Ode to Horses

There was a time, before ye olde automobile, when horses were essential to our nation’s prosperity and development. Humans depended on horses far more than they depended on us, but no one was looking out for their welfare. The creation of the ASPCA in 1866 sought to remedy that, and we’ve been advocating for horses ever since.

Today, many Americans have never had the opportunity to interact with a horse—but while these noble animals may be out of sight for some, they are never “out of mind” for us. We are proud of our roots and successes, and regard the horse not only as an extremely intelligent, sensitive animal, but as an American icon.

Whether your home is a 50-acre farm or a 50th-floor apartment, you can help horses! Please visit our main website to see the top ten ways to help horses.

Horse Behavior Q & A: Putting the Brake on "Break"

Hi, Dr. Weiss! I was wondering, is it too late to break in a six-year-old gelding? He is halter-broken and groomed regularly.
—Cassie

Don’t worry, Cassie, it’s not too late to teach your horse how to be ridden. You should have no problems teaching him.

By the way, I would love to use this opportunity to share a little pet peeve of mine: the word “break” when discussing training horses to be ridden…which “breaks” my heart! You see, the term comes from the phrase “breaking [his] spirit,” which is not what we want to do in any way, shape or form. We are simply teaching him or her to accept a rider. By removing the term “break” from our horse vocabulary, we can help decrease the likelihood that someone with little understanding will feel the need to break a horse’s spirit.

Horse Behavior Q & A: Thinking Ahead...

My mare hardly ever wants to go forward with me. When I ask her to move forward (with a nudge, then a kick), she just pins her ears back and goes slower. We have already tried teaching her to go every time I kick, and I also use my crop to really reinforce the message, but this usually results in her kicking and still moving slower. Her saddle is correctly fit, and her bit is not strong at all. When I put her on the lunge line, she bolts and will move very fast. I do hunters (jumping and flat), and really need my horse to move forward! Help!
—Jenn C.


Thank you for the detail, Jenn—it helps in giving an accurate response. I think that you and your horse have developed a pattern of miscommunication that is probably leading to some frustration for both of you, and I am going to suggest something a bit different than what you have been trying.


We have a perfect way to capture animation and forward movement with her, as it sounds like she is moving forward quite well (maybe too well) on the lunge line. Let’s teach her a verbal cue while on the line that you can then transfer for use when on her back. Instead of using force, we want to teach her that the behavior we ask for feels good. Pick a clear verbal cue—maybe “hup” or “up,” or something plain and distinct. As she gets ready to move forward on the line, give her the cue—“Hup!”—and allow her to go forward. After a few strides, softly and calmly “whoa” her, then repeat.


I would stay off of her back for a few days, focusing instead on the ground work, and then give her a day or two off so she is nice and fresh. When you do get on her back, take her to a spot where she is more likely to be animated (maybe a trail or outdoor ring). Take an old lunge whip and break it so that you have the “tickle” end and about three feet of stick. You will NOT be hitting her with it—just tickle her tush (literally the lightest touch, right by her tail) if the cue alone does not move her forward. Be sure to keep your rein loose, your body forward and use your verbal cue. If she moves forward at all, any increase in speed or pace, let her go just a few steps, then “whoa” her softly and give her a long scratch on her mane. Then repeat just once or twice a day. Short sessions, with good rewards, will likely change her behavior. Good luck!

Horse Behavior Q & A: Tune In & Turn Out

My friend has a show jumper who has had trouble in the past with bolting when turned out. The problem was solved with some natural horsemanship, training and patience. Now he no longer does this for his owner. However, he recently has reverted to the old behavior with every handler other than his owner. He's also not allowing anyone but his owner to catch him from turn out. What do you recommend?
—Laurie


Natural horsemanship has become a bit of a catch-all term, Laurie, so I can’t be sure exactly what method was used for this horse. Teaching a horse a behavior we want replicated with more than just one person often requires that the horse is consistently handled, using the same cues with several people so that the behavior “generalizes.” This means that the horse learns that all people respond the same way, so his default behavior becomes the new learned behavior. Right now, the horse has learned that almost all people behave one way, but his owner behaves another—and he responds accordingly.


