03/25/2024
A study titled "Neigh-bours: Why every young horse needs good friends. A pilot study during the breaking-in period" by Anna Flamand and co-authors explored the significant impact of social contacts on the behavior and welfare of young horses during their initial training or breaking-in period.
This research discusses the natural social tendencies of horses and the potential negative effects of isolating them during such a crucial developmental stage.
Horses being inherently social animals, thrive in established groups in the wild. However, the conventional practice of housing young horses in individual stalls during their breaking-in period can lead to social isolation, which combined with the stress of training, can result in behavioral disorders and defensive behaviors towards humans.
The study examined 12 young horses housed individually for a month, with half being allowed to interact socially for two hours daily in a "social box," and the other half not. The behaviors of these horses were then observed during training sessions and while in their individual stalls.
Key findings include:
Reduced Stress in Socially Connected Horses: Horses with social contacts exhibited fewer stress-related behaviors during training sessions and expressed fewer abnormal behaviors in their stalls compared to isolated horses.
Improved Welfare: The presence of social interactions had a positive impact on the welfare of young stabled horses, suggesting that maintaining social contacts can enhance the training experience and overall well-being of horses.
Behavioral Differences: Despite the overall benefits of social contacts, horses in socially adjusted conditions still reacted to the discomfort of training, indicating that social interactions do not eliminate the stress of training but instead do mitigate some of the negative effects.
The findings advocate for a reevaluation of traditional stabling practices, suggesting that incorporating social interactions can align more closely with the natural behaviors and needs of horses, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both the animals and their handlers.
The research also challenges conventional practices of isolating young horses during training and highlights the potential benefits of incorporating social contacts into their daily routine.
This approach not only aligns with the natural social tendencies of horses but also promotes a more humane and effective training process.
Study details: Flamand, A., Zellenka, C., Mos, J., Starczan, A., P***k, A., & Petit, O. (2024). Neigh-bours: Why every young horse needs good friends. A pilot study during the breaking-in period. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 106190.
