrate diets for stabled horses. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2005) 95:223–32.
- van den Berg M, Giagos V, Lee C, Brown WY, Cawdell-Smith AJ, Hinch GN. The influence of odour, taste and nutrients on feeding behaviour and food preferences in horses. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2016) 184:41–50.
- Pfister JA, Stegelmeier BL, Cheney CD, Ralphs MH, Gardner DR. Conditioning taste aversions to locoweed (Oxytropis sericea) in horses.. J Anim Sci 2002 Jan;80(1):79-83.
- Houpt KA, Zahorik DM, Swartzman-Andert JA. Taste aversion learning in horses.. J Anim Sci 1990 Aug;68(8):2340-4.
- Mills D, Nankervis K. Equine Behaviour: principles and practice. (1999). Blackwell Science Ltd, Oxford.
- Monteiro-Riviere NA, Bristol DG, Manning TO, Rogers RA, Riviere JE. Interspecies and interregional analysis of the comparative histologic thickness and laser Doppler blood flow measurements at five cutaneous sites in nine species.. J Invest Dermatol 1990 Nov;95(5):582-6.
- Love EJ, Murrell J, Whay HR. Thermal and mechanical nociceptive threshold testing in horses: a review.. Vet Anaesth Analg 2011 Jan;38(1):3-14.
- Haussler KK, Erb HN. Mechanical nociceptive thresholds in the axial skeleton of horses.. Equine Vet J 2006 Jan;38(1):70-5.
- Haussler KK, Erb HN. Pressure algometry for the detection of induced back pain in horses: a preliminary study.. Equine Vet J 2006 Jan;38(1):76-81.
- Christensen JW, McLean A, Ladewig J. From Pavlov to Bekhterev - and the pros and cons of positive and negative reinforcement. In: Proceedings of the 51st Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE), arhus: (2017).
- Fenner K, Yoon S, White P, Starling M, McGreevy P. The Effect of Noseband Tightening on Horses' Behavior, Eye Temperature, and Cardiac Responses.. PLoS One 2016;11(5):e0154179.
- McGreevy P, Warren-Smith A, Guisard Y. The effect of double bridles and jaw-clamping crank nosebands on temperature of eyes and facial skin of horses. J Vet Behav (2012) 7:142–8.
- Mogil JS, Ritchie J, Smith SB, Strasburg K, Kaplan L, Wallace MR, Romberg RR, Bijl H, Sarton EY, Fillingim RB, Dahan A. Melanocortin-1 receptor gene variants affect pain and mu-opioid analgesia in mice and humans.. J Med Genet 2005 Jul;42(7):583-7.
- Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM, Barneveld A, Schamhardt HC. Effects of weight and riding on workload and locomotion during treadmill exercise. Equine Vet J Suppl (1995) 18:413–7.
- Clayton HM, Lanovaz JL, Schamhardt HC, van Wessum R. The effects of a rider's mass on ground reaction forces and fetlock kinematics at the trot.. Equine Vet J Suppl 1999 Jul;(30):218-21.
- Terada K, Mullineaux DR, Lanovaz J, Kato K, Clayton HM. Electromyographic analysis of the rider's muscles at trot. Equine Comp Exerc Physiol (2004) 1:193–8.
- Münz A, Eckardt F, Witte K. Horse-rider interaction in dressage riding.. Hum Mov Sci 2014 Feb;33:227-37.
- Engell MT, Clayton HM, Egenvall A, Weishaupt MA, Roepstorff L. Postural changes and their effects in elite riders when actively influencing the horse versus sitting passively at trot. Comp Exerc Physiol (2016) 12:27–33.
- Crowell-Davis SL, Houpt KA, Carini CM. Mutual grooming and nearest-neighbor relationships among foals of Equus caballus. Appl Anim Behav Sci (1986) 15:113–23.
- Moehlman PD. Behavioral patterns and communication in feral asses (Equus africanus). Appl Anim Behav Sci (1998) 60:125–69.
- Feh C, de Mazières J. Grooming at a preferred site reduces heart rate in horses. Anim Behav (1993) 46:1191–4.
- Keiper RR. Social interactions of the Przewalski horse (Equus przewalskii Poliakov, 1881) herd at the Munich Zoo. Appl Anim Behav Sci (1988) 21:89–97.
