The effects of social environment on the behaviour of young horses

E. Søndergaard; J.W. Christensen

The effects of social environment on the behaviour of young horses

In: Horse behaviour and welfare

Authors:

E. Søndergaard

E. Søndergaard Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Research Centre Foulum, 8830 Tjele, Denmark

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J.W. Christensen

J.W. Christensen Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Research Centre Foulum, 8830 Tjele, Denmark

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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 71–77

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.3920/9789086866144_009

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This paper is an overview of the first large study aimed at investigating specific effects of different social environments on the development of young horses. Forty Danish Warmblood colts were used in two replicates of 20 horses from weaning until 2½ years of age. In each replicate, 8 horses were housed singly, and 12 horses were housed in 4 groups of 3 horses during the housing period from September to May. The horses had daily access to paddocks, either singly (singly stabled) or in groups (group stabled). The summer period was spent on pasture in groups. Singly housed horses showed more interest in contacting humans and were more easily approached by humans in their home environment. Singly housed horses interacted more with a trainer during weekly training sessions than group housed horses. The interaction consisted mainly of non-aggressive biting, indicating that singly housed horses were motivated for physical interaction. However, singly housed horses completed fewer stages in the training program and they also bit and kicked more during training sessions than group housed horses. Group housed horses exercised more in their paddocks compared to singly housed horses, and it is therefore very likely that group housed horses develop a better co-ordination of movements than singly housed horses. Likewise, observations on social behaviour during the summer season showed that previously group stabled stallions had a higher frequency of displacements and submissive behaviours but fewer direct aggressive interactions, compared to previously singly housed stallions, implying that group housed stallions had a more refined social language. Although horses are social by nature their social skills still have to be refined and practised. The differences between the treatment groups imply that by housing young horses singly, thus not giving them the opportunity to practice their social skills they may be more prone to injuries when interacting with other horses as adults. The study concludes that group housing is essential for young horses in relation to their social behaviour and also beneficial in relation to their reactions in training situations.

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Horse behaviour and welfare

Series: EAAP Scientific Series, Volume: 122

E-Book ISBN:: 9789086866144

Publisher:: Wageningen Academic

Print Publication Date:: 30 Oct 2007

Subjects
- Life Sciences
  - General
  - Animal & Veterinary

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The effects of social environment on the behaviour of young horses

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Horse behaviour and welfare

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