Regarding catching him at turn out—he will need to learn that coming in means he gets something really good. Every person who goes to get him should always bring a scoop of grain or something desirable. I would start with the owner using this technique (so the horse can quickly learn that what is in the scoop is tasty). After a few scoop/owner interactions, I strongly suggest a two-day “power train,” enlisting the help of three or four different folks. Begin by having each person simply walk out, one by one, halter over their shoulder and grain scoop with a bit of grain in hand. Approach the horse; give the grain, give a tiny pat, and then leave. Soon, the little pat should increase to touching with the lead rope, then placing the halter on before the food is given.

Good luck, and remember that a bit of patience and a good sense of humor will help!

Pet Nutrition Q & A: An Apple A Day...

My Icelandic horses love apples and carrots. Are these treats safe and healthy for them?
―Halina


Yes, Halina, apples and carrots are safe to feed to your horses. However, it’s important to cut the treats into small pieces to avoid any possibility of choking. In addition, I would recommend giving your horses only a small amount each day. Feeding them too many treats may interfere with their normal eating patterns and may cause digestive upset.

Horse Behavior Q & A: Help for a Dirty Habit?

Hi Dr. Weiss, I hope you can help me. Recently I witnessed my horse eating her own poop in her stall. I have not seen her do this in the field. She's a 23-year-old Arab/Welch pony who is fed 1.5 lbs. of senior grain twice a day, and right now, until pasture comes in, she has access to unlimited hay. Now that I've seen this, I wonder how long it's been going on. Early in the morning, she does not have as much waste in her stall as my other pony does in his.

Why is she doing this, is it dangerous, and how can I get her to stop?
—Becky


This behavior has a fancy name—coprophagia. Coprophagia is regularly seen among foals, and while it does occur in adult horses, it is much less common. The behavior can occur because of dietary imbalances or boredom. I would begin by having a vet take a quick look at your horse's current diet to make sure it is complete. You might also discuss with your vet the possibility of running some blood work. Assuming all is normal with her diet and blood work, begin providing your horse with plenty of enrichment options while in her stall, such as lick treats, bobbing for apples in her water bucket or a scratching place. Also, be sure she has plenty of outdoor time turned out in a paddock. The behavior should decrease when she has more opportunity for enrichment.

Equine Behavior Q & A: Help for a Bored Horse

Dr. Weiss, please help me. I’m 15 years old, and I got the horse of my dreams about a year ago. She is around nine years old and 14 hands. I haven't yet ridden her because my parents are scared of horses, and they didn't want me to ride her until an "experienced" person would be available to help me. That never happened, but I still spent lots of time with her, at least in the beginning.

As a result of joining a school sports team, I didn’t see my horse for a few months. When the season ended, I resumed my regular visits—but now she is different. The walks in the field we had together have now turned into her chasing me. The happy grooming sessions we had have been replaced with her biting and kicking me.

What is wrong? She hates me!! I cry every time I visit her, because I feel that she is punishing me for being a bad horse owner. I miss her, and I feel so guilty. How can I heal my relationship with my horse and get her to respect me?
—Laura

Laura, thank you for your question. As you have discovered, horses require lots of time and attention. They are herd animals, and if they are not given the opportunity to bond with other horses, they need the bond with their humans even more. It is possible that part of what you are seeing is a bored and frustrated horse who has learned some inappropriate ways to interact in your absence.

It is also possible that she is having some hormone issues, so I would recommend you have a vet conduct a thorough exam.

You may want to consider arranging a co-guardianship with another horse lover to help assure that she receives the attention and exercise that she likely needs.

Finally, read through some of the other Q&As for some ideas on enrichment activities for your horse. Good luck to both of you!

Equine Behavior Q & A: Introducing a New Horse

What is the best way to introduce a horse to two others who have been together for over 10 years? I’m putting my new small pinto into an adjacent area, so that the two 16.2- and 17-hand thoroughbred horses can see him and share the water tank, etc. But I am so worried that my big horse will hurt the new little guy once they get put together. All three horses in question are geldings.
—Deb

Believe it or not, Deb, size is not always the determining factor in herd structure and hierarchy. If your horses have done well with other horses in the past, they will likely do well with this new pinto.