- Normando S, Haverbeke A, Meers L, Odberg FO, Ibáñez Talegón M, Bono G. Effect of manual imitation of grooming on riding horses' heart rate in different environmental situations.. Vet Res Commun 2003 Sep;27 Suppl 1:615-7.
- Thorbergson ZW, Nielsen SG, Beaulieu RJ, Doyle RE. Physiological and Behavioral Responses of Horses to Wither Scratching and Patting the Neck When Under Saddle.. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 2016 Jul-Sep;19(3):245-59.
- Christensen JW. Early-life object exposure with a habituated mother reduces fear reactions in foals.. Anim Cogn 2016 Jan;19(1):171-9.
- McGreevy P, McLean A. Equitation Science, First. West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell; (2010).
- McLean AN. Overshadowing: a silver lining to a dark cloud in horse training.. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 2008;11(3):236-48.
- Berridge KC. Reward learning: reinforcement, incentives, and expectations. In: Psychology of Learning and Motivation - Advances in Research and Theory Cambridge: Academic Press (2000). p. 223–78.
- McLean AN, Christensen JW. The application of learning theory in horse training. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2017) 190:18–27.
- Farmer K, Krüger K, Byrne RW, Marr I. Sensory laterality in affiliative interactions in domestic horses and ponies (Equus caballus).. Anim Cogn 2018 Sep;21(5):631-637.
- Smith MC, Stallings MA, Mariner S, Burrall M. Benefits of massage therapy for hospitalized patients: a descriptive and qualitative evaluation.. Altern Ther Health Med 1999 Jul;5(4):64-71.
- McBride S, Hemmings A, Robinson K. A preliminary study on the effect of massage to reduce stress in the horse. J Equine Vet Sci (2004) 24:76–81.
- Lange A, Franzmayr S, Wisenöcker V, Futschik A, Waiblinger S, Lürzel S. Effects of Different Stroking Styles on Behaviour and Cardiac Parameters in Heifers.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Mar 4;10(3).
- Anderberg UM, Uvnäs-Moberg K. Plasma oxytocin levels in female fibromyalgia syndrome patients.. Z Rheumatol 2000 Dec;59(6):373-9.
- Beckmann H, Lang RE, Gattaz WF. Vasopressin--oxytocin in cerebrospinal fluid of schizophrenic patients and normal controls.. Psychoneuroendocrinology 1985;10(2):187-91.
- Uvnäs-Moberg K, Arn I, Theorell T, Jonsson CO. Gastrin, somatostatin and oxytocin levels in patients with functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and their response to feeding and interaction.. J Psychosom Res 1991;35(4-5):525-33.
- Kendrick KM, Keverne EB, Baldwin BA, Sharman DF. Cerebrospinal fluid levels of acetylcholinesterase, monoamines and oxytocin during labour, parturition, vaginocervical stimulation, lamb separation and suckling in sheep.. Neuroendocrinology 1986;44(2):149-56.
- Sansone GR, Gerdes CA, Steinman JL, Winslow JT, Ottenweller JE, Komisaruk BR, Insel TR. Vaginocervical stimulation releases oxytocin within the spinal cord in rats.. Neuroendocrinology 2002 May;75(5):306-15.
- Stock S, Uvnäs-Moberg K. Increased plasma levels of oxytocin in response to afferent electrical stimulation of the sciatic and vagal nerves and in response to touch and pinch in anaesthetized rats.. Acta Physiol Scand 1988 Jan;132(1):29-34.
- Watson JC, McDonnell SM. Effects of three non-confrontational handling techniques on the behavior of horses during a simulated mildly aversive veterinary procedure. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2018) 203:19–23.
- Beck L, Madresh EA. Romantic partners and four-legged friends: an extension of attachment theory to relationships with pets. Anthrozoos (2008) 21:43–56.
- Odendaal JS, Meintjes RA. Neurophysiological correlates of affiliative behaviour between humans and dogs.. Vet J 2003 May;165(3):296-301.
- Topál J, Gácsi M, Miklósi Á, Virányi Z, Kubinyi E, Csányi V. Attachment to humans: a comparative study on hand-reared wolves and differently socialized dog puppies. Anim Behav (2005) 70:1367–75.
