human judgment in diagnosing problem behavior in horses using

1) Understand horse behavior and needs
2) Identify and describe the vice or bad habits
3) Determine the cause(s)
4) Make management changes (facilities, exercises, nutrition, conditioning,
grooming)
5) Implement appropriate training practices
6) Consider remedial training practices
7) Consider medical and surgical solutions
Therefore after considering all the steps above, the owner or handler can use this
knowledge and information to make a better judgment in dealing with the horse’s
behavior. As mentioned earlier, the subject of horse behavior is difficult and complex to
explain and judge. This is because all the information, cues, and signals either from the
environment or from the horse are connected with one another and depend on the amount
of importance put into the signals. The owner and handler have to consider or eliminate
other aspects as well that will lead to behavior problems such as physical pain, so that
appropriate treatment can be given immediately.
2.5 An example of a case study
A yearling Thoroughbred is seen constantly circumnavigating its stall. This is causing an
uneven wear pattern on its hooves. However, when the horse is outside it is very happy
and quite content. Does this horse show behavioral problems? Can the horse be stopped
from doing this?
(Excerpt from NetPets: www.netpets.com retrieved July 30, 2004)
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