For a horse, the repeated pattern of natural leg movement, or stride, defines the gait while the horse’s body structure, or conformation, determines the efficiency of the gait. This article looks at the particulars of the stride and conformation and how horses move at each gait.
A new academic journal with a focus on horse-related history has been launched. Cheiron: The International Journal of Equine and Equestrian History will be published twice a year, in February and September. The journal is open-access, meaning anyone with an interest can read it online.
A popular misconception is that you need to be an experienced equestrian to work with horses. While it is true that equestrianism is the main discipline related to horses, it is also true that you do not need to be extremely experienced around horses in order to get a job in this field.
Researchers developed a prototype “smart saddle” that could help equestrians improve their biomechanics. Moreover, the self-powered saddle can alert others when a rider takes a fall.
Horses tend to look at scary or surprising things with one eye—but the eye they choose depends on the individual horse. Previous study results have suggested horses investigate new and scary objects mainly with the left eye and, hence, the right brain. New research by Italian behaviorists, however, revealed an “unexpected” finding.
A recently published report from the Advancing Equine Scientific Excellence project lays the foundation for effective assessment of an equine’s quality of life and should positively influence future horse welfare.
No one disputes the athleticism required in equestrian events, but few people comprehend the mutual cross-species interaction that is required to accomplish them. Analysis of brain-to-brain communication between horses and humans elicits several new ideas worthy of scientific notice.
Does your horse eagerly whinny when you call to him, or is he silently holding a grudge from last week’s reprimand? A recent study from France shows that horses respond to voice and the complex array of emotions sparked are linked to his past experiences.
A core group of equine advocates has formed an Equine Well-Being Task Force to educate researchers and others about what it takes to have horses in maximum physical, emotional, and mental health. In creating the new guidelines, the Horses and Humans Research Foundation reviewed numerous national and international Equine Welfare Guidelines, and noted that there…
It is now fairly widespread knowledge that horses are healthier (physically and mentally) when kept outdoors, so why are most still living in stables? Stabling horses is a human thing more than a horse thing; horses are obliging souls and will usually accept and adapt to less-than-ideal living situations, even if it negatively affects their…