07/11/2024
Before training any horse, it can be very useful to gather a training history, informally or formally.
It might take the form of a simple question and answer or a written document.
This may reveal that one or some of the horse's hard-wired needs are not being fulfilled.
Isolated, confined or under/over fed horses are likely to be compromised in their ability to engage in training.
Another often unconsidered or 'unseen' factor may be that the routinely isolated horses will not be properly rested as they are lacking companions to stand sentry while they sleep, and the security that group housing provides.
Recent research into sleep in horses shows that they will have less REM sleep if they cannot see other horses. Further evidence shows that REM sleep is important for learning and laying down long term memories.
Therefore, it is an advantage to trainers to provide optimal sleep conditions for horses, including social housing.
This is a sneak preview from MODERN HORSE TRAINING, Equitation Science - In Practice, Volume 2, Training In-Hand and Under-Saddle, by Andrew N McLean which will be available at Equitana later this month.