The procedure you are using is what is often called a “howdy.” The animals have the opportunity to see, hear and even interact a bit while still in between a fence. In most cases, when this is done with horses over a couple of weeks, the herd accepts the newcomer easily when in the same pen. Watch how the three behave with each other around the shared water tank. Do they pin their ears? Spin and threaten to kick? Does the pinto avoid interaction, or does he initiate interaction? You may want to set up some feed buckets close to the tank to observe their behavior when food is present.

The only other thing I would suggest is enlisting some friends to come take all three out on a few trail rides together. Allow them to stand next to each other, bump into one another and so forth. Good luck!

Horse Behavior Q & A: Hobbles for Horses? Paws Down!

How do you feel about the concept of putting hobbles on a horse a couple of hours before feeding to prevent him from getting too excited and pawing up his bucket? I recently was caught up in a debate over this. It would never even occur to me to hobble a horse to “teach” him to not get excited during feeding. I was wondering if this is considered inhumane.

-Claire

I would not recommend using hobbles to prevent a horse from pawing and getting excited around feeding time.

There is a simple and humane solution to eliminate the behavior that will take only about seven feedings and a fair amount of patience. Right now the horse is being rewarded for pawing, as he is fed when he is pawing. Simply wait until he ceases pawing, and use that moment to cue the correct behavior by feeding him. He will learn quickly that the way to “turn on” the food is to stop pawing. Be patient, though. The behavior will get stronger at first, because the horse will be frustrated that the pawing behavior is no longer producing food. He will paw more, and harder—so just take a deep breath, relax and wait. Thanks for the question, Claire.

Horse Behavior Q & A: Don't Stand So Close to Me!

My horse has some "space issues" with other horses. If another horse gets too close, he'll pin his ears and try to bite. He’s fine at a walk, but at a trot he'll try to bite, and at a canter he'll go so far as to lunge out at other horses he passes. It isn’t bad when he's turned out, but he still doesn't like horses coming too close.

When we're out on the trails, he's perfectly fine until he's too close behind another horse or until another horse actually brushes up against him. My riding instructor has told me to just focus on going forward instead of on what might happen. She also has me ride at different distances from horses next to me, slowly moving closer as my horse relaxes. This has worked wonderfully for him, but I was wondering if you could offer any further advice. When he lunges out at horses, he puts every ounce of his strength into it, and I'm afraid he'll really hurt someone if I ever lose control of him.
—Rebekah

Thank you for your question, Rebekah. The behavior your horse exhibits is not that unusual, though I’m sure that knowledge doesn’t make it any easier for you to deal with! Your riding instructor is giving you great advice. I would continue with her suggestions and also try the following:

Begin with your horse in a halter and lead. Have a friend walk another horse about 15 feet perpendicular to your horse. If he responds by pinning his ears, etc., ignore it and continue to have the friend walk back and forth. If he does not pin his ears—and chances are, at that distance he will not—reward him with a tasty treat, and walk him away from the other horse. Repeat this, getting closer and closer slowly over time. Once he gets the game, begin again, this time on his back. Good luck!

Horse Behavior Q & A: When a Mare's Foal Dies...

Dr. Weiss, I have a mare who recently had her foal put down. My aunt says she has forgotten, but she keeps staring at a horse next door who looks like the foal. Has she forgotten her baby, or does she think this horse IS her baby?
—Cheyenne

First, I am sorry for your loss, Cheyenne. You ask an excellent question—but one that, unfortunately, we just don’t yet have the science to answer. Certainly, your horse has emotions, and she is likely to behave differently when she loses a foal, but we cannot say what it is that she might be thinking.

The best thing to do at this point is to help her move back into her normal daily routine as quickly as possible, and provide her with enrichment (such as a barrel with some treats inside, bobbing for apples in her water trough, etc.) to help reduce stress. Good luck!

Horse Behavior Q & A: You Gotta Have Friends...

What can I do to reduce the anxiety that my horse gets when she is taken away from her pasture pals?—Melinda

First, let me briefly explore why your horse might be anxious—understanding the “why” can often help with the “how.” Horses are herd animals. In their natural environment, being with a herd increases the likelihood that any one animal will remain safe and unharmed. A horse’s drive to be with the herd is learned early, and is often quite strong.

