Education will help us hear our horses
A study into equine behaviours shows how we can better understand their issues
CUNNING PLANS
The British Horse Society Scotland secured Scottish Government permission for “covered” arena use before England. The team released guidance on the benefits of indoor schools, and pictures of them, but that use of “covered” rather than “indoor” must have swung it. Brilliant.
PREGNANCY
A rider who shared her mare’s scan pictures online was confused when people thought she was the pregnant one. “I’m no gynaecologist but I think I’d be concerned if my own ultrasound pictures looked like that,” a pal observed.
WATER JUMPS
Showjumper Joe Stockdale had to rethink his course plan when a pair of swans and their babies moved in to his water tray. Horses who have always said there is something living in water trays are feeling vindicated…
Lucy Grieve, chair of the British Equestrian Veterinary Association’s ethics and welfare committee told H&H the study shows science can be applied to give a framework to identify horses who need help.
“Horses are often presented to vets far too late,” she said. “A horse with a mild, short-lived injury is much more likely to return to full health than one with an injury that has grumbled on and potentially resulted in a domino effect, and secondary injuries.”
Veterinary behaviour specialist Gemma Pearson told
this is an important study demonstrating the link between facial expressions and pain.
“Many people fail to recognise subtle signs of pain or stress in horses and assume any unwanted behaviours are due to the horse being naughty,” she said.