Horse Hay Analysis: Dry Matter vs. As-Fed
Typically, hay testing labs report analysis results on an as-sampled, as-received, or as-fed, as well as a dry matter basis. Here’s what that means for how you feed your horse.
How Trainers Keep Their Horses in Peak Physical Condition
Here’s a fascinating account of an average day in the life of a racehorse; accompanied by the types of exercise and conditioning they endure to get them ready. The article includes a description of the diet that gives them the capacity to thrive while training and racing.
Can a Horse Recognize Himself in a Mirror?
When a horse peers at his reflection in the arena mirror, does he know he’s looking at himself? Researchers in Italy are working to answer that question, but the nature of horses themselves is complicating the effort.
Talking to Horses as We Talk to Young Children
Many people instinctively use baby-talk when talking to their pets, often characterized by a high-pitched voice and exaggerated intonations. The same is true for many riders with their horses. But are horses sensitive to this type of speech?
Fighting Horse Boredom With Special Housing
In recent years scientists have pondered and investigated domestic horses’ physical and mental welfare. New research highlighting the benefits of accommodating horses’ genetically ingrained needs is booming. Some equestrians are leaving behind traditional single-horse stabling in favour of more natural options such as group housing and track paddocks.
Experienced Horses Are a Steadying Force in Paddocks
Researchers in Denmark devised two experiments to investigate what it means to young horses to be exposed to a frightening situation when one of them is already familiar with the scenario.
Why Mindset Matters for Equestrians
A study commissioned by the FEI in 2017 found that having a growth mindset is one of 14 essential ingredients that make up horsemanship competence.
Horses Are More Relaxed Around Familiar Humans
Italian researchers found that horses enter a positive emotional state when they see and interact with a familiar human who’s developed a good relationship with them.
Reading Subtle Signs Crucial to Horse-Human Relationships
Subtle behavioural signals from horses can provide handlers with important insights into how horses prefer humans to interact with them, according to the authors of a just-published paper.
Characteristics of Rein Tension Signal for Backing
Horses are considerably more sensitive to rein signals delivered through a bit than a conventional fabric halter, researchers have found, but there was also clear evidence of their dislike for the mouthpiece.