To decrease the anxiety, we need to teach your horse two things: that nothing bad happens when she leaves the herd, and that special things happen when she is alone. I suggest taking her for very short walks away from her friends. When she is out of visual range from them, feed her part of her breakfast or dinner. Then return her to the herd. If she likes a particular toy or treat, be sure to give her those items only when she is alone, at least for a few weeks. Also, take care to reassure her when she’s away from the herd—a good long scratch along the crest of her neck is a great bonding tool. This is a behavior that horses often do to each other, and can decrease arousal and help her focus. Good luck, Melinda!


Also new this week:
What’s wrong with a horse if he lies on his side? From what I hear, this is not healthy.

Horse Behavior Q & A: Crossed Wires in the Cross Ties

My horse seems very impatient in the cross ties. She holds her ears back and acts very annoyed, even if she's only in the ties for five minutes! Do you know why she does this, and is there anything I can do?
―Ellie

There could be several reasons for this behavior, Ellie. For example, if the cross ties are in the barn aisleway, she may be pinning her ears at the horses in stalls near her. However, if she is placed on cross ties for reasons that she perceives as unpleasant, such as a visit to the vet, she may associate them with things that do not feel good.
I suggest randomly putting her on the cross ties, feeding her some grain and then taking her off. Do this often, slowly increasing the length of time―and be sure not to place her on cross ties for unpleasant activities.

Equine Behavior Q & A: Just for Kicks

A few weeks ago, I took in a neglected and underfed horse. For the first few weeks she was really easygoing. Now that she’s getting her energy back, it seems that she’s starting to try to dominate me. At certain times—usually when I first turn her out—she lays her ears back, turns her behind to me and kicks at me. Also, when I pet her or brush her near her back, she swishes her tail and threatens to kick. She has severe club foot on her back right foot and will have to have surgery soon. I'm concerned, because after the surgery I will have to change the bandages on her back leg every day and I don't want to get kicked. I suspect that this behavioral change might be a sign of insecurity. Have you got any ideas or suggestions?
―Kari

First of all, thank you, Kari, for opening your heart to a horse in need. It does sound like a significant change in behavior. I have to wonder if she is in season. Some horses show significant behavior changes as they come into season. Read the rest of the answer...

Equine Behavior Q & A: Cold Weather Tips

Would you please describe how the cold winter weather affects horses? Although the horses do not appear to be in distress, I often worry when I drive by farms and see them outside on those days and nights when temperatures drop below zero. I am told that horses adapt to their environments, and usually prefer to be outside rather than in an enclosed space such as a barn. Is this true?
—Laura

Horses do have great ability to adapt to cold weather, Laura. Breeds that originate from cold climates adapt much better than others, but all horses develop a thick coat and a good layer of fat. I am always amazed to see my horses transform from sleek, thin-coated beauties to puffy, round creatures in the cold of a Kansas winter!

However, it is important that horses have access to shelter.

Read the rest of the answer...

Equine Behavior Q & A: Horses Behaving Badly...

My 23-year-old horse was trained for dressage in his younger days, and we were the best of friends. But lately, his odd behavior is concerning me. The last few times I picked up his hind feet, he kicked me—and last week when I approached him, he wouldn't even stand still! What should I do? He has a little arthritis in his hind foot, but it seems strange to me that he won't stand still anymore.
—Ashley

Thank you for your question, Ashley. I am a bit concerned that your horse may not be feeling well. When we see drastic changes in behavior that cannot be attributed to a particular event (such as something very painful or scary occurring), medical causes are often the culprit. You mentioned that he has a little arthritis in his hind foot. It is possible that this condition has become more painful for him, or that he has developed other physical issues. I strongly suggest a thorough vet exam.

Read the rest of the answer...

Equine Behavior Q & A: My Horse Is a Scaredy Cat!

My horse is normally very calm, but whenever we take him out of his stall and into a nearby pasture he gets incredibly scared—and we can't control him! However, when we ride him in a closed arena, he is completely calm and very easy to control. What can I do to help him overcome his fear of wide open spaces?
—Simone

I assume that the behavior is occurring when he is being turned out in an outside pasture. I would suggest that he be pastured with a calm and seasoned horse. Horses are herd animals, and take cues from each other regarding safety and potential danger. Partnering your horse up with a more relaxed friend will likely help reduce his anxiety.

