Medico Veterinario

HORSE BEHAVIOR

Second Edition

NOYES SERIES IN ANIMAL BEHAVIOR, ECOLOGY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

A series of professional and reference books in ethology devoted to the better understanding of animal behavior, ecology, conservation, and management.

WOLVES OF THE WORLD: Perspectives of Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation. Edited by Fred H. Harrington and Paul C. Paquet IGUANAS OFTHE WORLD: Their Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation. Edited by Gordon M. Burghardt and A. Stanley Rand HORSE BEHAVIOR: Second Edition By George H. Waring GAZELLES AND THEIR RELATIVES: A Study in Territorial Behavior By Fritz R. Walther, Elizabeth Cary Mungall, and Gerald A. Grau APES OF THE WORLD: Their Social Behavior, Communication, Mentality and Ecology By Russell H. Tuttle TIGERS OF THE WORLD:The Biology, Biopolitics, Management, and Conservation of an Endangered Species Edited by Ronald L. Tilson and Ulysses S. Seal HOUSING, CARE, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING OF CAPTIVE AND LABORATORY PRIMATES Edited by Evalyn F. Segal THE ROLES OF AMINO ACID CHELATES IN ANIMAL NUTRITION Edited by H. DeWayne Ashmead

HORSE BEHAVIOR
Second Edition

by

GEORGE H. WARING
Southern IllinoisUniversity Carbondale, Illinois

NOYES PUBLICATIONS WILLIAM ANDREW PUBLISHING
Norwich, New York, USA

Copyright © 2003 by George H. Waring No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Publisher. Library of CongressCatalog Card Number: 2002016526 ISBN: 0-8155-1484-0 Printed in the United States Published in the United States of America by Noyes Publications/William Andrew Publishing, 13 Eaton Avenue, Norwich, NY 13815 1-800-932-7045 www.williamandrew.com www.knovel.com 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Cover Illustration by Suzanne Beckley NOTICE To the best of our knowledge the information in this publication isaccurate; however the Publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of, or consequences arising from, such information. This book is intended for informational purposes only. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the Publisher. Final determination of the suitability of any information orproduct for use contemplated by any user, and the manner of that use, is the sole responsibility of the user. We recommend that anyone intending to rely on any recommendation of materials or procedures mentioned in this publication should satisfy himself as to such suitability, and that he can meet all applicable safety and health standards.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication DataWaring. George H. Horse behavior / by George H. Waring—2nd ed. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references (p. ). ISBN 0-8155-1484-0 (alk. paper) 1. Horses—Behavior. I. Title. SF281 .W37 2002 599.665'515—dc21 2002016526

This book is dedicated to my Family, near and far, to Equine Researchers worldwide, to the Equids of past and present, and to God, who has blessed us all.

Preface

To the avidhorse enthusiast, this book will provide a reference to scientific studies and a thorough overview of our understanding of horse behavior. Data from studies throughout the world are included. Sources of information are cited within the text and are listed in the Bibliography. To veterinarians and students of veterinary science, the book will provide a baseline of typical horse traits and contrastthose with abnormalities encountered in equine care and medicine. To animal scientists and to students of animal husbandry, the content of the book will provide ethological guidance for successful management, handling, and production. And to animal behaviorists, biologists, and students of natural history, the book will provide insight into the behavioral biology and adaptations of a truly...