Equine Behaviour Therapy

In my experience, the key to resolving behavioural problems in horses, lies with having a true understanding of the horse's nature, and by appreciating how evolution brought them to where they are today.  By understanding and acknowledging the horse’s biological needs and desires, we can begin to unravel any unwanted/undesireable behaviour.  It doesn't matter what the behavioural issue is, there is always a reason behind it.  

The role of Equine Behaviour Therapy:

My job is to work with owners to get to the root cause of their horse's behavioural problems and provide an effective retraining programme to allow their horse to overcome their problems in their own way and time.  Working closely with the owner it is important to take a step back and look at every aspect of the horse's daily life, including: feed, pasture, exercise, stabling, companions, rugs, tack and their general physical health and well being.  It is only by building a complete picture of the horse that you can begin to unravel the unwanted behaviour.

Working with you, I will ask the following:

  • Be open and honest with me about your horse’s problem(s)
  • Be open minded with approaches to retraining/healing/recovery
  • Be prepared to make some changes to your horse’s life - making little changes can often make a big difference
  • Be prepared to put the work in to helping your horse overcome his/her problems.  
  • Be realistic - don't expect a quick fix because there generally isn't one.

Behaviour

Any changes in behaviour or any undesireable behaviour should never be ignored and there are many signals to look out for. The more obvious signals include: rearing, bucking, barging, biting, kicking and bolting etc.  There is also a slightly more subtle type of behaviour called 'Displacement Behaviour'.  This is when your horse displays a type of behaviour that is perfectly natural for him to do, but it is being displayed excessively or at the wrong time and place.  For example:

  • Yawning
  • Scratching one particular area of the body  
  • Rolling 
  • Licking & Chewing
  • Rope sucking and chewing
  • Pawing the ground

This is by no means a definitive list of 'Displacement behaviours', there are many different ways in which a horse will express itself.

The only way to effectively stop behavioural problems is to establish why they are occurring in the first place.  

Fear

Fear will play a big part in many behavioural problems and there are four different types of fear to note:
  • •Flight - the most natural equine reaction to fear – to run away.
  • •Fight - if the horse feels he/she has no other choice he/she may resort to this.
  • •Freeze - planting the feet - this is where horses are often labeled 'stubborn'.
  • •Faint - this is the worst kind of fear that a horse can display and certainly the most distressing to see as the horse will actually go down to the ground with fear.

    How your horse displays his fear is individual to him/her.

Call or email now for a FREE consultation on how Equine Behaviour Therapy can help you and your horse


 

 
Disclaimer: Owners must be aware that any advice given is not a substitution for veterinary treatment, and owners should inform their veterinary practice of their intention to consult a therapist