The Equine Behaviour Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ) Since ancient times, horse behaviour and the bond between horses and humans, have been a source of intrigue and fascination. The horse-lore that has accumulated over the centuries is a rich mix of both useful practice (approaching horses from their left side,Read More →
There’s a new term out there in the horse world. And like rollkur, it promises to be a trendy one. It also promises to be a scary one. Social Licence to Operate—SLO for short—is the acceptance of our sport by the public. It’s a virtual licence given by a virtualRead More →
Since ancient times, horse behaviour, and the bond between horses and humans, has been a source of intrigue and fascination. The horse-lore that has accumulated over the centuries is a rich mix of both useful practice (approaching horses from their left side, making them slightly less reactive) and unsubstantiated myth,Read More →
Every year, 20 Australians lose their lives to horse-related incidents, and hundreds more are hospitalized. But according to an industrial safety risk management specialist, it doesn’t have to be that way. If people in the horse industry followed the example of other high-risk industries and sports like mining, construction, andRead More →
Once, there were the Five Freedoms—looking at what was available to the horse. Then came the Five Domains—looking at the state of the horse itself. Today, with ever-increasing public scrutiny of animal welfare and a greater understanding of their ethological needs, it’s time for a new welfare-assessment structure that looksRead More →
If you’ve been around horses long enough, you know the scene. A friend says, “Now that’s a happy horse! Just look at him!” And meanwhile, you’re thinking, “Wait, happy? Are we talking about the same horse? That’s not what I call happy.” As interest in equine welfare grows, so doesRead More →
The 15th International Equitation Science Conference, with the theme of ‘Bringing Science to the Stable’, kicked off on Sunday 18th August with two pre-conference workshops. The first was ‘Lost in Translation: Improving the Communication of Science to Equestrian Communities’ presented by two members of the ISES Council, Cristina Wilkins ofRead More →
That midnight snack might not make your tummy very happy… But then again, you’re not a horse. To maintain your horse’s digestive health and general welfare, you should consider trickle feeding your stabled horses during the night so as to better mimic natural foraging behaviours, according to an Irish researcher.Read More →
Everyone’s in the barn, all stall doors snugly closed. Lights out. Fast forward to the next morning, and there’s your gelding hanging out in the paddock, his stall door wide open. Or maybe all the horses are out, and all the doors are open. After a few nights in aRead More →
And…. They’re off! Or… are they? Actually, no. They’re still at the starting gate. Well, trying to get into the starting gate. Well, trying to resist getting encouraged/forced/shoved into the starting gate. Maybe it’s the jockeys who are off—on the ground after falling from racehorses who absolutely, positively Do. Not.Read More →
