human judgment in diagnosing problem behavior in horses using

environmental clues, and causes of certain behavioral problems are shown in a table at
the appendix section.
2.4 Treatment and Solutions
Most of the bad habits and vices are preventable, that is with proper management and
training, most of them can be avoided. Examples of treatments of equine behavioral
problems are behavior modification, horse psychology, training, attitude adjustment, and
conditioning or just management changes. For instance, it is usually difficult to identify
and/or eliminate a particular stressful aspect of a domestic environment responsible for a
particular bad habit or behavior problem. Nonetheless, most horse owners and managers
would like to try to reduce or eliminate such behavior.
Changes in management that most likely to result in reducing bad habits and
horse behavior problems by adopting physical or social environmental manipulation or
nutritional changes in the direction of more roughage and less concentrated feeds.
Owners or handlers need to monitor their horse’s eating patterns and watch the horse’s
appearance every day. It is important to observe the horse eating patterns are in relation
to its schedule. A horse that refuses to eat or drink is a cause for concern. This behavior
combined with other unusual behaviors such as difficulty in urinating or eliminating
feces, is a significant cause for concern as well. With careful planning, diligent efforts,
and monitoring, some habits can be permanently changed therefore preventing any illness
concern. Another example of a treatment for deterring or correcting biting and nipping
behavior is by smacking the horse on the lips with as much force with gloved hands. Also
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