Justine Harrison - Equine Behaviourist

10/11/2024

REMEMBERING THE EQUIDS WHO DIED IN WARFARE AND THOSE SUFFERING TODAY

It is estimated that eight million horses and countless mules and donkeys died in the First World War. Britain alone is reported to have lost over 484,000 horses, one horse for every two men lost – along with huge numbers of donkeys and mules.

Equines were used to transport ammunition and supplies to the front and many died, not just from shellfire but also from the appalling conditions they endured. Horses were used for battle, reconnaissance, carrying messengers, pulling artillery, ambulances and supply wagons. They raised morale among those at the front and the soldiers formed extraordinary relationships with their animals.

Conditions were horrific and terrifying for them – they were killed by artillery fire, suffered from skin disorders like mange and ringworm, became sick from poison gas and many died of exhaustion, colic or were drowned. The sick equines were treated for illness or injury at makeshift vet hospitals and sent back to the front - in just one year 120,000 horses were treated by British vet hospitals alone.

The use of equids in war is ongoing, we also need to consider those caught up in conflict today. The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have caused devastation for humans and animals alike. In Gaza, fuel is scarce and many vehicles have been destroyed, so donkeys, mules and horses have become the main mode of transport – moving people, food, water, building materials and essential medicines through the war-torn landscape.

I will add some links to charities or organisations working to help animals and their owners below. If you know of any more please post the links here so we can raise awareness and offer help.

The photos are of the stunning Animals in War Memorial – sculpture by David Backhouse

31/10/2024

DOES YOUR HORSE BECOME STRESSED IF THEIR FEED IS LATE?

I’m sure we all know some horses that become upset if their feed isn’t served on time, but maybe that’s with good reason.

A study by a team of researchers in Slovenia looked at the behaviour of eight horses when fed breakfast at regular or irregular feeding times and found they do become stressed if their meal arrives late.

The horses were housed in individual stables and were fed with ad-lib hay and a barley and oat mixture hard feed. For five days each week their morning feed arrived at their normal feed time of 6am, on Thursdays it arrived an hour earlier at 5am and on Saturdays it arrived an hour later at 7am. After their morning meal the horses were then turned out to pasture for the rest of the day.

The horses’ behaviour was observed and recorded for 2 hours around their breakfast time starting an hour before their feed arrived. The study took place over a 10 week period.

The horses that were fed early were described as not being ready for their meal. Lead researcher Manja Zupan said the horses 'weren’t really awake yet'. As a result they spent less of their pre-breakfast time eating hay than when fed on time or late, and so they ended up consuming less in total before they were turned out.

Unsurprisingly, the horses who were fed late displayed a number of stress behaviours. They kicked the stable door, whinnied, looked towards the food source and pawed at the ground while waiting for their feed to arrive. While some horse owners find this behaviour irritating or even funny, it is vital to remember each of these behaviours are caused by frustration and stress and could be considered a measure of poor welfare. Zupan reported 'A horse that cannot predict when he will get fed will have compromised performance and health'.

This study will likely not surprise many horse owners but is nonetheless important. It shows that horses are great timekeepers, they can recognise what time of day it is and know their routine. We already know they are capable of predicting their daily activities on learned cues, like the sound of specific equipment or their owner or caretaker’s voice.

It can be difficult to stick to a consistent feeding schedule – life often gets in the way and we may be late for our horse’s mealtimes. However we must remember that any change to routine like this can affect horses adversely, especially if their species-specific needs are not met and their choices are limited.

Horses who live in sight of one another should all be fed at the same time to avoid frustration and undue stress. Those who are routinely fed at a specific time and then fed out of their normal time schedule (and perhaps watching other horses being fed first) can find this extremely stressful. If they have to be fed at a different time to normal, then being fed early is preferable to being fed late.

Ensuring your horse has access to ad lib forage so they don't run out of food will also go a long way to keeping them healthy and happy if you can’t get to the yard. Of course being turned out with friends and no need for 'mealtimes' is the ideal!

