Equine Behaviour

Daniel Mills BVSc, MRCVS is a Veterinary Surgeon and Senior Lecturer in Behavioural Studies at De Montfort University, Lincoln, from where he also runs a referral behaviour clinic, and Kathryn Nankervis BSC (Hons), MSc is a Lecturer in Equine Physiology at De Montfort University, Lincoln. She is also the founder of the Equi-Tutor Learning Programme.

• Preface viiAcknowledgements viiiPart One: Understanding Behaviour Concepts 11 Approaches to the Study of Behaviour 3What is behavior 3Ethology versus psychology 6A brief guide to conducting a behaviour study 9Conclusion 15Topics for discussion 16References and further reading 162 Origins of Behaviour 18An evolutionary approach to understanding behavior 18Lamarck versus Darwin 19Genes not individuals 22Evolutionary throwbacks and genetic jumps 26Adaptation and apparent stupidity in domestic horses 27Evolution and the variety of behavior 29Conclusion 31Topics for discussion 31References and further reading 323 The Evolutionary History of the Horse 33Introduction 33Early evolution of the horse 38The arrival of Equus 43The origins of the modern breeds 45Domestication and its consequences 47Topics for discussion 52References and further reading 524 The Lifetime Development of Behaviour 53Instinctive and learned behaviour, what is the difference? 53Sensitive phases for specia1 times specific associations 56Using play for better management 58Using natural biases in development to improve management 60Conclusion 65Topics for discussion 65References and further reading 66Part Two: Mechanisms of Behaviour 675 The Processing, of Information 69Introduction 69The nervous system 69Neural transmission 72Central processing 80Behavioural motivation 84Autonomic and somatic nervous system 88Topics·for discussion 89References and further reading 906 The Special Senses 91Sight 91Hearing 99Chemoreception 102Cutaneous sensation 107Topics for discussion 108References and further reading 1087 Communication and Social Organisation 110Communication 110Social organisation 125The composition of the group 129The social structure of the group 129The dynamics of the group 133How horses defend their resources 134Conclusion 136Topics for discussion 137References and further reading 1378 Sexual and Reproductive Behaviour of Horses 139Basic genetic foundation of the individual’s sexuality 139Normal mare specific behavior 140Normal sexual specific behaviour l49Modifiers of the genetic blueprint 153Conclusion 160Topics for discussion 160References and further reading l60Part Three: The flexibility of Behaviour and its Management 1639 Learning and Training 165Psychological processes 165A few basic procedures 167App1ying reinforcement to train new behaviours 176Punishment and its problems 180General guidelines to training new behaviours 182Learning beyond a change in behaviour 183Training techniques for problem behaviours 186Conclusion 193Topics for discussion 164References and further reading 19410 Welfare 196Understanding welfare 196What is right is not always the same as what is good 196Measuring welfare 197ls the domestic horse a fish out of water? 205Stereotypies 210Principles of treatment for stereotypies and other behaviour problems 220Conclusion 224Topics for discussion 224References and further reading 225Appendix 226Index 227