- McGreevy PD, McLean AN. Arousal, attachment and affective state. In: 9th Conference of The International Society for Equitation Science. Newark, NJ: (2013).
- Visser EK, Van Reenen CG, Blokhuis MZ, Morgan EK, Hassmén P, Rundgren TM, Blokhuis HJ. Does horse temperament influence horse-rider cooperation?. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 2008;11(3):267-84.
- Raja SN, Carr DB, Cohen M, Finnerup NB, Flor H, Gibson S, Keefe FJ, Mogil JS, Ringkamp M, Sluka KA, Song XJ, Stevens B, Sullivan MD, Tutelman PR, Ushida T, Vader K. The revised International Association for the Study of Pain definition of pain: concepts, challenges, and compromises.. Pain 2020 Sep 1;161(9):1976-1982.
- McGreevy PD, Hawson LA, Salvin H, McLean AN. A note on the force of whip impacts delivered by jockeys using forehand and backhand strikes. J Vet Behav (2013) 8:395–9.
- McKillop IG, Sibly RM. Animal behaviour at electric fences and the implications for management. Mamm Rev (1998) 16:91–103.
- Whiting TL. Pain in human and non-human animals caused by electricity.. Can Vet J 2016 Aug;57(8):883-6.
- Perl ER. Pain mechanisms: a commentary on concepts and issues.. Prog Neurobiol 2011 Jun;94(1):20-38.
- Lagerweij E, Nelis PC, Wiegant VM, van Ree JM. The twitch in horses: a variant of acupuncture.. Science 1984 Sep 14;225(4667):1172-4.
- McGreevy PD. Handling and transport. In: Equine Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians and Equine Scientist. Sydney: Saunders Elsevier; (2012). p. 307–23.
- Lansade L, Pichard G, Leconte M. Sensory sensitivities: components of a horse's temperament dimension. Appl Anim Behav Sci (2008) 114:534–53.
- Briefer Freymond S, Bardou D, Beuret S, Bachmann I, Zuberbühler K, Briefer EF. Elevated Sensitivity to Tactile Stimuli in Stereotypic Horses.. Front Vet Sci 2019;6:162.
- Hall C, Goodwin D, Heleski C, Randle H, Waran N. Is there evidence of learned helplessness in horses?. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 2008;11(3):249-66.
- Dunn W. The sensations of everyday life: empirical, theoretical, and pragmatic considerations.. Am J Occup Ther 2001 Nov-Dec;55(6):608-20.
- Murphy JA. Describing categories of temperament in potential guide dogs for the blind. Appl Anim Behav Sci (1998) 58:163–78.
- Finkemeier MA, Langbein J, Puppe B. Personality Research in Mammalian Farm Animals: Concepts, Measures, and Relationship to Welfare.. Front Vet Sci 2018;5:131.
- Mills DS. Personality and individual differences in the horse, their significance, use and measurement.. Equine Vet J Suppl 1998 Nov;(27):10-3.
- Larose C, Richard-Yris MA, Hausberger M, Rogers LJ. Laterality of horses associated with emotionality in novel situations.. Laterality 2006 Jul;11(4):355-67.
- Arnold W, Ruf T, Kuntz R. Seasonal adjustment of energy budget in a large wild mammal, the Przewalski horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) II. Energy expenditure.. J Exp Biol 2006 Nov;209(Pt 22):4566-73.
- Kuntz R, Kubalek C, Ruf T, Tataruch F, Arnold W. Seasonal adjustment of energy budget in a large wild mammal, the Przewalski horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) I. Energy intake.. J Exp Biol 2006 Nov;209(Pt 22):4557-65.
- Brinkmann L, Gerken M, Hambly C, Speakman JR, Riek A. Saving energy during hard times: energetic adaptations of Shetland pony mares.. J Exp Biol 2014 Dec 15;217(Pt 24):4320-7.
- Brinkmann L, Gerken M, Riek A. Adaptation strategies to seasonal changes in environmental conditions of a domesticated horse breed, the Shetland pony (Equus ferus caballus).. J Exp Biol 2012 Apr 1;215(Pt 7):1061-8.