'The Effect of an Irregular Feeding Schedule on Equine Behavior'
Manja Zupan, Ivan Štuhec & Dušanka Jordan.
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, Volume 23, 2020 - Issue 2

27/10/2024

UPCOMING EVENTS

I'm really looking forward to each of these events – click on each link for more details.

5 NOV: UNDERSTANDING EQUINE STEREOTYPIES
I'm hosting an online webinar next week with the brilliant Dr Aline Bouquet looking at equine stereotypies (aka stable 'vices') – why they start, how they affect the horse, debunking myths and how we can prevent or resolve them.
https://www.understandhorses.com/understanding-equine-stereotypies-webinar-05-november-2024

13 NOVEMBER: HOW HORSES LEARN AND HOW BEST TO TRAIN THEM
Just a few tickets left now for my evening talk at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre, Cheshire.
https://www.equinebehaviourist.co.uk/events/understand-your-horse-kelsall-13-11-24

23 NOVEMBER: UNDERSTANDING AND ASSESSING EQUINE PAIN
Rolleston Scout HQ and Blue Cross, Rolleston, Staffordshire.
One of my favourite events. A one day workshop with vet behaviourist Roxane Kirton and vet physio Holly Gallacher. The three of us look at different aspects of equine pain – how we recognise and assess pain in horses. Holly & Roxane also give fascinating insights into how they assess lameness.
https://www.understandhorses.com/understanding-and-assessing-equine-pain-workshop-november-2024

5 APRIL 2025: HORSE TRAINER FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE
This is very exciting! I have contributed a few lessons to this superb new programme from Trudi Dempsey: Equine Trainer and Behaviour Consultant. For a long time we have needed a course that really prepares you to go out and train horses professionally. Trudi has done that and more – an exceptional accredited online course that will give you all the knowledge and practical skills you need to work as a professional horse trainer. Hard work, but well worth it!
https://courses.understandhorses.com/courses/horse-trainer-foundation-certificate

12/10/2024

IS YOUR HORSE WITH YOU FOR LIFE?

Do you own a horse to use / ride / breed from / compete and then sell on when they don’t suit you any more, or will they stay with you for life?

Yesterday I was lucky to attend a webinar by Mark Kennedy, Senior Scientific Manager for Equines at the RSPCA (England & Wales), who presented a preview of his team’s research into the equine welfare crisis. Mark confirmed that most of the equines in England and Wales have welfare concerns – their basic needs are not met. I knew this would be the case, but it was still heartbreaking to hear confirmation of that.

One of the major contributing factors of the current equine welfare crisis is that humans see horses as commodities. Horses are bred to be used and then passed on, as their owners don’t take lifetime responsibility. There is little or no provision for a horse’s welfare over their lifetime – no planning or care as to how they will be managed from birth to death. This can lead to premature or delayed euthanasia, abandonment and neglect. This lack of foresight extends across the whole equine industry – with elite riders & owners in all equestrian disciplines, sport horse breeders, backyard breeders, riding schools, livery yards and grass roots horse owners all at fault.

Not so long ago, the FEI’s Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission conducted a large scale survey and found clear evidence that 75% of equestrians and 65% of the general public have concerns about the welfare of horses in sport. However, welfare is compromised in all areas of the equine industry.

Changing our attitudes towards horses is vital. When we take on a horse they are our responsibility. Everyone should be planning their horse’s lifetime care. Of course some horse owners may have a change in their own circumstances that may mean they can’t keep them, but there should be plans in place in case that happens.

And please remember, ‘free to a good home’ rarely ends well. If you have an elderly or unhealthy horse please, please don't give them away without careful consideration of what that will entail. Even if the person that takes them on has good intentions they could end up being in a position where they can't keep the horse either. This could mean they will pass the horse on to someone unsuitable or unscrupulous.

Your horse’s life is in your hands. Do you have plans in place for them if anything happens to you?

03/10/2024

DOES YOUR HORSE HAVE A PLACE THEY PARTICULARLY DISLIKE?

I’m sure most horse owners will realise their horse is keen to approach some environments, and reluctant to approach others, but this preference is not often considered as part of a training plan.

Researchers in France studied the effects of horses having a good or bad experience in a specific environment to see how it affected their learning.

They found that horses – like humans – build strong associations between their surroundings and their experiences. And these associations can influence not just their emotions, but also how they learn and respond to training.

What does this mean for horse owners and trainers? It is vital to consider the environment you train in may have an effect on how your horse learns. If you want a more adaptable, easy-to-train horse, it’s worth paying attention to the locations where your horse has had positive experiences. Training in these areas can help create a better learning environment. Conversely, horses that have been stressed in a particular location may struggle more with training tasks and show less cognitive flexibility.

I should mention that if your horse has had a bad experience in a particular environment and is reluctant to approach this area or becomes anxious there, it is possible to change how they feel. I'd recommend contacting a qualified behaviourist if you need help.

Study: Emotional state and personality influence cognitive flexibility in horses (Equus caballus). Fortin et al, 2018 Journal Comparative Psychology.

23/09/2024

HORSES CAN RECOGNISE THEIR KEEPERS FROM PHOTOGRAPHS

Research has found that horses presented with photos of humans can recognise their keepers at a rate much better than chance.

Ethologist Léa Lansade of the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, conducted an experiment to find out how well horses can recognise individuals from photographs. Their results showed that horses can remember a keeper’s face even six months after having seen the person.

The research team used two computer screens to display a random selection of unfamiliar human faces. 11 three-year-old Welsh mares were trained to choose between two side by side images by pressing the touchscreen with their nose, then being given a food reward. Then over a course of 32 sessions, the team started to introduce photos of the horses' handlers into the selection of unfamiliar faces.

The researchers found that the horses correctly identified their current keeper and ignored the unfamiliar faces about 75% of the time – a rate significantly better than chance. The horses also selected photos of previous keepers – people they hadn’t seen in six months.

These results are surprising for several reasons. They suggest that horses can understand that photographs – two-dimensional images – represent real people, without being given any other cues like voice, behaviour or scent. They actually performed better at this task than dogs have done in previous research.

The findings also suggest that horses form emotional attachments to their human keepers and have advanced facial recognition abilities. On an ethological level this would be very important as of course they would need to learn who to trust so they could alter their behaviour accordingly – knowing who to avoid or who they can approach safely. Of course these results also show that horses have a good long-term memory for human faces.

Study: Lansade, L., Colson, V., Parias, C. et al. Female horses spontaneously identify a photograph of their keeper, last seen six months previously. Sci Rep 10, 6302 (2020).

18/09/2024

LINKS BETWEEN BEHAVIOUR, DISCIPLINE AND GUT HEALTH HAVE BEEN FOUND IN SPORT HORSES

Scientists have been researching the links between gut bacteria and mental health in humans for many years now. Studies have shown that people with depression have consistently low levels of some gut microbes. This has led to new treatments for mental health disorders based on probiotics that boost the levels of “good” bacteria in the intestines.

Equine scientists have looked at the link between gut health and the behaviour, management and discipline of horses. They have found that behaviours indicated in poor welfare – such as stereotypies and aggression – are linked to the composition of their gut bacteria.

The researchers took blood and faecal samples from 185 sport horses that had similar management conditions. They assessed 41 factors – ranging from the horse’s age, s*x, diet, behaviour, bedding, housing and ridden discipline to their physiological status including parasite levels and faecal pH.

46% of the horses were trained for dressage, 25% were showjumpers and 25% eventers. 30% of the horses were used for Gala and Cadre Noir displays.

The findings identified that equitation factors (ie. the horse’s ridden discipline or speciality) were associated with differences in gut microbiota, indicating a relationship between gut health and the levels of physical and mental stressors the horse was subject to.

Behaviours related to mental distress, including hypervigilance and oral stereotypies, were also related to the composition of the faecal microbiota in the horses.

The researchers commented, “In our study, the prevalence of stress was believed to be higher in horses that were trained for dressage and jumping, as most of them were elite athletes that travelled to international competitions, trained many hours per day, five days a week, for several weeks without taking time off from intense training."

I find it extremely concerning that the behaviour assessment showed that ‘the expression of both oral and locomotion-related stereotypies was observed in 17% of the individuals, whilst 99% of the individuals were experiencing unresponsiveness to the environment (the so-called withdrawn posture) at least once within the eight-month period. Hypervigilance was observed in 75% of our individuals, whereas aggressiveness was observed in 43% of our horses.’ These are serious welfare issues! Why on earth are these horses being managed in such a way that they are performing so many stress-related behaviours? Are the caretakers of these horses not seeing these problems? It’s so worrying that basic behavioural science is still not reaching – or influencing – the competition world.

I hope this study will spark an interest in improving welfare for horses via their management and training. However I fear it may lead to supplement companies producing a wider range of probiotics as a solution to equine stress...

This is a fascinating study and well worth reading in full. You can read it here: Priming for welfare: gut microbiota is associated with equitation conditions and behavior in horse athletes’. Mach, N., Ruet, A., Clark, A. et al. Sci Rep 10, 8311 (2020).

11/09/2024

HORSE BEHAVIOUR CONSULTING MENTORSHIP – FREE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

I will now be running my Horse Behaviour Consulting Mentorship only once a year, and the next programme starts on 8 March 2025. The early bird rate is available until 31 December (there is an Early Bird payment plan available for the next couple of months too).

Whether you are considering a career as a horse behaviour consultant, just starting your business, already practicing and seeking advice for challenging cases or looking for one-on-one coaching to advance your consulting skills then this programme is for you.

I created this course to help practicing and aspiring equine behaviour consultants. I wanted to look at the processes and techniques used in behaviour consulting but also to cover the things I struggled with when I started out so that I could give practical help for those wanting to set up their own business.

You will have access to 8 weeks of learning – including video lessons, Zoom sessions for weekly live chat, group discussions in a dedicated forum, real-life case studies and practical business advice. You will have the opportunity to work with me on a case study to help you improve your consulting skills.

The programme will cover a variety of behaviour problems including aggression, stereotypies and separation anxiety. We will also look at effective history taking; using LIMA and LIFE in practice; diagnosing, managing and resolving horse behaviour problems; how to create training and behaviour modification plans; different training protocols; working alongside vets; legal and business advice; how to improve your client relationships; different business models; branding; marketing; troubleshooting; how to protect yourself emotionally and physically and much, much more.

I keep the content updated regularly but have recently given this course an overhaul. We will also look at the various methods and protocols different behaviour consultants take, and assess what is the the most effective approach for both horses and their owners.

FREE SCHOLARSHIP PLACE AVAILABLE

Send us an email at [email protected] or fill in the form at https://www.understandhorses.com/scholarship-applications and tell us a little about yourself, why taking this mentorship is important to you and what you will do with the skills you learn. Strictly no more than 500 words (you may include photos) or a 2 minute video. Your application will be void if you go over the word or time limit! Applications are open until 27 December. The winner will be announced on the Understand Horses page on 29 December 2024.

You can find details of the programme and book your place here:
https://courses.understandhorses.com/courses/horse-behaviour-consulting-mentorship

29/08/2024

HORSES AND DOGS SHARE PLAY BEHAVIOURS

Horses and dogs play in a similar way and they actually share some of the same play behaviours. Both species also quickly mirror the expression on their playmate's face, a behaviour called 'rapid facial mimicry'.

In a 2020 study, equine scientist Elisabetta Palagi and her team at the University of Pisa examined hundreds of YouTube videos of dogs and horses playing together. Each video needed to meet certain criteria: the animals must have had no interference from people, they could move freely, and they must have engaged in play for at least 30 seconds.

The team finally decided on 20 films and then analysed randomly selected 10 second segments for specific play behaviours such as attack or defensive behaviours.

The results showed that dogs and horses play together in a remarkably similar way, with their behaviours matched simultaneously in unison. 12 dogs and 10 horses in the 20 videos made a 'relaxed open mouth display' – a play-face.

Most surprisingly, they also found that the two species rapidly mirror the expression on their playmate's face, a behaviour called rapid facial mimicry. This behaviour has been seen in primates, domestic dogs and meerkats but this is the first time it has been found between playmates of two different species.

The researchers found that both species might attempt to bite, but then self-handicapped themselves so they didn’t actually do so. They played with an object together, pushed or chased each other and they also limited their play by rolling on their backs on the ground or shaking their heads.

Of course dogs and horses are very different – in size, genetics and behavioural repertoire. Dogs are predators and horses are a prey species! Yet despite these differences both are able to play together, synchronise their behaviour and understand each other's actions so that the play doesn't escalate into aggression.

What a wonderful topic to research. We know that both horses and dogs are capable of incredible sensitivity when reading human body language and expressions, so it isn't really surprising that they can play together in this way. It is lovely to see that such different species can relax together and enjoy each other's company like this. There are lots of great films on social media of horses and dogs playing, if you have any examples, I would love to see them!

Study: Levelling playing field: synchronization and rapid facial mimicry in dog-horse play. Maglieri et al. Behavioural Processes Volume 174, May 2020

Watch how rescue dog Callie and my horse Rocky spend time every day playing with each other. If Callie is in the house Rocky will whinny and run about at the...

27/08/2024

HAVE YOU OR YOUR HORSE EVER STRUGGLED WITH CONFIDENCE ISSUES?

Next week I am hosting a webinar with brilliant equine behaviour consultant and university professor Dr Robin Foster, looking at research into the role of confidence in human-horse interactions, why it can break down and how to rebuild it.

There seems to be a lot of questionable information on social media about how to improve confidence when riding your horse. Yet I can see none that includes how the horse feels, how you can affect each other (which can make matters worse) and how to improve your horse's confidence too!

Topics to be covered include:

How does self-confidence affect a person’s interactions with horses and with the equestrian community?

What factors erode self-confidence and how can their impact be lessened?

What steps can a person take to strengthen appreciation of their own abilities and judgement?

How does a horse’s confidence come into play?

How can a strong human-horse bond build trust, confidence, and satisfaction?

For more details see here: https://www.understandhorses.com/improve-horse-and-rider-confidence-webinar-03-september-2024

You will have the opportunity to pick Robin's brain with any questions you may have. Hopefully see you there!

17/08/2024

CAN YOU FORCE A HORSE TO DO SOMETHING THEY DON’T WANT TO?

There's a common belief among some horse owners that "if a horse didn't want to do something, they wouldn't do it." This idea often arises in response to videos where horses display signs of stress – like rushing, nipping, fidgeting, or showing the whites of their eyes – for example when they are asked to jump, load, stand still, or hack out alone. However, this notion oversimplifies the reality.

It is actually very easy to make a horse do something they don't want to do. Horses, by nature, are incredibly tolerant and often comply with what we ask of them, even when they are uncomfortable or afraid. This is why it's crucial for us as handlers to recognise both the subtle and obvious signs of stress or fear in our horses. Just because a horse does what we ask doesn’t mean they are comfortable with it or that they aren’t being coerced in some way.

A horse's response to a situation is influenced in part by their past experiences. For instance, a horse that was frightened during their first clipping session might have been restrained with a twitch or pressure halter for fidgeting or trying to escape. The fear of pain can then override their initial fear of the clippers, causing them to freeze and stand still. Sadly, this is a common method of training, where pressure is applied to force the horse to comply, rather than teaching them gradually and rewarding relaxed behaviour.

Forcing a horse to comply doesn't eliminate their fears; it just adds new ones – which could be of the halter, the handler, and even the environment where the clipping occurred. The horse may learn that trying to escape leads to more pain, eventually leading to learned helplessness, where they no longer attempt to avoid stressful situations.

As humans, we understand that adding pain or fear to an already frightening situation doesn’t resolve our fears, so why would it be different for horses? Recognising the early signs of fear, stress, anxiety, or discomfort in your horse is vital. These can include raised head and neck, tail swishing, pawing, shying, whinnying, increased oral behaviours increased oral behaviours (eg. mouthing the leadrope when led), the four Fs (flight, fight, freeze, fidget), tension in facial muscles, change in the shape of the eye, or an inability to concentrate.

If your horse starts to perform an unusual behaviour, pay attention! Does the behaviour stop when you stop a certain action, and resume when you start again? Observing these patterns can provide valuable insight.

We should also consider whether what we ask is right for them or not. Training is a necessity, not a luxury, and we must ensure our horses are confident and prepared for the things we ask them to do, without expecting too much.

If your horse's behaviour changes suddenly, always consult a vet. If no physical issues are found, a certified behaviour consultant can help you address the underlying causes.

25/07/2024

INTERNATIONAL DRESSAGE RIDERS CLUB 'UNIVERSALLY CONDEMN' DUJARDIN'S ACTIONS

Ten board members of the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) have signed a statement saying they "universally condemn" the actions of Charlotte Dujardin. One of the signatories is Dujardin's long-time Team GB colleague Carl Hester.

They stated "The board members are resolute that equine welfare must always be placed uppermost and at all times."

Ingmar de Vos, president of the FEI, said he was "very shocked and disappointed" when he saw the video of Dujardin whipping a horse's legs. However, he still believes equestrian events will be at future Olympic Games.

De Vos said "I'm very confident because we've been doing so much for horse welfare. We will be on the programme in Los Angeles and we will also be in Brisbane."

Well, it will be very interesting to see what happens next. I have popcorn...

A group of leading dressage riders condemn Charlotte Dujardin including her long time Team GB colleague Carl Hester.

24/07/2024

IS THIS THE TIPPING POINT FOR EQUESTRIAN SPORT?

British dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin has been suspended from competition – including the Olympics – pending an investigation by the FEI. A complaint was made to the organisation with video of Dujardin instructing a client and repeatedly whipping their horse’s legs – reportedly 24 times in one minute.

The video has now been made public (see link below). It’s not pretty. It is common practice to use a whip to train a horse to lift their legs in dressage, especially for passage and piaffe, but we would hope not like this or using this level of force.

I am not condoning any of this but I have seen worse. So could we finally be seeing a shift in what is considered acceptable practice?

With the Olympics about to start and increased attention on welfare in equestrian sport this video has clearly been timed for maximum impact. It is interesting to hear the lawyer for the whistleblower stated that their client wanted to change dressage. I imagine with the public attention in the last 24 hours and coverage on all major media outlets that they have likely achieved that aim.

Equestrian organisations are very aware now of the importance of public opinion and the sport's ‘social licence to operate’. The effect of this incident and subsequent investigation will undoubtedly be far-reaching across all disciplines. Is this the beginning of the end of equestrianism at the Olympics?

ETA: There is another film showing more footage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y8_ROb0ZUk

Watch the latest from ITV News - ITV's Good Morning Britain has obtained video of the three-time Olympic champion, which shows her making what she described as "an error of judgement".

22/07/2024

DO YOU HANDLE YOUR HORSE WITH COMPASSION?

How we handle and train our horses is extremely important, not just for our horse's welfare but also for the effect that it has on our relationship and our safety.

Training is essential, it is not a luxury or something to do at the weekend. Horses need to know how to behave around people and be as prepared as they can be for every situation they will encounter in their day to day life.

How we train our horses will understandably have a lasting impact on how they feel about us. If you use force or bully your horse to do what you ask they will associate you with the fear or discomfort they feel at the time. This is when relationships start to break down and problem behaviours begin, and the horse may start to say no. No, they don't want to be caught, no they don't want to be ridden, no they don't want to interact with you. And why should they?

Create a good relationship with your horse by learning to read their body language, recognising when they are stressed and not pushing them too far. Ensure they aren't fearful or incapable of performing what you are asking, provide calm equine company, use positive training methods that reward your horse when he does the right thing, break training down into achievable steps, stay calm and your horse will learn to trust you.

Compassionate handling leads to better welfare and safer horses as well as faster results for horse owners.

Brooke, Action For Working Horses and Donkeys have produced a brilliant evidence-based factsheet with information about why good handling matters. Plus, there are some useful tips for you to handle your horse more compassionately.

You can download a copy here:
https://www.thebrooke.org/sites/default/files/CompassionateEquineHandlingWeb.pdf