human judgment in diagnosing problem behavior in horses using

2.2 Common Behavior Problems
Behavior problems in horses can take many forms. Entire books and careers have been
devoted to detailing horse behavior problems and suggested solutions (McDonnell,
2002). Many problems are the result of failure to become accustomed to domesticated life
such as natural fear and escape tendencies. Other problems are the result of failure to
suppress a natural instinct behavior that is incompatible with domestic behavior
requirements. For example, the natural instinct to graze grass or nibble, if the horse has
this natural urge even if it is confined in the stall, it will lead to stall biting or cribbing.
Another example would be the innate behavior to kick, which is undesirable in the
domesticated horse.
In the wild, horses react to predators in one of two ways: by fleeing, or if they feel
trapped, by threatening and kicking. On the ranch or stable, domesticated horses may try
this same maneuver on their human handlers if they don’t want a person near them or
they sense fear, danger, imminent pain or territorial compromise. Some behavioral
problems resulted from failure to learn new, non-natural behaviors that most horses can
learn. Other problems represent learning as an undesirable behavior for the horse, such as
getting into a trailer for transportation. Certain horses have developed certain behavioral
traits based on either their early experiences with the dam or during training. Horses are
most affected by their handling experiences when young, but even aged horses can be
affected by how they are handled.
This is where proper handling and good management is essential in maintaining
good behavior in horses. Horses need to have enough exercise and turn out as well as a
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