More questions on horse behavior:

- My horse is really sweet, but when I try to get him to canter, he crow-hops. I've fallen off him tons of times. How do I get him to stop?

Equine Behavior Q & A: What's With the Stomping?

Why does my horse stomp one foot while she eats?
—Amanda

Foot-stomping is often a sign of frustration or anticipation, Amanda. You will often see this behavior around feeding time. I capture the behavior and teach my horses how to stomp on “cue.” I can astound friends and neighbors as I ask my horse to add, subtract, or answer yes-or-no questions with foot stomps!

More questions on horse behavior:

- I ride my mare 5-6 days per week. She lives in a paddock adjacent to two other horses, and they touch and groom each other over the fence. However, she is never turned out in a pasture with other horses because of the rules of her stable. Is this enough social contact for her?

Equine Behavior Q & A: Help for Undersocialized Horse

I have a dressage horse who shows signs of being hit and whipped; she gets scared if you move quickly or if you move your hand toward her head. When other people come near her, she runs or hides behind me. She is becoming more comfortable with me the more I’m with her, but I’m afraid to ride her. I have a professional trainer riding her now, but she tolerates this only for a short period before she gets grouchy and begins stopping and rearing.

Because she and I are forming a connection, is it possible that she might be a different horse with me on her back? And do you think this is a case of past abuse, or is she just shy?
—Amy

Thank you for your question, Amy. I do not think we have enough evidence to conclude that your horse was abused. An undersocialized horse is quite likely to behave as you describe. Horses, being prey animals, will respond in a fearful manner to anything they perceive as a potential predator. In an evolutionary sense, a horse is likely to live longer if he is fearful of new things and animals, as all could be potential predators.

It will be your job to teach her that humans are not predators, and that things that move quickly can feel good. A positive reinforcement-based training program will help her immensely. I suggest first teaching her to touch a target stick for a food reward. I have used targets to teach horses, tortoises, Komodo dragons, and even lions to become more comfortable around people.

Read the rest of the answer...

Equine Behavior Q & A: Older Horse, New Tricks

I have a 35-year-old horse. I am trying to get him into better condition, but don't know how hard I can push him. He is willing to canter, and sometimes gallop, on his own, so he still has some spunk. What can I do in order to get him fit without overworking him?
—Sarah

Thank you for your thoughtful question, Sarah. Your first step should be to have a thorough vet exam to get the go-ahead to condition your horse. At this point in his life, I am assuming you would like him to be fit for health reasons as opposed to for competition. If that is the case, I suggest making the choice his by using positive reinforcement training and enrichment. How about teaching him to touch targets for a food reward? Teaching him to place his nose on a stable target (such as a traffic cone) can be a fun way for him to keep his body moving. If you use two traffic cones, you can teach him to touch one, then trot to the second and touch it to earn his treat.

Read the rest of the answer...

Horse Behavior Q & A: Equine Years Vs. People Years

My horse is 10 years old. How old is that in people years?
—Gracie

What a fun question! Most experts would say that one human year is equivalent to 2-3 horse years, as the life span of a horse is generally between 30-40 years. So if your horse is 10 years old, she is 20 to 30 in “human years.”

More questions on horse behavior:

- How long does a horse pregnancy last?

- Why do horses get put to sleep if they break a leg?

Horse Behavior Q & A: Breeds, Indeed

How can you tell what breed a horse is?
—Jennifer

Great question, Jennifer! There are well over 100 recognized breeds of horses! Being able to distinguish individual breeds can often be a difficult task, though. For example, when a standardbred horse is standing still, you might think that he’s a thoroughbred—but as soon as you see him move in that classic gait, he is easy to identify.