- Martin AM, Elliott JA, Duffy P, Blake CM, Ben Attia S, Katz LM, Browne JA, Gath V, McGivney BA, Hill EW, Murphy BA. Circadian regulation of locomotor activity and skeletal muscle gene expression in the horse.. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2010 Nov;109(5):1328-36.
- Murphy BA. Circadian and Circannual Regulation in the Horse: Internal Timing in an Elite Athlete.. J Equine Vet Sci 2019 May;76:14-24.
- Murphy BA, Walsh CM, Woodward EM, Prendergast RL, Ryle JP, Fallon LH, Troedsson MH. Blue light from individual light masks directed at a single eye advances the breeding season in mares.. Equine Vet J 2014 Sep;46(5):601-5.
Citations
This article has been cited 15 times.- Olczak K, Penar W, Nowicki J, Magiera A, Klocek C. The Role of Sound in Livestock Farming-Selected Aspects.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jul 14;13(14).
- Hole C, Murray R, Marlin D, Freeman P. Equine Behavioural and Physiological Responses to Auditory Stimuli in the Presence and Absence of Noise-Damping Ear Covers.. Animals (Basel) 2023 May 8;13(9).
- Kappel S, Ramirez Montes De Oca MA, Collins S, Herborn K, Mendl M, Fureix C. Do you see what I see? Testing horses' ability to recognise real-life objects from 2D computer projections.. Anim Cogn 2023 Jul;26(4):1147-1159.
- Schubert CL, Ryckewaert B, Pereira C, Matsuzawa T. Garrano Horses Perceive Letters of the Alphabet on a Touchscreen System: A Pilot Study.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Dec 12;12(24).
- Harvey AM, Ramp D, Mellor DJ. Review of the Foundational Knowledge Required for Assessing Horse Welfare.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Dec 1;12(23).
- Janicka W, Wilk I, Próchniak T, Janczarek I. Can Sound Alone Act as a Virtual Barrier for Horses? A Preliminary Study.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 15;12(22).
- Popescu S, Lazar EA, Borda C, Blaga Petrean A, Mitrănescu E. Changes in Management, Welfare, Emotional State, and Human-Related Docility in Stallions.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Oct 30;12(21).
- Merkies K, Sudarenko Y, Hodder AJ. Can Ponies (Equus Caballus) Distinguish Human Facial Expressions?. Animals (Basel) 2022 Sep 7;12(18).
- Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Earley B, Edwards S, Faucitano L, Marti S, Miranda de La Lama GC, Costa LN, Thomsen PT, Ashe S, Mur L, Van der Stede Y, Herskin M. Welfare of equidae during transport.. EFSA J 2022 Sep;20(9):e07444.
- Rørvang MV, Nicova K, Yngvesson J. Horse odor exploration behavior is influenced by pregnancy and age.. Front Behav Neurosci 2022;16:941517.
- Stachurska A, Tkaczyk E, Różańska-Boczula M, Janicka W, Janczarek I. Horses' Response to a Novel Diet: Different Herbs Added to Dry, Wet or Wet-Sweetened Oats.. Animals (Basel) 2022 May 24;12(11).
- Wiśniewska A, Janczarek I, Ryżak M, Tkaczyk E, Kędzierski W. Behavioural responses of Konik Polski horses to natural, familiar sound of thunderstorm, and unfamiliar similar-sounding sounds of volcanic eruption and sea storms.. BMC Vet Res 2022 May 30;18(1):207.
- Buzek A, Serwańska-Leja K, Zaworska-Zakrzewska A, Kasprowicz-Potocka M. The Shape of the Nasal Cavity and Adaptations to Sniffing in the Dog (Canis familiaris) Compared to Other Domesticated Mammals: A Review Article.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Feb 19;12(4).
- Rørvang MV, Ničová K, Sassner H, Nawroth C. Horses' (Equus caballus) Ability to Solve Visible but Not Invisible Displacement Tasks Is Associated With Frustration Behavior and Heart Rate.. Front Behav Neurosci 2021;15:792035.
- Merkies K, Franzin O. Enhanced Understanding of Horse-Human Interactions to Optimize Welfare.. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 9;11(5).
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists