The Horse Behaviour toward Grooming

Authors : Yavuzkan Paksoy

Pages : 22-28

Doi:10.30607/kvj.1387472

View : 93 | Download : 90

Publication Date : 2024-03-31

Article Type : Research

Abstract :The domestication and artificial selection of horse for various purposes have led to the emergence of various horse breeds, often associated with specific physical characteristics and behavioural tendencies. Understanding individual differences in horse behaviour, particularly during interactions with humans, is essential for promoting positive experiences and welfare. Mane grooming, a common human-horse interaction, provides valuable information about the horse\'s emotional responses and the preferences. This study was conducted to determine the behaviour of 350 horse seven different horse breeds (101 Thoroughbred horses, 96 Arabian horses, 123 Hanoverian horses, 10 Belgian horses, 6 French horses, 8 Dutch horses, 2 German horses, and 1 Hungarian horse) during mane grooming sessions. The study involved observing the horse from the front and both sides during the mane grooming process and face-to-face interviews with horse owners. The research aims to obtain information about the emotional reactions of the horses by focusing on approach and avoidance behaviours, and it investigates the effects of characteristics such as breed, age, gender and mane direction. Research has revealed that personality differences among seven different horse breeds. Also, it shows that only 10.28 % exhibited aggressive behaviours during the mane grooming. Some differences have been observed among breeds in terms of mane direction. According to the results, it was concluded that breed-specific and individual characteristics should be taken into account in care practices in order to enhance horse welfare and strengthen the human-horse bond.
Keywords : Agresif Davranış, At Yelesi, Tıraş