As a general rule, we can look at four horse “types:”

- The cold-blooded horses are heavy boned and less reactive, such as the Clydesdale and Shire.
- Horses who are more finely boned and easily aroused and excited are called hot bloods. Arabians and thoroughbreds fit here.
- In the middle of these two extremes are the more medium-boned and even-spirited horses, known as warm bloods. These horses have an ancestry of “mixed blood,” as they were created from the mixture of cold- and hot-blooded breeds. Trakehner and Hanoverians are good examples of this type.
- A pony is defined by size. If a horse is under 14.2 hands, he or she is a pony.

More questions on horse behavior:

- Will giving my horse treats cause him to become mouthy and bite me?

Help Reinstate Protection for Wild Horses and Burros!

Last year, the Burns Amendment to the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act opened the door to the slaughter of thousands of wild horses. This amendment was inserted in a must-pass appropriations bill, and forced the Bureau of Land Management to allow individuals and corporations to buy these animals and resell them for slaughter. Selling and transferring wild horses and burros for processing into commercial products was illegal for 33 years before passage of the Burns Amendment—but now, these historically significant creatures may be slaughtered so their meat can be offered on foreign menus.

Please send a letter urging your representative to stop the needless slaughter of wild horses and burros by supporting and cosponsoring H.R. 249.

Send a letter to your representatives today.

Urge Your Legislators to Support the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act!

Send a letter to your senators and representative now and urge them to support the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act!
Last year, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. Unfortunately, Congress recessed for the year before the Senate had a chance to vote on the measure. As a result, the bill died and had to be reintroduced in both houses of Congress this year. The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA), H.R. 503/S. 311, has now been reintroduced by the 110th Congress! The bill would prohibit the transport, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of any horse to be slaughtered for human consumption.

Learn more about this bill and send a letter to your senators and representatives.

Horse Behavior Q & A: Pony With a Bad Attitude

My old pony recently started giving me a really bad attitude, like threatening to bite and pinning her ears back. She doesn’t show any signs of being sick. What did I do?
—Amber

What a great question! The first step is to get a thorough checkup from a qualified veterinarian. As you correctly implied, abrupt behavioral changes are often related to physical issues. Pinning ears, evading physical contact and similar behaviors can be signs of pain, often in a pony’s back or legs.

Our expert answers more questions:

- Does it hurt horses to have people ride them?

Time Is Running Out for 100 PMU Foals!

Winter has come early in Alberta—and that’s bad news for the mares and foals living on PMU ranches there. No longer needed for the production of hormone replacement therapy drugs, these equines need a place to go, and fast.

Because there is not enough grass to leave the animals on pasture, several of the PMU ranchers have decided to wean their foals at the end of the month. Any foals who have not been adopted by November 30, 2006, will be sent to auction—and an uncertain fate.

The California-based Animali Farm is working hard to find good adoptive homes for the more than 100 foals and mares facing the November 30 deadline. If you can give one of these equines a second chance, or if you would like additional information, please visit Animali Farm online or email animali@aol.com. You can also call them directly at (805) 938-0174.

ASPCA Hails Passage Of Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

The ASPCA today hailed the passage of H. R. 503, the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, as a significant move towards permanently banning the slaughter of horses in the United States for human consumption abroad. The U. S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bill by a vote of 263 to 146.

“Americans have long had a love affair with horses, both domesticated and wild,” said ASPCA President Ed Sayres. “The recent public and media interest in the recovery of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is a clear indication of the fascination, awe, and empathy we feel for these magnificent animals. The history of our nation is indelibly linked to these great creatures and, with the passage of this bill, we are one step closer to treating horses as we should—as valued members of our humane community.”

Read the rest of the Press Release...

Learn about Wild Horses

Horses first originated on the North American continent more than 55 million years ago. Over millions of years, they roamed the grasslands, slowly extending their range to most continents on earth. Around 8,000 B.C. they disappeared from the North American continent completely, succumbing to climate change and human predators. The horse was reintroduced to North America via Spanish explorers who came to the New World in the 16th century.

Modern American wild horses—also called mustangs—are descendants of these Spanish forbearers as well as horses who wandered from wagon trains, farms and ranches. Roaming free over the public ranges of the western United States, they were respected by ranchers for their strength and speed, and were an integral part of the building blocks of America. However, the 1920s saw tractors begin to replace horses on American farms, and since they were no longer a necessary resource, wild horses began to be considered a nuisance.

Learn more about wild horses...